Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite! Tips for Preventing Bed Bug Infestations
The dreaded bed bug: a blood-sucking insect that many fear due to their ability to quickly invade a home and cause lasting infestations in addition to health problems. Like cockroaches and fleas, bed bugs have rightfully earned their place as one of the worst household pests, and many of us know someone who has dealt with a bed bug infestation or has experienced one ourselves. Eliminating bed bugs can be a costly and emotionally draining experience that requires the disposal of entire furniture and calling in the experts, but did you know that you can prevent them altogether? Here are some tips for keeping bed bugs out of your home.
Avoid Bringing in Furniture Off the Street
One of the most important tips for preventing bed bugs is to not bring in furniture off the street. While it may be tempting to return home with that beautiful sofa you found on the side of the road, there's no guarantee that it isn't swarming with bed bugs - as many individuals will dispose of furniture that has been infested by leaving it out for trash pickup. This is unfortunately true for secondhand furniture as well; many thrift stores will not be aware of bed bug infestations if the furniture is brought to them, and some individuals may even sell bed bug-infested items on online marketplaces with or without knowledge of what lies within.
Wash Clothes and Possessions After Going on Trips
Bed bugs can travel by clinging to your possessions, and one of the most common ways people bring bed bugs into their home is by the nasty insects hitching a ride in their luggage. Due to the frequency of guests staying in hotels or vacation rentals, bed bug infestations are quite common, and it only takes one unlucky trip to pick up hitchhikers. Prevent bed bugs from infesting your home by washing any clothing you bring with you and by leaving it in a separate room until it's clean and free of the potential of bed bugs.
Remove Clutter From Your Room
Removing clutter from your room is a great way to prevent infestations of any kind. Insects love to hide in objects strewn about the floor, such as clothing, boxes or other items, so keeping your room clean will prevent bugs from making a home in your home. Bed bugs can make a home in clothing piles on the ground and make their way to your bed, so by eliminating places for them to reproduce, you can proactively prevent bed bugs from infiltrating your home.
Inspect Your Possessions Regularly
Catching a bed bug infestation early is important, as they can easily spread from one piece of furniture to another and can make their way to other houses in the process. Verify that bed bugs have not entered your home by analyzing furniture for the small, round insects. You can also identify their droppings, which are black spots generally collected on the fabric of your furniture. If you find any potential signs of bed bugs, it's best to call in the experts.
Familiarize Yourself and Call the Experts
If you've found bed bugs in your home, eliminate them quickly. Be familiar with what bed bugs look like and their warning signs, and call in pest control for a thorough job that will save you time, money and relief in the long run. MosquitoNix® specializes in the removal of many pests - including bed bugs - and we'll help you achieve a pest-free home.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
