Bed bugs are considered a big problem among households in the country. Since these pesky critters need a humid environment to survive, it’s no surprise why they thrive in a home. Although they are elusive creatures that love to hide in crevices and narrow cracks, preventive measures can be taken to keep them from damaging your home. Follow the tips we presented below to prevent a possible bed bug infestation:
1. Be sure to cover all power outlets.
Believe it or not, bed bugs hide in outlets to avoid being seen. They stay there until they feel it is safe to transfer to another place. To keep them from staying in your power outlet, cover it when not used.
2. Put your clothes in an airtight bag.
This tip is very important if you are traveling because bed bugs are often transferred from inns and hotels. Prior to your trip, buy an airtight bag and organize your clothes in them. It should make your things less exposed to those annoying pests.
3. Seek help from professionals.
If you feel there is a bed bug infestation in your home, do not fret. You are not alone. There are people who are willing to help you handle and get rid of these pests. Bed bug exterminators will effectively and safely get rid of bed bugs from your property using the right methods, products, and equipment essential for removing bed bugs.
4. Be able to identify early signs of pesky bed bugs.
To protect your property from bed bug infestation, you have to educate yourself to be able to identify signs of bed bugs and their bites. A bed bug’s bite is often characterized by tiny red markings that show in rows. Once you identify a bed bug bite, be sure to seek medical assistance right away.
5. Clean the floor.
Bed bugs do not only live and survive in beds. They also hide under the carpet, so it is important that you vacuum and wash your carpets frequently to ensure bed bugs are eliminated.
6. Check the bed of your pets.
If you have pets at home, you might want to check their beds. Like our beds, bed bugs could also be hiding in your pet’s bed. Wash it regularly and make sure to apply heat to kill the bed bugs and the eggs they laid.
7. Make cleaning a habit.
The messier your place is, the more challenging it is to find an infestation. So, do everything to clean your place. Start by organizing the clutter in the walls because these places are attractive spots for the pesky bed bugs.
8. Use a mattress cover.
Although mattress covers protect a mattress from a possible infestation, it does not really combat an infestation. What this means is that once an infestation is there, a mattress cover would render useless.
9. Take advantage of bed bug monitoring devices.
These days, there are tools and devices designed to keep bed bugs from climbing up to the bed. These devices are often placed in a bed post. If you plan to use one, be sure to clean it regularly.
10. Check furniture pieces for any bed bug signs.
Your furniture pieces are also vulnerable to bed bug infestations. Hence, protect them by inspecting them regularly for any signs of bed bugs.
11. Inspect all your things.
Even if you think a certain object or thing looks clean and safe from bed bugs, you still need to do basic checks. Take a closer look at the vents of the electronic devices you are using because bed bugs can effortlessly hide there.
12. Do not use moving blankets.
When planning to relocate or move to another place, you’ll probably need the help of a moving company. Though most of them provide a moving blanket to cover your valuable possessions, it’s still a better idea to use your own. These blankets might not be washed and cleaned regularly and may possibly have bed bugs.
13. Seal any possible entry point.
Bed bugs can enter your home in various ways. Some can be picked up in public places, while others travel on luggage or clothing. However, their most common access points to a home are the tiny cracks and crevices on your wall. If you see even a tiny crack in your wall, seal it right away.
14. Be wary of bed bugs in shared places.
Yes, bed bugs may be present in shared places like the buses, dressing rooms, malls, and in the cushioned chairs of restaurants. To avoid bringing home these annoying critters, do not use the cushioned chairs provided in these places.
15. Replace your mattress once every 3 years.
The life span of a mattress may last up to a decade, so replacing a mattress once every 3 years might not be your best option. However, if you care for your family, it might be a wise decision to get rid of the problem by eliminating the source. Once bed bugs have gotten into your bed, it will be very difficult to tell how many they are and where they exactly are.
16. Use essential oils.
There are many essential oil options you can use to get rid of bed bugs, but you only need to choose one. Add 6 to 10 drops of your chosen essential oil to ¼ cup of water. Put the solution in a spray bottle. Spray the water all over your house, particularly in your bed, luggage, the cracks and holes, as well as your bed.
17. Inspect second-hand furniture pieces.
Second-hand items are at risk for bed bug infestation. That means purchasing a new item is always the safest option. If you still choose to buy a second-hand item, inspect it carefully. Do not buy an item if you see any red spots and reddish-brown bugs.
18. Use plastic bags when using a shared laundry facility.
A shared laundry facility is one of the common places where bed bugs are transmitted. When going to a shared laundry facility, avoid using an open clothes container or basket. Use a reusable plastic bag instead. By doing that, bed bugs won’t crawl into your clothes.
19. Be able to identify bed bugs.
Bed bugs are often ¼ inch long and stay in warm, hidden areas. Take note that not all small, brown bugs are bed bugs. Prior to seeking help, be sure you know what bug you are fighting with.
20. Act quick.
If you feel that bed bugs have made their way to your home, you have to do something right away. Either you call pest control companies and let them take care of your bed bug problem or perform do-it-yourself solutions to somehow prevent the problem from getting worse. Remember that your family’s health is at risk here. Act as soon as you can.
The Bottom Line
To protect your home from bed bugs, you need to understand and know how to spot the problem. It is by then when you are able to come up with an action plan to eliminate them. Be mindful though, eradicating bed bugs can be very time-consuming and expensive. But if you follow the steps above, you can keep these irritating bed bugs at bay.
