Preventing Bed Bugs All Year

The Centers for Disease Control announced recently that there are more than 200,000 cases of bed bugs annually in the United States. Have you experienced the itchy, red rash that is common with bed bug bites? If not, consider yourself lucky.Bed bugs can be found in warm, semi-dark areas, but most commonly in mattresses and bedding. There have been recent news stories documenting cases of bed bugs across our nation in places like hospitals, nursing homes, schools, dorm rooms, hotels, airports, and public transportation. In other words, these pests could be anywhere you sit or sleep. That's why it is important to take some steps to prevent your home from being the next place bed bugs are found.

Be Vigilant

One of the most important things that people can do to avoid having a bed bug become a part of their home is to be vigilant while out and about. For most of us that may mean taking some precautions each time we sit down somewhere such as on a bus, in a friend's car, at a doctor's waiting room, or any of the other areas mentioned above. It is a smart idea to do a quick inspection of seats, beds, and furniture where you are to be certain there are not active bed bugs that could attach themselves to your bags and/or clothing.If you do notice bugs inform the management, wherever you are, and do not go near the area. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers who could attach themselves to you and travel back to your home where they will infest your furnishings and beds.

Be Proactive in Your Home

Aside from being vigilant as you go about your daily business, it is a smart idea to be proactive at home to prevent bed bugs from using your furnishings as a home. Many homeowners find that using a protective plastic cover that encases mattresses and box springs can eliminate many hiding spots.In addition, keep clutter to a minimum as bed bugs need a safe place to hide. Clear your rooms of piles of clothes, boxes, or other messes that could serve as a haven. It may also help to vacuum frequently to remove any successful hitchhikers who have made it into your home.We also advise that if you use shared laundry facilities to transport items to be washed in plastic bags. Remove clothes from the dryer and put them directly into a plastic bag to fold at home. A dryer on high heat can kill bed bugs.If you live in an apartment or condo complex try to isolate your unit by installing door sweeps and sealing cracks and crevices around baseboards or light sockets. This will discourage movement through wall voids and keep bed bugs at bay.Are you trying to prevent a bed bug infestation? Call our specialists at 800.287.4321 or via our website contact page.