How to Avoid Bed Bug Infestations 101

Bed bugs are one of the most prevalent pests homeowners have been attempting to get rid of for many years. They can transfer from an infested site to a new residence using furniture, bedding, luggage, cartons, and clothing, making them excellent hitchhikers. Bed bugs are incredibly hardy; they can go for months or even years without feeding. Take these simple steps to prevent these nasty pests from entering your home. 

Seal all entry points.

The best way to avoid the headache of infestation problems is not to let these pests get into your home. Block all possible ways they could enter, replace broken window screens, and seal door cracks. Remember that prevention is always better than treatment. It is much easier and is the safest thing you can provide for your family’s health. Always be observant and take action as soon as you see early signs of bed bug infestation; doing that will save you from spending a lot for the possible damages these nasty bed bugs might bring.

Make Cleaning a Habit

Vacuum your entire home every week, and get under the bed and the box spring. You may also use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to help get rid of all the bugs in your house and other allergens like dust mites and pollen spores that could be in the air. After eating, sweep up any crumbs to ensure no residues that could attract bed bugs or other dangerous insects when ready to come out of hiding at night. When you finish using a table, clean it with soap or disinfectant or wipe it off with rubbing alcohol.

Dispose of all clutter.

If you have a bed bug infestation, the simplest method to get rid of them is to dry up and thoroughly clean all spaces to eliminate any possible bed bugs and their hiding places. Avoid storing unnecessary things and let go of those that are not helpful anymore. Do not give these pests a space to occupy. They are not your housemate. While cleaning, you should also check on possible early signs of infestation, like dark spots underneath your sheets, shed skins and eggs, or bloodstains. If you see these signs in your space, do not think twice and immediately call a professional to eliminate these nasty pests. Contact the nearest company expert in removing bed bugs in Shrewsbury, PA, and let them handle your concern.

Change your sheets regularly.

Washing your bedding frequently, especially if you have children, is the most excellent way to keep bed bugs out of your house. Bed bugs can be detected even in a mattress or box spring's seams. To avoid being mixed up with goods that could trigger an allergic reaction, wash them separately from other items in the washing machine (like wool). Make sure your bedding is completely dry before putting it away for storage if you decide not to wash it at all.

Invest in a Mattress Protective Cover

If you haven't already, it's time to use a mattress cover as protection. This will aid in keeping bed bugs away from what they view as their primary food source: people lying on top of them. If you don't already have one, you have various options. For example, covers are available in multiple sizes and materials to fit any bed frame or box spring that might be utilized in the house (i.e., traditional metal frames vs. futons). If you can, consider getting an interceptor to catch insects before they enter the mattress and spread to other areas of your home.

Use the Dryer in the Highest heat possible.

Especially when you come home from a long trip, always dry your laundry at its maximum heat to ensure it is free from bugs. All bed bug life stages and eggs can be eliminated in less than an hour with a loosely stuffed dryer on the highest setting. It may take your dryer 10 to 15 minutes to reach 120 degrees, the temperature at which bedbugs and their eggs can be promptly killed. Due to this delay, tumble-dry your clothing for 30 minutes at high heat to ensure the heat treatment is successful. 

Avoid Second-Hand Furniture

One of the most frequent places where bed bugs are found is in used furniture. If you purchase used furniture from an area where they are common, you run the danger of contracting the disease because they can go up to 12 months without eating. Bed bugs have reportedly been found in contaminated clothing, luggage, and other personal items. If you have recently had bed bug bites, be cautious about checking your companions' belongings before bringing them back into your home.

Inspect Luggage before going home from a trip.

Watch what you get to your home. It's crucial to check new objects for bed bug traces before bringing them inside your house, especially when you just came for an extended vacation or travel. Since bed bugs are tiny, if they are lurking in a crack or crevice, you might not notice them. Look for black specks the size of a grain of rice; bedbugs frequently leave these traces after being crushed between two objects after being discovered by their host (you). Use a flashlight throughout this inspection process to be extra cautious and ensure that no bed bugs have been carried with your new items in your luggage.

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