Bed bugs are one of the most invasive pests that can become a major problem for households. These pests need a safe, temperate environment to thrive, there are many places inside a home that provide perfect breeding conditions. Even with the best prevention tools bed bugs will still find their way into your house.

Knowledge is the key to prevention. Bed bugs are elusive, and they typically hide in narrow cracks and crevices. It is also important to remember that bed bugs are not always found in a bed. The most common way for bed bugs to be transported is through exchanges in shared spaces like hotels or public transit.

By following our six bed bug prevention tips, anyone can prevent a bed bug infestation in less than one day.

#1 Prevent Bed Bugs When Traveling

Travelers run the risk of bringing bed bugs home from any hotel room bedding, furniture, or carpeting.

• Determine if your room has signs of an infestation. Look for tiny rust-colored spots on bed sheets, mattress tags and seams, and bed skirts.
• Raise furniture and look for bed bugs. Hiding spots usually include underneath the mattress, bed frame and headboard. Typically, they come out at night to feed, but during the day they are most likely found within a five-foot radius of the bed.
• Examine your luggage on a luggage rack away from the bed and wall, since bed bugs can often hide behind headboards, artwork, picture frames and electrical outlet panels.
• Assess your luggage carefully while repacking and when you return home. ALWAYS keep luggage off the bed and store it far away from your bedroom.
• Move all your clothing from your luggage immediately in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at the highest setting upon returning home from travel.

Check for bed bugs by removing bedding and searching the corners and folds of mattresses.
If there are bed bugs in the room, ask to be moved far from that room because bed bugs can easily travel to adjacent spaces. The rooms in the immediate vicinity are likely infested as well. If your room has no bugs, still proceed with caution. Don’t place luggage or packages on the floor. Bring the memories home, but leave the bed bugs behind.

#2 - Cover Your Mattress

Put the mattress and box springs in encasements like mattress safe covers. Although this protects the mattress from getting infested, it does not get rid of an infestation.
Mattress covers are zippered casings that enclose an entire mattress. Covers of this type are for non-vinyl mattresses and box springs.
These casings should be made from top-quality fabric, typically cloth, so it’s durable and resistant to tears and folds. They have no folds around the zipper in which bed bugs can find shelter.

#3 - Always Check Used Items

Used items especially clothes, bedding and furniture are vulnerable.
Even if something “looks clean”, you should always perform basic checks to any goods that you plan on bringing into your home

#4 - Avoid Moving Blankets

Avoid using moving blankets provided by a moving company, and use your own instead. The blankets may not be cleaned regularly and could be infested with bed bugs from another person’s belongings.

#5 - Get Professional Bed Bug Treatment

If you are already dealing with an infestation, don't fight the problem alone. Treating bed bugs is a complex process, and usually cannot be handled by home remedies alone. A professional bed bug treatment will safely, effectively, and most importantly, permanently eliminate bed bugs from your home or business.
If you're dealing with a severe bed bug infestation, contact your local pest professionals to get rid of bed bugs once and for all.

#6 - Beware Of Bed Bugs in Public Places

Bed bugs can also be found in unsuspected places like store dressing rooms, which provide safe havens for this parasitic pest.
They can be found in the cushioned seats in the dressing rooms and on the carpeted floors.

To avoid unwittingly taking them home on your clothing or purchases, hang your items on the provided wall hooks rather than the cushioned furniture provided in dressing areas.

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If you find yourself with a pest problem, give us a call today. We specialize in both residential and commercial pest control solutions for the Central Coast. (805) 929-8500