Nobody wants to have to deal with bed bugs. Not only are they hard to find and get rid of, but they actually suck your blood. The best way to avoid having to deal with bed bugs is by preventing them in the first place. Check out our “dos and don’ts” for making sure the bed bugs don’t get into your house, and dealing with them if they do:
DO Act Quickly
At the very first sign of bed bugs, call an expert in to check your house. Early signs are unexplained bites that are red and possibly itchy, dark spots (bed bug droppings) on your sheets, and their shedding, which looks like dried out shells of bed bug skin.
DO Be Careful When Traveling
Anywhere that has mass amounts of people entering and exiting it on a daily basis has the potential of spreading bed bugs. Busy stores, subways and hotels are all places to be wary of. Always inspect and wash your clothing when returning from a trip.
DO Check For Signs Often
Taking the time to do a thorough inspection of your bed and the surrounding areas on a regular basis is important. Look for signs such as droppings, shed skin, or the bugs themselves. Don’t be fooled by the name “bed bugs”. Not only can they be found in your bed, but basically any small space in your house. Check nightstands, bookshelves and any furniture that has small dark crevices.
DO Call the Exterminator
The best option to check for or deal with bed bugs is always to call in the experts. They have dealt with these creatures many times, and know exactly where and how to look for them. If you do end up having an infestation, their methods are the most effective and efficient ways to get rid of the pests.
Don’t Bring Secondhand Items In Without Cleaning Them
A lot of people love shopping at thrift stores and vintage shops for used clothing and furniture. Because you don’t usually know about the environment these items are coming from, it’s always a good idea to have them cleaned thoroughly before bringing them into your home.
Don’t Attempt to DIY Pest Control
There are many pest issues that can be dealt with at home, with your own supplies. Bed bugs is not one of those issues. It’s very difficult to determine if you do in fact have a bed bug infestation, and even more difficult to get rid of the issue. According to the 2013 Bugs Without Borders survey, bed bugs are the single most difficult pest to get rid of. Calling in a pest control expert is the best decision you can make in case of an infestation.
If you follow the above tips, you are doing all that you can to prevent a bed bug outbreak in your home. While bed bugs are more prevalent than ever before, if you are cautious and careful, you should be able to keep these pesky pests out of your home.
