Table Of Contents

The best actions to take where bed bugs are concerned is to simply keep them from showing up in the first place. Bed bugs do not hibernate and can be active year-round. It’s far easier to practice basic preventative habits than it is to deal with a potential infestation. Since bed bug infestations are primarily caused by moving objects and personal belongings from one place to another, it’s up to the individual to stay aware of their risk level and of how to best keep bed bugs from using them as a transportation method. Here are some key ways to prevent a bed bug infestation.

Keep An Eye On Personal Possessions

Bed bugs get to their next area of infestation by hitchhiking on moving objects and people, particularly when these people aren’t paying attention to what they might be carrying around. People who travel often or who are moving should keep this in mind. Bed bugs can hide in all sorts of moving objects, such as:

  • Suitcases
  • Purses
  • Boxes
  • Clothing
  • Used furniture
  • Electronics
  • Picture frames

When you move or travel to or from an unfamiliar place for an extended period of time (i.e. overnight), you should always keep an eye on your possessions to make sure a bed bug doesn’t sneak into them. Likewise, if you’re moving used items into your home and can’t be certain that they didn’t come from a bed bug-free location, you should always inspect the items before allowing them to stay in your home.

Travel Tips

To prevent a bed bug from hitching a ride on your luggage and from there infesting your home or business, there are several precautions you can take when traveling.

  • While staying in hotel rooms, store your suitcase and other personal items on luggage racks off the ground that you’ve confirmed are bed bug free
  • Always search hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs—mainly behind the headboard of the bed—and do not stay in the room if you suspect an issue.
  • Keep clothing and personal items in sealed plastic bags while traveling
  • Put laundry in sealed plastic bags separate from clean clothing
  • Put all clothing, dirty or not, in the washing machine on a hot water cycle when you return home to kill any bed bugs that may be hiding out
  • Vacuum out your luggage when you get home, put the contents of the vacuum bag in a separate plastic bag and throw them away.

Housekeeping Tips

Bed bugs are sneaky pests, so even the most careful eye can miss their movements. Fortunately, good housekeeping can also help homeowners keep bed bug problems at bay, such as:

  • Regular floor vacuuming
  • Regularly changing linens
  • Putting laundry in plastic bins while awaiting the wash
  • Keeping personal items off the floor
  • Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces around the home
  • Putting protective accessories like mattress covers over your mattress to prevent bed bugs from getting into it or your box spring and to help you potentially spot bed bugs more quickly.
  • Sealing any cracks and crevices you find in the walls, baseboards or ceiling of your home or business.

Let Us Help!

At Dodson Pest Control, we understand the urgency of preventing and dealing with bed bug infestations. They can grow and spread quickly and result in a great deal of anxiety and financial stress. Fortunately, we are skilled in multiple forms of bed bug treatment, so we can help you eradicate this pest quickly and thoroughly. Contact us today for a free inspection!