Tips To Help Prevent The Spread Of Bed Bugs
Posted on: 13 March 2018
Bed bugs are one of the most common pests in America, and part of the reason they are so prevalent is because of how easy it is to spread to an infestation. Treating bed bugs is only half of the battle; once you've had bed bugs, you want to do everything you can to make sure you don't ever have a bed bug problem again. Prevention is possible, and when more and more people are aware of how bed bugs can be prevented, instances of infestation will decrease.
Follow these tips to help prevent bed bugs from spreading to your home.
1. Wash everything in hot water, even when you buy it new.
Get into the habit of washing new clothes and clothes from second-hand stores in hot water before wearing them (whenever possible). Heat is one of the most effective tools for killing bed bugs, so washing items before use can really help to reduce the risk of a stray bed bug finding its way into your home.
2. When buying secondhand furniture, check it and clean it before bringing it inside.
You can sometimes tell if a piece of furniture has been exposed to bed bugs. Check creases in couch cushions for stray bugs, and wipe dark couches with a light colored rag to check for bugs (they can be hard to see on dark pieces). Then, use a vacuum on the furniture to remove hitchhiking insects, and (if you can) use a steam cleaner to really get it nice and clean before you move it inside.
3. Be careful when using the laundromat.
Community laundry facilities are a common place to pick up bed bugs. Try not to allow your clothes to be handled by anyone else, and try and keep your items completely separate from other people's wash. Dry your items on high heat and immediately remove them into a plastic bag. The heat from the dryer might kill bed bugs, and the bag can suffocate them.
4. Keep clothes put away and maintain a clear floor.
After washing, don't store clothes on your bed or in open baskets. Put them away immediately. Keep your floor clear of clutter and vacuum daily, especially if you know that your neighbors have been having trouble with bed bugs. Bed bugs prefer the dark, so the fewer hiding places and the cleaner your carpet, the harder it will be for them to live and multiply in your home.
For more information, contact a local bed bug removal service today.
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