Bed Bug Prevention

Looking to avoid bed bugs? Bed bug prevention is a lot easier than eliminating an existing infestation. According to the 2015 Bugs Without Borders survey, bed bugs remain the most difficult pest to treat - more difficult than cockroaches, termites and ants!

How to Prevent Bed Bugs

Depending on the scope of an infestation and the type of treatment used by a pest professional, it can take several treatments to completely eliminate bed bugs. Fortunately, there are many things that one can do to prevent bed bugs from spreading in the home. Vigilance is the key to bed bug prevention. When out in public - whether at a hotel, store, movie theater or work place - it is important to be conscientious of all surroundings.

As the public's awareness of the bed bug resurgence grows, focus on bed bug prevention has also grown. Many Americans are modifying their behaviors to minimize their risk of an infestation. According to the 2011 Bed Bugs in America survey, 27 percent of respondents have inspected or washed clothing upon returning from a trip; 25 percent have checked a hotel room for bed bugs; 17 percent have inspected or vacuumed a suitcase upon returning from a trip and 12 percent have altered or canceled travel plans because of concern about bed bugs.

Regular bed bug inspections are the best method of prevention to avoid bed bug infestations. Read our tips for preventing bed bugs to learn more about how to protect your household from an infestation:

How to Prevent Bed Bug Bites

If you believe there is an infestation in your home, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce or prevent bed bug bites. First, you should regularly wash your sheets and pillow cases using high heat. Any bed bugs that are in your bedding will be killed in the wash. However, be careful when transporting the bedding to the washing machine, as you don’t want to end up spreading the bed bugs throughout the house. However, the best way to prevent bites is by contacting an exterminator to help eliminate the threat of bed bugs.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Spreading

If you already have an infestation, the key is preventing bed bugs from spreading in your home and to others. This can be done a few different ways. First, carefully check your purse, backpack, briefcase, etc. before leaving the house. You’ll also want to vacuum and clean these bags thoroughly to make sure bed bugs have not found their way inside. As for your clothes, place them in the dryer and shake them thoroughly before wearing them and leaving the house for the day.

While it is important that you be proactive in order to prevent bed bugs from spreading, we highly recommend finding an exterminator to help eliminate and prevent bed bugs.