Print This Page
Bed Bugs - How can I prevent bed bug infestations?
To help prevent bed bugs from becoming established, at least twice a month: remove clutter, keep floors clear, do not store items under the bed, wash the bedding, clean, vacuum floors and look carefully for bed bugs. Early detection is important. It is much easier and less expensive to treat a new infestation than an established one.
Check all used items you bring into your home carefully for bed bugs and eggs. Inspect all used furniture, mattresses or box springs, bedding, and used clothing. Bed bug eggs and immature bed bugs are very small and easily overlooked.
Stay clutter free. Remove boxes and other stored items in bedrooms. Keep your bed free of bed bugs by keeping it away from walls. Keep bedding from touching the floor and keep clothing and other items off the bed.
Clean, disinfect and eliminate hiding places. Seal cracks to prevent their travel. Repair and seal cracks in plaster, walls, and baseboards; repair or remove loose wallpaper.
How can I keep bed bugs out of my home?
Immediately after trips, wash clothing and inspect luggage. Thoroughly vacuum luggage before storing. Use a dry scrub brush to remove bed bug eggs that may be present. You can also seal the luggage in a plastic bag for at least a year. Any eggs or bed bugs hidden in the luggage will hatch and the bed bugs will die without feeding during that time.
Carefully inspect and clean used furniture for bed bugs before bringing it into your home. A bright light and a 10x magnifying glass is helpful. A bed bug egg is the size of two grains of table salt and newly hatched bed bugs are almost transparent. They will be hidden in cracks and holes and difficult to find.
Never take home discarded bed frames, mattresses, box springs, or upholstered furniture.
