Bed bugs are notorious for being tough to get rid of once they’ve settled into your home. They’re small, resilient, and can go a long time without feeding, making them a nightmare for homeowners to deal with. That’s why the best defense against bed bugs is prevention.
By taking the right steps, you can drastically reduce the risk of bed bugs infesting your home.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to prevent bed bug infestations in your home.
How Do I Know if I Have a Bed Bug Infestation?
Have you been waking up with red, itchy bumps on your skin? Have you found small blood stains on your bedding? These might be signs of a bed bug infestation. 
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on human blood during the night. They can be found all over the world and are notoriously difficult to get rid of.
Here are some other telltale signs of a bed bug infestation so you can take action ASAP:
The first sign of a bed bug infestation is often the reddish-brown stains that they leave behind on your bedding. These stains are a result of their defecation and are usually found on your sheets, pillowcases, or mattress. The stains might look like small, rusty spots or larger smears.
If you see these stains on your bedding, it’s best to act quickly and call a pest control professional to come and inspect your home.
Bed bugs are notorious for their itchy bites, which can appear in rows or clusters on your skin. These bites are often mistaken for flea or mosquito bites, but they have some distinct characteristics. Bed bug bites tend to be more raised, and they often have a darker red center.
Also, bed bug bites are usually found in areas that are exposed while you sleep, such as your arms, legs, and face.
If you wake up with itchy, red bites in rows or clusters, it’s time to look for other signs of a bed bug infestation.
What Makes a Home Vulnerable to a Bed Bug Infestation?
The more cluttered your home is, the more hiding spots bed bugs have. These pests can squeeze into tiny crevices and cracks in furniture, walls, and even electrical outlets.
If there are piles of clothes or objects on the floor or under the bed, bed bugs will have more opportunities to hide and reproduce unnoticed. Make sure to keep clutter to a minimum, especially in areas where you sleep or spend many hours.
Purchasing second-hand furniture without properly inspecting it can be a major risk factor for bed bug infestations. Bed bugs can easily hide in the cracks and seams of upholstered items like sofas, chairs, and mattresses. If you are buying second-hand furniture, inspect it thoroughly before bringing it into your home. Look for any signs of bed bugs, such as small dark spots or eggshells on the furniture.
Bed bugs are known to latch onto personal belongings, especially those that are moved frequently. If you travel often, you may be at increased risk of bringing bed bugs home with you. Be sure to inspect your luggage thoroughly after any trips and wash your clothes on high heat. Consider using a bed bug-proof luggage liner if you travel frequently to prevent bed bugs from hitching a ride back home with you.
How to Prevent a Bed Bug Infestation
Nothing ruins a good night’s sleep like the creepy feeling of something crawling on you.
Unfortunately, this scenario may become a reality if you have a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs can invade your home from a variety of sources and can be a challenge to get rid of once they’ve established a presence.
The good news is there are steps you can take to prevent these pesky insects from taking up residence in your home.
1. Regular Cleaning and Decluttering
One of the most effective ways to prevent bed bugs from getting a foothold in your home is to keep it clean and organized. Bed bugs are attracted to clutter, so getting rid of excess items and keeping your home tidy can make it less inviting to these pests. Regular vacuuming, sweeping, and dusting are also important. Pay particular attention to any cracks, crevices, or baseboards where bed bugs may hide. Don’t forget to empty your vacuum regularly and dispose of the contents immediately.
2. Inspection of Secondhand Items
If you’re bringing in items from outside your home, such as clothing or furniture, it’s important to inspect them carefully for signs of bed bugs. Inspect seams, crevices, and folds for live bed bugs, eggs, or shed skins.
If you find any evidence of bed bugs, do not bring the item into your home. Instead, dispose of it or have it professionally treated before bringing it inside.
3. Proper Sealing of Cracks and Crevices
Sealing any cracks or crevices in your home can prevent bed bugs from hiding and breeding in these spaces. Pay special attention to any gaps around your electrical socket and your baseboards. Seal openings with silicone caulking or another suitable sealant for an effective barrier against bed bugs.
4. Protective Mattress Covers
Bed bugs often hide and lay their eggs in your mattress seams. A protective mattress cover can act as a barricade against bed bugs and prevent them from infesting your mattress. These covers are different from ordinary mattress protectors that typically do not cover the entire mattress.
5. Travel Precautions
Bed bugs often hitch a ride on clothing, luggage, and other belongings when you travel. Before returning home, inspect your luggage and clothing for any signs of bed bugs. Once home, immediately launder or dry-clean any infested items.
What to Do if You Have a Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate, which is why it’s best to call in a professional pest control company that specializes in bed bug management. Avoid using do-it-yourself methods, such as bug bombs, as these can often make the problem worse.
Remember that bed bug removal is not a one-time job. It’s an ongoing process that requires persistence. Don’t forget to seek professional help – to stop the problem in its tracks, bring them in as early as possible.
Thank you Amber Bushman of Reliant Pest Management for the super helpful blog post. Getting a professional take from you is invaluable for many of our readers. If you would like to read more valuable information from Reliant Pest Management please click here, if you would like to contact them directly please click here.