9 Ways to Defend Your Home Against Bed Bugs

According to PestWorld, 97% of pest professionals have treated homes for bed bugs over the last year. According to those professionals, 66% say that bed bugs are more common, and 69% say that demand for bed bug extermination has increased. If you're dealing with a bed bug infestation, reach out to a pest extermination service right away.

If you have yet to spot them, you still have time to put preventative measures in place. Preventative maintenance is key when it comes to keeping any kind of pest out of your home. Here are a few things you can do to keep bed bugs from entering your home.

1. Clean Up the Clutter

A regular cleaning schedule is a huge part of preventing pests in your home. Bed bugs, in particular, are nocturnal, so they need a safe place to hide out during the day. These pests are known to lurk in mattresses and between couch cushions, and a cluttered home can provide these pests with more places to hide. Giving your home a deep cleaning will not only ensure that the bed bugs have fewer places to go, but you'll also be more likely to spot them should they appear. This means you can be quicker to call a pest extermination service and schedule an appointment to get rid of them.

2. Cover Your Mattress

A mattress cover is one of the most effective ways to keep bed bugs out of your bed. The cover should snugly fit over your mattress. That way, bed bugs won't be able to hide between folds of fabric. Look for a cover made from a breathable fabric like cotton.

In addition to covering your mattress, you should also cover your pillows. Hypoallergenic covers can keep out bed bugs, allergens, and more. Choose covers with a zipper that are easy to remove. That way, you'll be able to clean your covers regularly. If you do happen to spot insects on the bed, you should clean your sheets right away and immediately contact a pest extermination service. Taking both of these actions quickly is essential if you want to stop them from spreading throughout your home.

3. Wash Your Bedding on a Regular Basis

Even if bed bugs find their way into your home, they won't stick around for long if you wash your bedding. Ideally, you should be washing sheets, blankets, and other bedding at least once a week. Use high heat to dry your bedding, as high temperatures can kill bed bugs and their eggs.

After you've washed your bedding, you may want to use some sort of spray to keep bugs away. Put water in a spray bottle and add a few drops of a citrus scent, like lemon or blood orange oil. These scents are usually appealing to humans, but bed bugs hate them. Your local pest extermination service can also recommend the best products and brands for killing and preventing bed bugs.

4. Keep Clothes Vacuum Sealed

If you have clothes or linens stored away, take steps to keep bed bugs from sneaking into your storage containers. Vacuum-sealing clothes can keep bed bugs and other pests, like moths, out. Not only is this a useful pest prevention tip, but it's also a great way to maximize your storage space.

5. Keep an Eye On Your Pets

Bed bugs are drawn to warm-blooded animals, which is why they're commonly found in beds. This trait also means that bed bugs could be attracted to dogs, cats, and other household pets. When you groom your pets, make sure you check their fur for bed bugs and other pests.

In addition to checking your pet, take a closer look at their bedding. Even if you don't spot active bed bugs, you may notice brown or rust-colored markings. You should also pay attention to your pet's behavior. If your pet has been scratching or biting itself more than usual, they could be dealing with bed bugs or another type of pest.

6. Inspect Used Items Before Bringing Them Into Your Home

A used couch or armchair might seem like a great deal. Unfortunately, used furniture could potentially bring bed bugs into your home. Don't bring any used goods into your home until you've checked them for bugs and had them cleaned. Used clothes should always be washed before wearing, but it's a good idea to check them for bed bugs before you even bring them inside.

In addition to inspecting clothes and furniture, you should look inside the vents of electronic devices. When you're examining items for bed bugs, wear gloves to protect your hands. Keep an eye out for small red or brown bugs, or stains. If you suspect that an item might be infested, it's always best to play it safe and keep it out of your house.

7. Seal Off Your Home

The average bed bug is around 4 to 7 mm long. Since bed bugs are tiny, even the smallest of cracks can give them access to your home. Use caulk to seal off cracks on the outside of your home. You should also seal cracks inside your home so that it's harder for the bugs to move around without being seen.

8. Watch Out for Signs of Bed Bugs

If your home has been infested by bed bugs, you should call a pest extermination service as soon as possible. Acting quickly can prevent bed bugs from reproducing and laying eggs throughout your home. Calling professionals right away will make it easier to get rid of these pests for good.

It can be hard to spot tiny bed bugs, especially since they spend most of their time hiding. However, they usually leave behind brown spots. Bed bugs also bite, leaving behind itchy red bumps. If bed bugs have recently hatched, you may also notice empty yellow shells in your linens.

9. Take Extra Caution When Traveling

Visiting a new place is exciting, but if you're not careful, you could wind up bringing some unwelcome guests home with you. When you stay at a hotel, you should check the sheets for red or brown markings. You may also want to lift up the furniture to see if pests are hiding under the bed. The key is to be alert and thorough.

Spray the inside of your suitcase with a scent that will keep bed bugs away, such as lavender or tea tree oil. Shake out your clothes before you pack them to confirm that they're bed-bug-free. When you get home, wash your clothes and run them through the dryer before putting them away.

You can easily use rubbing alcohol to make a homemade household cleaner. Just combine one part rubbing alcohol with two parts water and place the mixture in a spray bottle. When you clean your home, wipe down surfaces with this mixture so that bed bugs will stay away.

Bed bugs can thrive in many environments, which makes them hard to get rid of. That's why you should do everything you can to keep these pests out of your home. If your home is infested by bed bugs, don't try to take care of the problem yourself, contact a pest extermination service instead. Contact Mares Exterminating today, and our expert team will have bed bugs out of your home in no time.