Bed bugs can be hard for homeowners and residents to find and even more difficult to eradicate. That’s why prevention is the best defense in the fight against these unwanted pests. Knowing what to look for will give you a head start in avoiding an infestation in your home. A bed bug exterminator offers these helpful tips for preventing and controlling bed bugs in the Bronx, NY.
Be Diligent While Traveling
Bed bugs are world-class hitch-hikers and are known to sneak aboard a suitcase or bag. Hotels and public transit are bed bug hotspots, so extra diligence is necessary to avoid unwanted pests when traveling.
Always pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress for signs of bed bug activity. Look for reddish-black blood stains or small dark spots. You should also inspect behind the headboard and in upholstered furniture. If you find any indication of bed bugs, change rooms or, if possible, hotels immediately. You can also bring large plastic bags to protect your suitcase during hotel stays.
Related: How a Bed Bug Exterminator Gets Rid of Bed Bugs in Your Suffolk County, NY, Home
When you get home, carefully inspect baggage for bugs or eggs. Vacuum suitcases before bringing them into the bedroom to unpack. If you find any signs of bed bugs, leave your suitcase outside and wash all clothes immediately.
Protect Your Home
If you live in a multi-unit dwelling, bed bugs can enter your unit from inside as well as outside. Cover your outlets to prevent bed bugs from traveling through walls and entering your home via electrical outlets. You can also use silicone caulk to fill in cracks under baseboards or space around pipes.
Always carefully inspect and clean any second-hand furniture you bring into your home. And monitor areas where pets sleep for signs of bed bugs. If you do see signs of bed bugs in your home, hire a professional bed bug exterminator as soon as possible to stop the problem before it gets any worse.
Don’t Bring Bed Bugs Home from Work
Bed bugs are typically thought of as a household pest. But they can travel with people to their place of work and start infestations at the office as well. A bit of prevention can help you avoid bringing them home with you.
Keeping your office clean and free from clutter will help reduce the chances of bed bugs hiding in your space. Encourage your workplace to implement a bed bug policy to help prevent employees from bringing pests into the office. You could have a bed bug exterminator go to your place of work for a consultation or to perform regular bed bug inspections. They know what to look for and will be able to spot and prevent a problem before it gets out of hand.
Tips for Avoiding Bed Bugs in Schools
Schools are another place where bed bugs can congregate. They could hitch a ride on backpacks and clothing and then make their way into your children’s belongings. Help prevent bed bugs from coming home with your children by following these tips: Carefully inspect your child’s backpack and jacket for signs of bed bugs when they get home. If there are active infestations in the school, have your child remove their school clothes and wash them in hot water immediately.
Educate your child on the signs of bed bugs and encourage them to let you know if any friends are dealing an infestation. You should also talk to the school to determine how administrators monitor bed bug activity and if there is a prevention plan in place.