There’s nothing worse than finding out you have bed bugs in your home. Unfortunately, bed bugs are more than just a nuisance; they’re also a health risk. According to the EPA, bed bugs can cause allergic reactions and secondary infections from bite reactions. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of encountering a bed bug infestation in your home. Here are three ways to protect your home, and your family, from bed bugs.
Travel Safely
If you’re staying in a hotel during your travels, you need to practice bed bug protection. Many hotels in the US have been suffering from bed bug infestations, which means you could inadvertently bring some home with you. When traveling, avoid placing your suitcases on the floor or beds – areas where bed bugs might be hiding. You should also place dirty laundry in plastic bags before packing them back into your suitcase. Once you get home, wash your laundry to remove any bugs that might have traveled home with you.
Provide Sleepover Protection
If your kids are going to a friend’s house for a sleepover, you want to make sure that they don’t bring any unwanted guests home with them. Avoid having your kids bring anything with them that you cannot wash once they get home – such as stuffed animals. Have them bring all of their clothing and bedding directly to the laundry room as soon as they return from the sleepover. This will allow you to get rid of any bed bugs that might be carried home.
Avoid Second-Hand Furniture
Bed bugs don’t limit their travels to beds. In fact, bed bugs will hide in just about any type of upholstered furniture. To prevent infestations, avoid bringing second-hand furniture into your home, especially the upholstered type.
Bed bugs can infest every room in your home. Use the tips provided here to prevent exposure. To ensure that you don’t have a bed bug problem in your home, contact Consolidated Pest Control for a home inspection.
