Bed bugs are very good at hitchhiking. They can move from a secure infestation site to a new house by traveling on bedding, furniture, boxes, clothing, and luggage. Read on and you will be better equipped to protect your home from bed bugs.
Usually, bed bugs feed on blood every 5 to 10 days. They are typically powerful as they can stay without feeding for many months and they will still be very agile. For Bed bugs to not take over your home, there are things to take note of.
Preventive Methods From Bed Bug Infestation in the Home
Before going ahead to purchase fairly used couches, or any piece of furniture, do well to check them properly to make sure you are not bringing in an infestation harbor to your home.
To eliminate a lot of hiding spots, use a protective cover that encases box springs and mattresses. The encasement’s light color makes bed bugs more visible. Ensure that you purchase only high-quality encasement that can resist tearing and make regular checks on the encasement for holes.
To reduce potential hiding places for bed bugs, be sure to reduce clutter in your home. Vacuum cleaning regularly to eliminate any successful hitchhiker.
Be careful while making use of laundry facilities that are shared among people. Items to be washed should be transported in plastic bags (if you have an active infestation, be sure to use a new bag for the journey back home). Once at home, take out your stuffs and place in a high heat dryer. As a high heat dryer is capable of killing bed bugs.
Depending on where you reside in; if for instance, you live within a multifamily structure, the following tips will be handy:
- To prevent free movement around hallways, install door sweeps beneath your doors.
- Seal crevices and cracks around light sockets, baseboards, etc., to discourage bed bug movement via wall voids.
- Heating chambers come in handy as they can be used to treat suspected infected items.
If you use any of these units, ensure you carefully read and follow the directions while keeping in mind that they are neither regulated by EPA nor by any other federal agencies.