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Bed bugs are small pests that can create a big problem if they make their way into your home. Once these critters settle in, they can be challenging to eliminate. The good news is that with the right strategies, you can reduce the risk of an infestation in the first place. Keller's Pest Control has compiled a list of the top tips to help keep your home bed bug-free and your peace of mind intact.
1. Inspect Second-Hand Furniture
Pre-loved items like sofas, chairs, and mattresses can harbor unwelcome guests. Before bringing second-hand furniture into your home, carefully inspect the seams and crevices for bed bugs or their eggs. Cleaning it thoroughly is also a good precaution.
2. Use Protective Mattress Covers
Encasing your mattresses and box springs in protective covers can prevent bed bugs from hiding within. Look for covers specifically designed to block bed bugs and make sure they completely encase the mattress.
3. Be Cautious When Traveling
Hotels and other travel accommodations are common places to pick up bed bugs. Inspect the bed and furniture in your room before unpacking. After your trip, wash and dry all your clothing on high heat to kill any hitchhikers.
4. Declutter Your Home
Bed bugs love hiding in clutter, especially near sleeping areas. Keep your home tidy with fewer hiding spots for insects. Regularly vacuum and clean to keep them at bay.
5. Seal Cracks and Crevices
Taking time to seal cracks and crevices in your walls, baseboards, and furniture can slow down or prevent bed bugs from spreading. It’s also helpful to fix any torn wallpaper or loose electrical outlets where they can hide.
6. Be Vigilant with Laundry
Whether you visit a laundromat or share facilities in an apartment complex, always carry your laundry in a sealed bag. Additionally, avoid placing your clothes on communal counters or folding areas.
7. Monitor High-Traffic Areas
Public areas like lobbies, schools, and theaters can expose you to bed bugs. While you can’t avoid all these spaces, being cautious about where you place personal belongings can limit contact.
8. Inspect Purchased Items
Even brand-new purchases aren’t immune to bed bugs. Inspect cardboard boxes, packaging, and hidden seams in any purchased items. This step is especially important for upholstered furniture or bedding.
9. Regularly Wash Bedding
Washing and drying your bedding in hot cycles can help keep bed bug populations from settling in. This includes not just your sheets and pillowcases but also blankets and duvet covers.
10. Act Quickly at the First Sign
If you suspect bed bugs from bites, small blood spots on your sheets, or actual sightings, act fast. The sooner you address the problem, the easier it will be to resolve.
Contact Keller's Pest Control for Expert Help
While prevention is key, bed bugs can still find a way into even the most cautious homes. That’s where Keller's Pest Control comes in! We provide thorough inspections and eco-friendly solutions to eliminate bed bugs effectively. Don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Contact Keller's Pest Control today for professional assistance and peace of mind.