Protecting Against Bed Bugs: Tips and Actions If You Get Them

Bed bugs are small but mighty pests that can disrupt your peace and comfort at home. These tiny hitchhikers are known for their ability to invade homes, hotels, and workplaces, causing frustration and stress. However, with a little preparation and quick action, you can protect yourself from these unwelcome guests and effectively address an infestation if it occurs.

How to Protect Against Bed Bugs

1. Inspect Secondhand Furniture - Before bringing used furniture or mattresses into your home, inspect them carefully. Look for small reddish-brown bugs, tiny black fecal spots, or light-colored eggs, especially in seams, cracks, and crevices.
   

2. Be Cautious When Traveling - Bed bugs are notorious for spreading through luggage and clothing. When staying in hotels:

   • Inspect the mattress, headboard, and furniture.

   • Keep luggage on a luggage rack or in the bathroom, away from the bed.

   • Wash and dry clothes on high heat immediately after returning home.
     

3. Seal Entry Points - Bed bugs can move between apartments or rooms. Seal cracks and crevices in walls, baseboards, and outlets to limit their access.

   
   

4. Use Protective Covers - Encase your mattress and box spring in bed bug-proof covers. These create a barrier, preventing bed bugs from entering or escaping.

   
   

5. Regularly Clean and Declutter

   • Vacuum floors, furniture, and mattresses regularly, paying attention to seams and cracks.

   • Keep clutter to a minimum to reduce hiding spots for bed bugs.

     
     

What to Do if You Get Bed Bugs

If bed bugs invade your home, staying calm and acting quickly is key. Here’s how to handle the situation:

1. Identify the Infestation - Look for these signs:

   • Small, itchy bites on your skin, often in clusters or rows.

   • Rust-colored spots on bedding or furniture (bed bug excrement or crushed bugs).

   • Visible bugs or shed skins in mattress seams, headboards, or furniture crevices.

     
     

2. Contain the Infestation

   • Remove infested bedding and clothing immediately.

   • Wash items in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting to kill bed bugs and their eggs.

   • Use a vacuum to clean infested areas, then dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag.

     
     

3. Avoid DIY Pesticides - Over-the-counter sprays are often ineffective and can make the problem worse by scattering bed bugs. Instead, consult professionals for treatment.

   
   

4. Call a Professional Exterminator - Bed bugs are resilient and hard to eradicate. Professional pest control experts, like those at ProGuard Pest Control, have the expertise and tools to eliminate infestations effectively.

   
   

5. Follow Up on Treatments - Bed bug treatments may require multiple visits. Work closely with your pest control provider and follow their recommendations to ensure complete eradication.

   
   

Prevent Future Infestations

Once the infestation is gone, continue practicing preventive measures like those outlined above. Educate your family or roommates on how to spot and avoid bed bugs to keep your home pest-free.

Bed bugs are an inconvenience, but with vigilance and the right support, they can be managed. At ProGuard Pest Control, we’re here to help protect your home and restore your peace of mind. If you suspect bed bugs, don’t wait—contact us today for expert assistance.