How can you avoid catching bed bugs? - briefly
Examine mattresses, box springs, and seams for live insects or shed skins, and keep luggage on racks away from the bed. Immediately launder all clothing and bedding on the hottest setting and store items in sealed plastic bags.
How can you avoid catching bed bugs? - in detail
Bed bugs are tiny, wingless insects that hide in seams of mattresses, furniture, luggage and clothing. Direct contact with an infested item can quickly lead to a household problem, so preventive actions are essential.
When staying away from home, inspect the sleeping area before unpacking. Look for tiny dark spots on sheets, a faint sweet odor, or live insects along headboards and seams. Keep suitcases on luggage racks or in sealed plastic containers rather than on the floor or bed. Use zip‑top bags for clothing and personal items; any garments that will not be worn immediately should be stored in these bags. If possible, place a thin mattress encasement over the hotel bed before use.
At home, reduce harborage opportunities by sealing cracks around baseboards, wall outlets and furniture legs. Install a zippered cover on mattresses and box springs, ensuring the fabric is tightly woven and the zipper is reinforced. Vacuum carpets, upholstery and floorboards weekly, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister in hot water afterward. Wash all bedding, curtains and removable fabrics in water at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
Clothing and personal belongings should receive special attention after travel. Immediately launder shirts, socks and underwear in hot water, then tumble‑dry on high heat. For non‑washable items, place them in a sealed bag and expose them to temperatures of 50 °C (122 °F) for several hours using a portable heat chamber or a dryer‑compatible bag. Examine second‑hand furniture, mattresses and clothing before bringing them into the residence; discard any items that show signs of infestation.
Early detection relies on recognizing characteristic signs: tiny rust‑colored stains on sheets, shed exoskeletons near seams, or live insects in crevices. Conduct a visual inspection of sleeping areas once a month, focusing on mattress tags, headboards and upholstered chairs.
If evidence of an infestation appears, isolate the affected area. Remove and seal all linens, clothing and soft furnishings for laundering or heat treatment. Contact a licensed pest‑management professional promptly; they will apply targeted insecticides and provide guidance on follow‑up monitoring to prevent re‑establishment.