How not to bring bed bugs home? - briefly
Inspect luggage, clothing, and personal items before entering the residence; wash and dry everything on the highest heat setting. Store unused items in sealed containers and avoid placing second‑hand furniture directly on the floor.
How not to bring bed bugs home? - in detail
Preventing the entry of «bed bugs» into a dwelling requires systematic measures before, during, and after travel or purchase of second‑hand items.
Inspect luggage, suitcases, and backpacks immediately after arrival. Examine seams, zippers, and interior pockets with a flashlight. Discard any visible insects or eggs.
Treat clothing and fabric items before storage. Place all garments in a sealed plastic bag, then run a hot‑water wash (minimum 60 °C) followed by a high‑heat dryer cycle (≥ 70 °C) for at least 30 minutes. Items unable to withstand heat should be frozen at – 20 °C for 48 hours.
Isolate and quarantine suspect items. Store them in a dedicated container with a tight‑closing lid for a minimum of 2 weeks, monitoring for signs of activity.
Apply preventive barriers to travel gear. Use luggage encasements designed to block insects, ensuring seams are sealed with tape.
When acquiring used furniture or clothing, conduct a thorough visual inspection in a well‑lit area. Separate and treat any piece showing potential infestation before introducing it into the home environment.
Maintain a regular household monitoring routine. Deploy interceptors beneath bed legs and in furniture crevices. Replace interceptors every 30 days, examining them for trapped insects.
Implement sanitation protocols in storage spaces. Vacuum carpets, baseboards, and upholstery weekly, disposing of vacuum contents in a sealed bag outside the residence.
By adhering to these precise actions, the risk of unintentionally transporting «bed bugs» into living quarters is substantially reduced.