How to avoid bringing in bedbugs? - briefly
Inspect luggage, clothing, and used furniture before bringing them indoors, and immediately wash or dry‑clean all items on high heat. Seal and discard any packaging or materials that show signs of infestation.
How to avoid bringing in bedbugs? - in detail
Bed bugs travel most often on personal belongings, so preventing their entry begins with careful handling of everything that enters the home.
Inspect luggage before it leaves a hotel or other accommodation. Look for live insects, dark spots, or shed skins on seams, zippers, and fabric folds. If possible, keep suitcases on a hard surface away from the bed and use a luggage rack.
When returning home, place bags in a garage, utility room, or outdoors for at least 48 hours. After the waiting period, vacuum the interior, paying special attention to seams and pockets, then discard the vacuum bag in a sealed trash container.
Treat clothing and fabric items as follows:
- Wash all garments in hot water (≥ 60 °C/140 °F).
- Dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
- For items that cannot be laundered, place them in a sealed plastic bag and expose to direct sunlight for several hours, or store in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of four days.
Avoid bringing in second‑hand furniture, mattresses, or bedding without thorough examination. Disassemble any used items, inspect every joint, and apply a steam treatment (temperature ≥ 100 °C/212 °F) for several minutes.
Maintain a clutter‑free environment. Reduce hiding places by sealing cracks around baseboards, wall outlets, and furniture legs with caulk. Install bed‑leg protectors that enclose the entire perimeter of the mattress and box spring.
Regular monitoring helps catch infestations early. Use passive traps such as interceptor cups under each bed leg, and perform visual checks weekly, focusing on mattress seams, headboards, and nearby furniture.
If signs of an infestation appear—live bugs, small reddish spots, or shed exoskeletons—immediately isolate the affected area, wash all textiles, and apply a certified insecticide or contact a professional exterminator.
Consistent application of these practices limits the likelihood of bed bugs entering the residence and reduces the risk of establishing a population.