What should you do so that bed bugs don’t bite you? - briefly
Maintain a clean sleeping area, wash bedding in hot water weekly, and protect the mattress and box spring with insect‑proof encasements. Inspect regularly for signs of infestation and treat any findings promptly with approved insecticide or a professional pest‑control service.
What should you do so that bed bugs don’t bite you? - in detail
Bed bugs locate a host by detecting heat, carbon dioxide and body odor. Interrupting these cues and eliminating the insects reduces the chance of being bitten.
First, remove existing infestations. Wash all bedding, curtains and clothing on the hottest cycle the fabric tolerates, then dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum mattresses, box springs, bed frames and surrounding furniture, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister immediately. Apply a mattress and box‑spring encasement certified to block insects; seal all seams with a zipper that closes fully.
Second, reduce hiding places. Seal cracks and crevices in walls, baseboards, headboards and furniture with caulk or expanding foam. Install bed‑leg interceptors—small cups that trap bugs climbing the legs. Keep clutter to a minimum; store items in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes.
Third, treat the environment. Use a residual insecticide labeled for bed‑bug control on cracks, seams and baseboards, following label directions precisely. For items that cannot be laundered, apply a steam treatment: steam at 130 °C for 20 seconds kills bugs and eggs on contact. If infestation is extensive, arrange professional heat‑treatment or fumigation, which raises room temperature to 50 °C for several hours, ensuring complete mortality.
Fourth, protect yourself while sleeping. Wear long‑sleeved pajamas made of tightly woven fabric. Place a thin sheet of polyethylene under the mattress to create a barrier that bugs cannot penetrate. Avoid sleeping on the floor; elevate the bed at least 6 inches off the ground and keep night‑time clothing and linens away from walls.
Finally, monitor continuously. Inspect seams, folds and corners weekly with a flashlight. Replace interceptors when they become full. Repeat laundering and vacuuming every two weeks for at least three months after treatment, as eggs may hatch later.
By executing thorough cleaning, sealing, targeted chemical or thermal treatment, and personal protective measures, the likelihood of bed‑bug bites can be minimized effectively.