Due to their size and nocturnal nature, bed bugs are among the sneakiest and most difficult pests to detect. They’re experts at concealing themselves in small seams and crevices, making them even harder to spot. While they’re tiny creatures, they surely cause a great deal of discomfort. Itchy skin, allergic reactions and skin infections are just a few examples of the harm they cause. The best way to ensure bed bugs don’t become an issue in your home is through prevention. Here are six tips for protecting your home against bed bugs:

1. Inspect Luggage When Traveling

When you travel, it’s common for bed bugs to come back home with you. Instead of purchasing a plane ticket, these sneaky stowaways travel by finding their way onto your luggage and clothing. It’s important to not only inspect the room you’ll be staying in beforehand, but also your luggage and clothing when you arrive home. Throw your clothes into the laundry immediately after you get home to prevent any bed bugs from infesting your house. Also, try packing clothing and linens in plastic or ziploc bags before you place them in your suitcase to prevent bed bugs from finding their way onto your clothes while you travel. 

2. Inspect Used Furniture

If you purchase second-hand furniture, carefully inspect the upholstery, cushions and seams for signs of bed bugs before moving it into your home. Signs of bed bugs include small reddish-brown spots, little white or yellow eggs, pale white molting, or a musty odor. If you spot any of these indications of bed bugs on used furniture, you should avoid purchasing or moving it into your home. 

3. Use Coverings on Bedding

There are many protective mattress covers on the market. These durable coverings, which protect your mattress from bacteria, spills and pests, can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester or poly knit. Using a protective mattress cover is a good way of preventing a bed bug infestation while protecting against other allergens, dirt and general wear and tear. 

4. Vacuum Regularly

Vacuuming regularly stops these hitchhikers from making their way onto your bed or other items in your home. Regularly vacuum your carpet, curtains, furniture, mattress seams, and other surfaces bed bugs can hide to reduce the chances of an infestation. Make sure to empty your vacuum cleaner immediately afterwards to dispose of potential survivors.

5. Manage Clutter

A big part of protecting your home against bed bugs is managing clutter. Bed bugs love to nestle in any small crevices they can find. Reducing clutter means reducing the amount of hiding places for bed bugs. Using these tips, you can protect your home against bed bugs. Still, if you see signs of an infestation, call your Omaha bed bug control experts here at Pro-Staff for help at (402) 819-7378 or contact us online for a free quote.