You've heard all the negative press about bed bugs lately, right? Bed bugs have really increased in population over the last few years, and infestations are exploding across the country; especially in the major cities.
Because they are easily spread through hotel rooms and even retail stores, it doesn't take a genius to realize that bed bugs could happen to anybody at almost any time.
And because they are so hard to get rid of, it really makes sense to plan ahead to prevent an infestation.
Here are some smart ways you can do that.
When Traveling One of the most important things you can do is to exercise caution when traveling and using hotels.
Hotels are one of the main culprits when it comes to spreading bed bugs.
After all, hotels have many, many beds, with more than enough places for the bugs to hide (and feed on visitors.
) So once you get to the hotel, strip the bedding off and look closely at the mattress.
If you see small black stains, it's probably bed bug fetal matter.
Leave that hotel or ask to be transferred to another room.
Always keep your luggage in the bathroom off the floor to prevent bugs from climbing inside.
Used Furniture If you are like many people, you like shopping at garage sales and thrift stores.
Use extreme caution if you plan to buy used furniture, however.
You don't know if the former owner had bed bugs, and if they did, the furniture can easily be infested with the bugs.
These bugs can lie dormant for months, and then when they find a new host to feed on (aka you), they wake up and the cycle begins.
That's why it's so risky to bring used furniture into your home.
If you can afford to buy new, you may want to, and buy from a reputable place with no known bug problems.
Other Measures There are a couple of amazing products out there that can assist in preventing these bugs.
They are somewhat costly, but if you are serious about keeping these bugs out of your house, they are a must-have.
Especially if you travel frequently, you are more vulnerable to an infestation in your home.
The PackTite portable bed bug heater is an amazing device that kills all the bugs and their eggs.
So any time you come home from a trip, you simply place your luggage inside, turn on the machine, and it heats your items for an hour, effectively killing any bugs or eggs that may have gotten inside.
This item is one of the most popular when it comes to bed bugs.
Another great resource is a mattress encasement.
They protect your bed and keep Ned bugs from making your bed their permanent home.
Whatever you choose to do, it really is a good idea to take preventative measures against these bugs.