No one wants bed bugs in their home. Taking steps to prevent a bed bug infestation before it starts is critical. If you already suspect a bed bug infestation, either because you’ve seen evidence of them or you’re experiencing bites, check out our article on what to do after verifying a bed bug infestation. While our related article has specific tips for fighting bed bugs in Florida, this article will show you how to make your bed as bed bug proof as possible.
Protect Your Mattress from Bed Bugs
First and foremost, you should always invest in a quality mattress protector. A mattress protector not only guards your mattress from spills and resulting damage, but it also makes your mattress inhospitable to bed bugs. As an added bonus, many common allergens are also kept out of your mattress, including pet hair, dander, dust, dead skin, and the dust mites that feed on that skin.
While there are plenty of options to choose from, we recommend a total encasement mattress protector. A total encasement mattress protector slips over the entire mattress and seals, thereby guarding the entire mattress from allergens, dust mites, and bed bugs. With the mattress encased, there are no nooks and crannies for bed bugs to call home.
Our PureCare Omniguard Total Encasement Mattress Protector is a great example of total encasement for your mattress. Featuring MiteTight® seams, this mattress protector completely seals around your mattress, leaving no point of entry for allergens, dust mites, or bed bugs. Also from PureCare, the Aromatherapy Total Encasement Mattress Protector also protects the mattress on all sides, but includes pockets underneath for fragrance sachets. This means you can fully protect your mattress while adding a soothing fragrance for your own benefit.
Wash Your Bedding Regularly
It’s important to wash your bedding on a regular basis. You should wash your bedding once per week, preferably on a hot wash, if the material allows. A hot wash and especially a hot dry cycle will kill any bed bugs that may be present. Even though there may be no evidence of bed bugs, an infestation starts with only one. Furthermore, bed bugs and their eggs (which are sticky and can attach to you or your items) can be picked up from any number of sources, from hotel rooms to other homes. If you’re a frequent traveler, you’re especially vulnerable to a bed bug infestation, so a strong washing regimen is a must.
Think Outside the Bed
While we call them bed bugs, the truth is that these creatures can live most anywhere in your home. They’re especially fond of sofas, yet they’ve been known to dwell in electrical outlets! Worse, bed bug infestations occur regardless of a person’s hygiene or the tidiness of their home. Here are some tips to give you an edge in bed bug prevention around the home:
Inspect Second Hand Furniture
Check any second hand furniture, beds, or couches for signs of bed bug infestation before you bring it home. There’s no substitute for purchasing new furniture or a new mattress when it comes to avoiding bed bugs, but a thorough check of second hand items is the next best thing. The last thing you want to do is save money on a used mattress, only to find you now have a bed bug infestation.
Reduce Clutter Around the House
Clutter in the home provides excellent hiding places for insects, including bed bugs. By reducing clutter, you’ll deprive household pests of a quality nest. This in turn will reduce their capability to breed and multiply.
Vacuum Frequently
Bed bugs like to hitchhike. By vacuuming on a regular basis, you’ll catch any successful hitchhikers before they settle in. This will also reduce the occurrence of dust mites and other allergens in your home.
Be a Vigilant Traveler
Before staying in a hotel, check the reviews. You want to make sure that your destination is known for its cleanliness and happy reviewers. In addition, if anyone you visit reports a bed bug infestation, that’s the time to apply heat treatments in your own home. Early action prevents bed bugs from setting up house in your environment.
Final Thoughts
Bed bugs multiply quickly. However, regular maintenance and cleaning go a long way towards stopping them in their tracks. A total encasement mattress protector is a critical component in keeping them out of your bed. By taking the proper precautions, you can make your home inhospitable to these aggressive pests, and City Mattress is happy to help. Talk to one of our Sleep Experts today!