Helpful Tips for Bed Bug Prevention

Helpful Tips for Bed Bug Prevention

How To Prevent Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are pesky and problematic. If not treated in a timely manner, a single bug can quickly lead to a full-fledged infestation. The best way to avoid them is by being proactive – not reactive. With a few simple safety measures, you can help ensure your bed and your home stay free of these pests. 


Read up on these tips to learn how you can take steps to prevent bed bugs:


Travel Smart

One of the most common ways to get bed bugs is by traveling. Whether you’re staying in a hotel or renting a room, it’s important to confirm your space is bed bug-free before you unpack anything. Using the flashlight on your phone, look at the edges and seams of the mattress, box spring, and bed frame. You should also check furniture that’s near the bed, such as nightstands. If you find signs of bed bugs, immediately notify management, and request another room that’s in a separate part of the building.


Upon your return, examine your luggage or suitcase before taking it inside. Use a handheld vacuum to get into all the crevices. You can also follow up with a hand steamer. Be sure to wash all the clothes you traveled with and put them in a hot dryer.


Inspect Second Hand Items

Bed bugs are great hitchhikers and hiders. They tend to travel on furniture, bedding, luggage, and clothing. Before bringing any used items into your home, make sure you check for signs of bed bugs. Even if something looks clean at first glance, it could be harboring a few troublesome travelers. Look in between cracks, seams, tufts and under cushions. For extra caution, you can use an insecticide spray to treat the secondhand items and kill any bed bugs and eggs that may be hidden from plain view.


Protect Your Bed 

Add an extra layer of protection to your bed with bed bug-proof encasements. Not only do these zippered covers eliminate hiding spots for bed bugs, but they also help protect and preserve your investment. Our premium line of PureCare mattress and pillow protectors act as barriers against bed bugs, as well as moisture, allergens, dust mites, mold, mildew, and stains. As another precaution, you can regularly wash and dry your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets on the highest setting.


Clean Up Clutter

Clutter provides additional places for bed bugs to hide, which can make it harder to locate and treat them. Reduce your risk of a bed bug infestation by tidying up your space. Pick up clothes and other things from off the ground. Move items out from underneath your bed and store them in sealed plastic containers. You can also get rid of stray bed bugs by vacuuming frequently. 


Put Bed Bugs to Bed 

Following these tips can help you defend against bed bugs, but it’s important to continually monitor your entire home to prevent infestations from occurring. Looking to upgrade your bed and your bed bug defense? Come into Mattress Firm El Paso and let one of our sleep experts help you pick out the best mattress and accessories for a safe and sound night's sleep.
Back to blog