Breathing a sigh of relief after a bed bug treatment? Even a few weeks after a treatment, the potential for a new infestation still exists; however, you can prevent reinfestations from happening. Our Malvern bed bug prevention specialists offer this guide on avoiding a new bed bug infestation.
Why Do Bed Bugs Return?
Bed bugs that infest a home again can enter in several ways, including clinging to clothing, furniture, or luggage.
How Do You Prevent Reinfestation? Create An Environment That’s Clean and Unfriendly To Bed Bugs
Consider performing these tasks after a bed bug treatment:
- Deep clean your living spaces.
- Vacuum your floors, rugs, and upholstered furniture thoroughly.
- Pay extra attention to the cracks and crevices of your home. Bed bugs love hiding in such spaces.
- If using a vacuum, seal the bag in plastic and dispose of it safely outdoors.
Less Clutter Means Less Hiding Spots
Believe it or not, bed bugs thrive in cluttered homes. The reason lies in the opportunities for hiding. Without that clutter, you eliminate those hiding spots. All that mess spells trouble for you, whether it’s a pile of unwashed clothes, stacks of books, or something else. Minimize items around your sleeping areas.
Properly store clothes in plastic containers and organize under-the-bed storage spaces in airtight bins rather than open baskets. Keeping items sealed instead of out in the open decreases the likelihood of bed bugs hiding somewhere in your home.
Consider Regular Monitoring and Know When To Act
Regular monitoring is the most effective measure for preventing bed bugs for Malvern homeowners. This means periodically inspecting your mattress, box springs, bed frames, and baseboards. Remember to look for dark spots, shed skin, or brownish-red stains. Consider using bed bug interceptor traps in areas such as the legs of your bed and furniture. While cost-effective, they provide a highly effective solution in terms of prevention.
Early detection is crucial for preventing new infestations. You can address the issue promptly before it worsens. If any suspicious signs are present, EasyPM is ready to hear from you and handle the situation.
Be Extra Cautious When Traveling
If you travel, be vigilant upon returning. Inspect mattress seams, headboards, and hotel furniture to prevent bed bug infestations. Keep your luggage on racks out of the way of beds. Bed bugs travel in your luggage.
Research your accommodation ahead of time. For hotels or AirBNBs, review customer feedback closely. Watch for mentions of bed bugs or other pests. If you see repeated complaints, choose another lodging option.
Inspect Before Buying Secondhand Furniture
Thrift stores and online marketplaces often offer furniture for sale. However, there are hidden dangers, such as bed bugs, that can lurk in joints, seams, and cushions—perfect hiding spots that are hard to detect during an inspection. Before buying second-hand furniture or any other used items, make sure to conduct a thorough examination.
If you’re uncertain, it’s best to avoid the purchase. Only buy furniture when you’re confident that it has been adequately treated.
Seal Cracks and Entry Points
Bed bugs often enter through numerous entry points in multi-unit homes and apartment buildings. To reduce the risk of migration, seal the cracks and entry points around baseboards, outlets, and light switches. Caulk the gaps from top to bottom where the ceilings meet the walls and where the floors meet the walls.
Need Bed Bug Treatment? Call Us Now!
A bed bug treatment addresses infestations, but prevention is your responsibility. We hope this guide helps you implement measures to prevent future bed bug problems. EasyPM proudly offers bed bug control services to homeowners in Malvern and nearby areas.
While our methods are effective, some bed bugs may survive. These prevention methods target those survivors. Contact us if you notice a potential reinfestation. Whether eliminating an existing infestation or preventing a new one, reach out to EasyPM today at 484-206-5055.
