When it comes to infestations, few pests are more dreaded than bedbugs. While there are many myths surrounding bedbugs, these pests are always a nuisance and they can be extremely difficult to get rid of on your own. Follow these tips to prevent the spread of a bedbug infestation and learn how you can take back your home if a bedbug problem has already presented itself.
Launder Clothing Carefully
Bedbugs can easily travel on clothing to a new location even if you have cleaned your home or hotel room. To prevent bedbugs from spreading through your clothing, dry the clothes you plan to wear on the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes. This includes all fabric accessories, which can easily house bedbugs for a short period of time. Once your clothes are out of the dryer, shake them out and store any clothes you do not plan to wear immediately in a plastic bag.
Check Luggage
If you believe your items were infested with bedbugs after traveling, check your bags, purses, backpacks and other cloth containers thoroughly. Suitcases should be carefully inspected since bedbugs can hide in pockets and storage compartments. Vacuum your luggage and place cloth bags in the dryer for more efficient treatment.
Contain the Infestation
Bedbugs can easily travel from one room to another, but moving items increases the risk of spreading the infestation. If you need to move to a different room after you have been in an infested area, change your clothing and put your used clothes in the dryer on the highest setting.
Don’t Throw Away Furniture
While it may seem like common sense to throw away furniture infested with bedbugs, this is hardly ever the solution to an infestation. All that will end up happening is the spread of bedbugs throughout your home as you move the furniture to the front door. Leaving infested furniture on the curb only ensures that the infestation will spread to someone else. In many cases, your furniture can be salvaged with professional bedbug treatments.
Get Professional Help
Store-bought products only go so far when it comes to eliminating a bedbug infestation, and the chemicals are often unsafe to use around children and pets. Preventive Pest Control offers safe pest control services you can rely on. Allow the professionals to contain and eliminate the bedbugs in your home. This is a cost-effective option since many people spend thousands of dollars unnecessarily throwing away furniture and other items that could be salvaged by professional pest control experts. Call Preventive today to get a quote and find out how trained Houston bed bug control technicians in your area can help you regain control over your home.