How to prevent bed bugs

Introduction

Bed bugs are insects that usually stay on the sofas, pillows, and beds in our homes to feed on our blood, leaving annoying reddish bites as their only trace. It is an insect that is difficult to eliminate from our home but must nevertheless be eliminated to guarantee our health since it could be responsible for the spread of serious diseases such as Chagas disease or Hepatitis B. Prevention It is the best way to prevent this insect from increasing in our home, which is why we explain how to prevent bed bugs effectively.

How to prevent bed bugs

Steps to follow:

1. To prevent bed bugs from entering our homes, avoiding picking up sofas, armchairs, mattresses, or headboards from the street is very important. Even when this furniture is in good condition, it could have bed bugs inside, causing an infestation in your home that will be difficult to eliminate later.

Suppose you choose to pick up a piece of furniture from the street. In that case, the recommendation is that you vacuum it very well and deeply to try to eliminate any traces of bed bugs, then make sure to dispose of the contents of the vacuum cleaner outside the home.

2. If you live in a building, all the plugs and switches in your home must be very well attached to the walls; this way, you prevent insects, including bed bugs, from travelling from an apartment next to yours.
3. Covering and repairing any cracks in the wall is also advisable, another way for bed bugs to sneak into your home and wreak havoc.
4. All the mattresses in your home must be covered with an anti-insect cover from those sold on the market to protect you against bed bugs and insects such as mites or fleas.
5. It is important to get used to not placing backpacks, bags and suitcases on the mattress and sofas to prevent bed bugs. These types of objects that we use outside our home can be infested with insects that, when they come into contact with our bed or furniture, will find the perfect environment to reproduce and feed.
6. Furthermore, hygiene is a fundamental aspect. Keeping your home clean and tidy will make it difficult for insects to invade. Vacuuming the furniture and curtains at least once a week is recommended; in the same way, it is advisable to check the mattress every time we change the sheets to ensure there are no traces of bed bugs.

Bed Bug Detection

If you only stay in one place for a short time, you may not notice the presence of bed bugs. Only if there is a heavy infestation can the affected rooms have a bitter and unpleasant smell. Bed bugs searching for food on the floor or walls are less common.

Even in your home, it’s often difficult to tell that bed bugs have occupied residence. One indication can be bed bug bites, which can appear as small red bumps on the skin. However, not everyone reacts to the bites of these insects, which are only a few millimetres in size. They can also be found behind light switches or wallpaper near the bed. In addition to bed bugs, you’ll see black droppings and reddish-brown moulted shells there. If you suspect a bed bug infestation without having found a nest, a pest control professional can help.

Conclusion

This article is merely informative. We do not have the power to prescribe medical treatment or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you have any condition or discomfort.