Prevention

These low-risk habits can reduce the chance of bed bugs spreading in your home.

• Inspect secondhand furniture thoroughly before bringing it indoors.
• Use a protective encasement on mattresses and box springs and zip pillow protectors.
• Reduce clutter where bed bugs can hide and vacuum floors regularly.

Combine prevention with early detection; consider professional help if you find signs.

After travel, check luggage and nearby areas for bed bug signs such as tiny brown spots (fecal marks), pale shed skins, small eggs or eggshells, and live or flattened bugs. Early detection can help prevent establishing an infestation in your home.

Travel smart habits can lower the risk of picking up bed bugs and spreading them to your home.

• Inspect hotel rooms for live bugs, shed skins, or dark spots on mattresses and furniture.
• Keep luggage on a luggage rack away from beds and walls; consider using a hard-shell case.
• Wash and dry travel clothes on high heat as soon as possible after returning home.
• Store luggage in a sealed area for several weeks if you suspect exposure.

Early detection and careful storage help with prevention and make follow-up easier if needed.

Use non-chemical methods as part of an integrated approach and consult a licensed pest professional for assessment.

• Heat: Wash and dry infested items on the highest heat settings recommended for the fabrics.
• Vacuuming: Carefully vacuum cracks and crevices, then dispose of the bag or canister contents in a sealed outdoor bin.
• Barrier methods: Use mattress and box spring encasements labeled for bed bugs to reduce harborage and make detection easier.

These steps can help manage bed bugs, but they are generally most effective when combined with professional guidance.