How do I get rid of bed bugs?

Clean & Check Your Bags

Trying to get rid of bed bugs can be tough. The simplest way to prevent bed bugs is to avoid bringing infested items into your home. Of course, that’s easier said than done! Bed bugs can hitch a ride into your home on infested luggage, furniture, bedding, or clothing.

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It’s Time to Come Clean

Attack Bed Bugs With The All-Mighty Vacuum

  • Vacuuming high-risk areas such as the mattress, box spring, bed frame, furniture, drawers and the floor near the bed can remove many eggs and bugs.
  • Remove vacuum bag immediately after use and dispose in a sealed plastic bag.
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Top 10 Bed Bug Hot Spots

Even if you can’t see the bugs crawling around, you may spot their rust-colored dark spots or “happy trails.” Using a very bright flashlight, check the following places in your home or hotel room:

  1. Mattress and boxspring seams
  2. Bedsheets
  3. Baseboards
  4. Picture frames
  5. Electrical outlet plugs
  6. Behind loose wallpaper
  7. Luggage
  8. Cracks in the headboard and bed frame
  9. Bedskirts
  10. Upholstered furniture
Smart Travel Tips
  • Pull back the sheets to see if there are signs of bugs on the mattress seams or the back of the headboard.
  • Hang clothes in the closet instead of using drawers if you are not sure about the presence of bed bugs. Or, place luggage and clothes in the bathroom, which is less likely to have bed bugs.
  • When you get home, thoroughly inspect your luggage for hitchhikers.
  • When storing your luggage at home, seal it in large plastic bags such as Grands sacs de Ziploc® brand Big Bags.
Bed Bug Fun Facts
  1. While their bites may drive you crazy, bed bugs have not been shown to transmit any diseases like mosquitoes or fleas do.
  2. About 30% of the population does not get any reaction from bed bug bites. Others experience swelling and itching.
  3. Bed bugs cannot fly. They are transported by crawling or clinging to something we move.
One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Bed Bug Hotel
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Never, ever pick up used furniture from the street or a garage sale without first inspecting it thoroughly and/or treating it. You never know what critters are lurking on the cushions of that fluffy couch!

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Expert Tip

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Hot water and dryer heat will kill bed bugs. If you suspect an intruder, wash all clothing and bedding in hot water and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.

Dust Your Bed Off and Try Again
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Early detection is key. If you spot bed bug bites or signs of bugs, start treating the problem immediately before it gets out of control. Then, continue to monitor infested areas for more signs of bed bug activity. If things get progressively worse after 6-8 weeks, call a professional.

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