ย 15% discount on all bed bug heat treatment services.
30 Days Complete Eradication Guarantee*
ย 15% discount on all bed bug heat treatment services.
30 Days Complete Eradication Guarantee*
Bed bugs โ just the thought of them makes most peopleโs skin crawl. And while they donโt carry diseases, bed bugs can make life uncomfortable with their itchy bites and knack for hiding in your most personal spaces. But hereโs the good news: with the right steps, you can prevent bed bugs from ever making themselves at home in your house.
In this guide, weโll walk you through some simple yet effective ways to keep bed bugs out of your home, with practical tips and advice you can start using today.
You might think bed bugs are something that only happens to other people. Sadly, thatโs not the case. These little pests are becoming more common due to increased travel and, surprisingly, resistance to many common insecticides.
Bed bugs can sneak into your home via luggage, second-hand furniture, and even from visitors who unknowingly carry them in. They hide in mattresses, cracks, and crevices, waiting for a good time to come out and bite. Preventing an infestation is always easier (and cheaper) than dealing with one once theyโve settled in. For more information on dealing with these pests, check out our bed bug control services.
Bed bugs are small and sneaky, so itโs essential to know how they can make their way into your space. Here are some of the most common ways they hitch a ride:
Ever had a holiday ruined by bed bugs? Itโs more common than youโd think. Bed bugs are notorious for lurking in hotel rooms, no matter how posh the place might seem. Theyโll crawl into your suitcase and hitch a ride home. Learn how to prevent this while travelling by reading our tips on bed bug prevention during travel.
Picking up a second-hand sofa or that vintage wardrobe for a steal might seem like a good ideaโuntil you realise it came with a hidden army of bed bugs. Always be cautious when bringing second-hand furniture into your home. If you need help detecting bed bugs in second-hand items, our bed bug detection services can help.
Itโs not always something you bring in yourself. Sometimes, bed bugs arrive via your guests. A visitor whoโs unaware theyโve picked up bed bugs could unknowingly introduce them into your home.
Yes, you can pick up bed bugs on the train or in public spaces. These pests love hiding in upholstered seats, and they can hop onto your bag or clothes without you even realising.
So, how do you stop bed bugs from becoming your new housemates? Here are some prevention tips you can use to protect your home.
Returning home from a trip? Donโt just throw your suitcase on the bed. Take a moment to inspect it thoroughly. Wash all your clothes, even the ones you didnโt wear, on a hot wash, and tumble-dry them on the highest setting to kill off any hitchhikers. For added protection, consider investing in bed bug-proof luggage covers.
Before you get too excited about that bargain piece of furniture, give it a good inspection. Look for tiny dark spots (bed bug faeces) or shed skins in the cracks and joints. For peace of mind, treat the furniture with a bed bug spray before bringing it inside.
Your bed is the number one place bed bugs love to hide. Keep your mattress protected with a high-quality bed bug-proof mattress cover. These encasements zip around your mattress and stop bed bugs from getting inโor out, if theyโre already there. Explore our recommendations for mattress covers.
Regular vacuuming helps reduce the chances of a bed bug problem by removing potential hiding spots. Pay extra attention to areas like skirting boards, cracks in the floorboards, and around furniture seams. Decluttering your home makes it harder for bed bugs to find places to hide.
If youโre on holiday or away from work, bed bugs are probably the last thing on your mind. But a little vigilance can go a long way in keeping them out of your home when you return.
Before unpacking, take a few minutes to inspect your hotel room. Check the mattress, headboard, and furniture for any signs of bed bugsโsmall dark spots, tiny eggs, or the bugs themselves.
If youโre a frequent traveller, itโs worth investing in a bed bug-proof luggage cover. These covers act as a barrier, making it harder for bed bugs to sneak into your bag while youโre staying in hotels.
Even with the best prevention strategies, itโs still possible for bed bugs to find their way in. The trick is to catch them early before they multiply. Hereโs what to look for:
Bed bug bites are usually small, red, and itchy, often appearing in a line or cluster. If you or your family members wake up with bites that werenโt there the night before, itโs time to investigate.
Look for blood spots on your sheets, small black dots (faecal matter), or shed bed-bug skins. Check the seams of your mattress, bed frame, and nearby furniture.
Make it a habit to check your bedding, mattress, and surrounding areas every few weeks, especially if youโve recently had visitors or travelled.
If you think youโve spotted the early signs of bed bugs, donโt panic. Hereโs what you should do next:
Start by thoroughly inspecting the area to confirm the presence of bed bugs. If you find evidence, donโt try to handle it alone. Professional pest control services are your best bet for fully eradicating bed bugs from your home.
Once youโve got rid of bed bugs, the last thing you want is for them to come back. Hereโs how to keep your home protected:
Preventing bed bugs from entering your home might feel like an extra task on your list, but the peace of mind it offers is well worth it. By following these simple stepsโwhether youโre travelling, buying second-hand furniture, or just doing your weekly cleanโyou can significantly reduce the chances of ever having to deal with an infestation.
At ThermoPest, weโre experts in keeping bed bugs out of your home. If youโre worried about bed bugs or suspect an infestation, give us a call. Weโll help you take the right steps to protect your home, so you can sleep soundly, knowing youโre safe from those pesky pests.
