Bed bugs are one of the most invasive pests that can invade your Florida home. These tiny, sneaky pests will hitchhike through items, including your purse, luggage, and even used furniture to get inside your home and make it theirs. Once bed bugs infest your home, it’s difficult to get rid of them, so it’s crucial to have a plan of action if they invade. We breakdown what to do if you find yourself with a bed bug infestation.
Identify the Bed Bug Problem
The first step to get rid of bed bugs is to determine where the bed bugs came from in the first place. If you have found these pests in one area of your home, it’s likely that they’ve spread throughout it. Look around and inspect all your home areas, including beds and other furniture, to understand the extent of the infestation.
Have a Plan Ready
Once you’ve investigated your bed bug problem, write down the dates and locations where these pests were found. This will help you keep track and know where your pest control provider needs to target removal efforts. Even after bed bug treatments, make sure you are checking these areas for at least a year to ensure these pests are all gone.
Contain & Prevent a Bed Bug Infestation
To help ensure a bed bug infestation doesn’t occur or to contain the living bed bugs from spreading at your property, utilize these tips:
- Purchase protective covers that seal mattresses and box springs; these covers will trap the bed bugs and they will eventually die off.
- Destroy any furniture if you cannot remove the bed bugs completely instead of giving it away to others.
- Seal furniture or other items in airtight plastic bags to ensure the bed bugs are trapped inside.
Likewise, there are some easy do-it-yourself tips you can do to help prevent bed bugs from invading in the future:
- Routinely check linens and mattresses for signs of bed bugs
- Vacuum suitcases when returning from a trip
- Thoroughly inspect any used furniture before bringing them into your home
- Immediately wash your clothes in hot water and dry them on high heat after returning from travel
- Check the bed bug registry for your travel accommodations to see if they have any recent reports of bed bugs
Schedule a Bed Bug Removal Treatment
The most effective way to eliminate live bed bugs from your home is to hire an experienced pest control company. These professionals will assess your bed bug situation, recommend the best treatment option, and provide a bed bug control and prevention plan.
