About bed bugs can crawl up to four feet in a minute, easily making it across rooms and hallways in hotels and apartment complexes. They also travel in bags or purses, and can hitch a ride on secondhand furniture or clothes. They’re good at hiding during the day and can escape to your home or condo from the outside.
What is pest and method of pest control?
You can help prevent a bed bug infestation by taking the following steps:
Reduce clutter. Vacuum all surfaces, paying special attention to cracks and crevices. Vacuum frequently, especially after returning from a trip. Dump the vacuum contents out to keep them from coming back in.
Wash all linens, including sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress covers. Put them in a hot dryer for 30 minutes to kill any bed bugs or eggs.
Consider using mattress and box spring covers that can be closed shut (the kind used for dust mite control). Seal cracks and crevices. Use caulk to cover any gaps where pipes or wires enter your house. Do not place a TV or computer on the edge of a desk, as these are common places for bed bugs to hide.
Caregivers, firefighters and police officers often enter infested dwellings to provide assistance. These individuals are at risk of bringing the pests back to their homes or workplaces. Caregivers should wash their clothes and shoes as soon as possible when leaving an infested dwelling. They should also wear a pair of slippers or shoes in the home to minimize contact with other surfaces.