How to Avoid Bed Bugs

Keep bed bugs from entering your home with a few simple techniques.

Bed bugs are small nocturnal parasites that feed on warm-blooded animals. The tiny insects seek out people and animals, generally at night while their hosts are asleep and sip a few drops of blood. Bed bug bites may result in mild to intense allergic responses in those sensitive to their bite. The bugs can also cause an infestation quickly and are difficult to get eliminate. It's best to take precautions so bed bugs never come into your home in the first place.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic mattress cover
• Neem oil spray

Instructions

1. Inspect used furniture you bring into your home--especially beds and couches--for bed bugs. Check in the cracks and crevices of the furniture where they might hide.

2. Vacuum floors, mattresses, drapes and closets regularly to keep bed bugs from congregating. Avoid clutter in your home, especially around your bed.

3. Repair any cracks or crevices in your home to prevent bed bugs from entering. Cover mattresses with plastic to prevent bed bugs from getting in or out.

4. Mist neem oil spray lightly onto your mattress, box springs and along baseboards. Neem oil is a natural bed bug repellent you can find at most garden centers.

5. Unpack your suitcase in the garage, not in your bedroom or on your bed, after traveling. This will prevent any hitchhiking bed bugs from finding shelter in your home. Remove clothing immediately and wash and dry in high-temperature settings.

Tips & Warnings

• Check bedding and mattresses regularly for any signs that bed bugs are present. A common sign is blood droplets on the sheets. If you find any bed bugs, treat them immediately to prevent them from multiplying and spreading.

References

• Cornell University: ResourceGuideforOrganicInsectandDiseaseManagement
• University of Kentucky: BedBugs

Resources

• Penn State: Bed Bugs