Chandler Homeowners’ Handy Bed Bug Prevention Guide

Bed bug infestations are more common than you may think, and this tiny troublesome bug is difficult to remove once it makes itself at home in your Chandler property. Thankfully, you can follow some prevention tips to stop bed bugs from taking over your home.

Understanding Bed Bug Infestations

Bed bug infestations often carry the notion that a home is dirty, but this is actually a common misconception. Bed bug infestations can happen to anyone, and they are not particularly attracted to areas of dirt or cluttered homes. In general, bed bugs will seek out an area where they can safely hide during the day and come out at night to feed. Their favorite areas to hide out in include mattresses, sheets, and blankets (hence the name bed bugs), but they may also be found in sofas, chairs, clothing, suitcases, and in crevices on walls or floors.

Bed bug infestations usually start in one of two ways – through travel or by purchasing second-hand furniture and appliances. When traveling, you are likely to stay in places that many people have also passed through, which increases the chances of encountering bed bugs hiding out and waiting to hitch a ride on suitcases or clothing to a new location. And with second-hand furniture or appliances, bed bugs can easily hide into crevices or cracks and be transported into your home where they set up shop.

Once you realize you have bed bugs on your Chandler property, you will want to contact the professionals at Green Home Pest Control immediately – the sooner an infestation is contained, the sooner you can get back to living worry-free.

Preventing The Spread Of Bed Bugs

While sometimes picking up bed bugs is unavoidable due to their small size and expert hiding skills, there are some prevention tips you can follow to reduce your chances of this:

• When in hotels, place your suitcase on the luggage rack or other elevated area. This makes it harder for bed bugs to climb into and hide in it.

• Check the corners and seams of mattresses and sheets before sleeping in a hotel bed, as bed bugs prefer these areas. You can also keep a lookout for reddish-brown or rust-colored stains on the sheets.

• After returning from travel, place all of your clothes into a hot dryer immediately. The heat will kill any stray bed bugs which may be tagging along.

• When possible, place second-hand furniture and appliances on a white sheet before moving them into your home. This is to see if any bed bugs fall off of it. 

• Check second-hand furniture and appliances with a flashlight. Shine the light into any hidden areas, cracks, or crevices to look for signs of bed bugs. 

• Run a gloved hand over seams and into cracks or hidden areas of furniture or appliances. Check your glove for any reddish-brown or rust-colored stain, as this can be a major bed bug sign.

Professional Bed Bug Removal

Bed bug prevention may work to deter these pesky insects, but it is never a 100 percent guarantee. If you do encounter bed bugs in your home, contact the professionals at Green Home Pest Control. For over 30 years, we have provided personalized services using eco-friendly products that are safe for children and pets. Call us today and get the expert bed bug removal you need.