Bed Bug Basics: 10 Tips to Protect Yourself

They have been drinking human blood since antiquity. Their itchy red bites were as common as the common cold until 1940. After that – five decades of blissful bedbugslessness. And now they are back.

So, exactly how big is the bed bug pandemic? It’s huge! Today 1 of 5 Americans has either had bed bugs or they know someone who has encountered them.

What gives chinches their super spawning powers? 3 things!

First – they are non-discriminating equal opportunity pests – rich, poor, clean, grubby, vegan or carnivore – bed bugs just love everyone!

Second – they are expert stowaways. Put your bag on the wrong chair somewhere and the insects are all aboard the train to your place.

Third – these creatures are small and elusive – tiny vampires that would only come out at night.

That’s why so many people don’t even know they have them! Until it’s a full-fledged infestation.

If it happens to you – don’t panic! Call a licensed pest professional. Bed bugs are not a DIY (Do-it-yourself) project! In fact, doing it yourself can have disastrous consequences like literally having to throw away all of your furniture, your carpets and your beds.

You can pick up chinches anywhere – planes, dorms, daycares, offices, taxis, hospitals… They even hit famous tourist attractions like the Empire State Building. Hotels (even fancy ones) are another favorite bedbug’s stop.

Lots of home owners are calling professionals as a precautionary measure. An expert could help you guard against all kind of common invaders, not just bed bugs.

10 tips for preventing bug infestations:

Know the signs – bed bugs can shredder skin or leave pepper-like sports on surfaces. If you see debris between your mattresses or in other crevices do not assume it is some sort of dirt – investigate!
Change your bed linens often – and stay on the lookout for evidences.
Inspect hotel rooms before you settle in. Keep your bags as far from furniture and carpet as possible. Bathroom tail is your safest place. Inspect the bed and furniture. And remember – chinch bugs are not just in beds.
Inspect your luggage – even if the host is clear, you just never know. When you get home, inspect your suitcase. Bring your clothes home in a plastic bag, then wash and dry them on high heat.
Examine used furnishings – watch out for antiques and second hand furniture. Examine them too, before you bring them home.
Examine and wash new clothes – inspect new garment before you leave the store and wash them before putting them away.
Bags off the floor – wherever you go, keep your baggage away from the floor if it’s possible.
De-clutter – then if chinch bugs do get in you can easily detect them, call a professional and avert a crisis.
Don’t ignore them – if you see or feel anything suspicious, pay attention! Sleeping in a different room would just expend their territory.

Bedbugs find you by following the Carbon dioxide you exhale, so unless you plan on holding your breath for a really long time, they will find you. So if you suspect you have bed bugs, then…