Bed bugs love clutter and may be your biggest enemy if you have too much of it. Clutter not only makes it harder to provide a space with heat, but also gives an infinite number of hiding places for bed bugs. The bed bug population can be reduced, but not eliminated, if the environment remains disorganized.
Tips for clearing clutter.
When not in use, shoes, bedding, toys, books, extra clothing, and other goods can be conveniently stored in plastic containers with lids and big zip-top bags. The fact that these containers will provide a “protected zone” outside of which bed bugs cannot enter is an advantage.
Avoid letting books and periodicals pile up. To limit the amount of clutter where bed bugs can hide, throw them away or shred them. Plastic file storage containers are a good place to put important documents. Never let your dirty clothing accumulate on the floor. Use hampers as an alternative.
Don’t – Donate goods with bed bugs.
During their efforts to reduce clutter, many people like to donate unwanted goods. Although this is a terrific method to clear up clutter, if you think your home may be infested with bed bugs, you should NOT donate or remove any items from it. Before removing any objects from the house, they should all be treated for bed bugs and the efficacy of the treatment confirmed.
DO – Exercise caution when in public.
Be mindful of where you travel and how you position any items that could “take up” the hitchhikers, such as purses, luggage, and backpacks.
DON’T – Discard your belongings.
Items with bed bugs should NOT be thrown into the trash, on the ground, or in an alley. The mere mention of bed bugs makes many people cringe and want to toss everything away. This is unneeded and can exacerbate the issue. Bed bugs can fall off of the item and spread across the house to areas that aren’t infected as you disturb the bed bugs and move items around the house.
Never put goods with bed bugs on the curb or alongside dumpsters. When unaware individuals pick up a perfectly nice couch, mattress, or dresser and bring it home, they risk bringing bed bugs with them and spreading an infestation throughout their own residences.
If an item must be discarded, it must be wrapped and packed in plastic to prevent bed bugs from falling off during travel. Ensure that all objects are completely contained by wrapping them in plastic, taping them, and clearly labeling each bag with “WARNING – BED BUGS PRESENT” prior to transporting them through your home, out onto your sidewalk, or into your dumpster. If you engage a waste removal service to remove bed bug-infested goods, you should inform them that the items are infested.
DO – Research bed bugs in more detail.
The more knowledgeable a person is about bed bugs, prevention, and treatments, the more successful their treatments are.
DON’T – Turn a blind eye to bed bugs.
If you see or think you have bed bugs, let people know so they don’t come over and take some with them. Bed bugs don’t mean you or your home are “dirty,” and you shouldn’t feel bad about having a problem with them. Also, you’ll be doing your friends and family a big favor by telling them NOT to come over until the problem is fixed. Or, if your friends have been to your house and you find bed bugs, call them right away!!!
DO – Use Heat
Without a doubt, the best technique to get rid of bed bugs is with heat. A well executed heat treatment works faster and more efficiently than any other treatment.
For more information on heat treatments contact us at (410) 929-3420.
