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How to Prevent Bringing Bed Bugs into Your Home

Bed bugs often make it into a new home after a member of the household has traveled or after second-hand furniture has been brought indoors. While most pests will invade a home through open doors or windows, bed bugs spread after hitchhiking a ride on backpacks, suitcases, or used furniture. By remaining vigilant about checking for signs of bed bugs, you can drastically reduce your chances of bringing them into your home.

Unpacked suitcase on a bed

Preventing Bed Bugs After Traveling

One of the main origins of a bed bug infestation is when someone returns home from traveling. Hotels and other lodging destinations are hubs for bed bugs, so it’s up to you to conduct the final inspection of your room. To keep these bugs out of your home: 

  • When moving or traveling, be on the lookout for bed bug signs. 
  • Look at the lining and inside of your suitcase before taking it inside to unpack.
  • Wash all clothes that were packed in hot water. 
  • Before storing away your suitcase, vacuum or steam-clean it.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs Spreading in Apartment Buildings

The risk of getting bed bugs is greater for those who live in dorms or apartment buildings. Knowing the signs of an infestation is vital if this is where you or someone close to you lives (like a child in college). If there are any small black or red stains on bedding, if you are experiencing bites, or if you have actually spotted a bed bug, contact your property manager or landlord immediately. Your unit needs to be treated as soon as possible to prevent bed bugs from spreading to other units.

Can Bed Bugs Spread from One Unit to Another?

Yes, bed bugs spread rather slowly, but they make up for their slow speed with their creative migration to new areas. Bed bugs can easily make their way through a building and will end up in other units if left uncontrolled. If the bed bugs can be noticed and stopped early on, this can prevent them from infesting other units. 

Are Landlords Responsible for Bed Bugs in Apartments?

The landlord is often responsible for extermination costs unless the infestation can be traced back to the tenant. Each state is different across the nation as the states have unique statutes for landlords.

Best Bed Bug Home Prevention in Flushing NY

Since bed bugs are brought in from an infested item or location, the best way you can prevent bed bugs is by monitoring the items that are brought into your home. Despite the best of efforts, bed bug infestations can still happen at any point in any home. Bringing in a professional bed bug exterminator is your best solution if your home ever experiences a bed bug infestation!

How to Prevent Bringing Bed Bugs into Your Home Serving Flushing NY and Port Washington NY

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