Bedbugs can be a major nuisance. They can get into bedding, clothing, furniture, and even walls. Their bites lead to itching and inflammation, and contrary to popular belief, these pesky critters don’t just reside in dirty motel rooms or low-income apartment buildings. A bedbug infestation can show up just about anywhere, but there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your home.

How to Prevent a Bedbug Infestation

1. Inspect Secondhand Purchases

One of the fastest ways to bring bedbugs into your home is by bringing in items that once belonged to other people, like secondhand furniture or clothing. So if you do choose to purchase items from thrift stores or garage sales, it’s imperative that you carefully inspect those items before bringing them into your home.

2. Use Care When Traveling

Hotels and travel destinations are also popular sources for bedbugs, as they see so much traffic from different people who all share the same beds and furniture. So whether you’re staying in a cheap motel or a five-star establishment, it’s important that you inspect the bedding and furniture before jumping in and unpacking. Specifically, don’t put your suitcase and clothing on the bed before giving it a thorough once-over.

3. Invest in Mattress Protectors

You can also invest in protective casings for your mattress and box spring to keep the critters from making their way into your actual bed. That way, even if one does hitchhike into your home on your clothes or other belongings, it might not find a place suitable for an infestation. These casings also can make it easier to spot bedbugs right away.

4. Reduce Clutter

If you have a home full of clutter, it provides plenty of spaces for bedbugs to hide. Get your belongings off the floor and keep your home as organized as possible to give those pests less of an opportunity to find suitable homes.

5. Vacuum Frequently

It’s also a good idea to vacuum regularly to get rid of any potential stray critters who have found their way into your home but haven’t had time to reproduce. Don’t just go over your floors, but vacuum couches, curtains, and other furniture as well.

If you do find yourself with a bedbug infestation, you need to call a pest control company right away. Acme Pest Control Co. is a residential pest control provider in Concord, NC, that specializes in the removal of bedbugs and other pests like termites, roaches, and rodents. You can call (704) 786-4166 or contact the company online to set up an appointment.