Does anything keep bed bugs away?

The four best ways to prevent bed bugs in your home or property:

1. Recognize the signs of bed bugs.
2. Take caution when buying used items.
3. Be extra careful when traveling.
4. Take precautions at home.

Keep bed bugs away for good

No one wants bed bugs in their property. Thankfully, there are several ways you can lessen the risk of getting an infestation. 

• Know how to spot the signs of a problem early on. Bed bugs will leave dark fecal spots on mattresses and upholstery. Their bites can leave blood spots on bedding and red, itchy marks on your skin.
• Prior to buying or bringing used items indoors, thoroughly inspect them for signs of bed bugs.
• Cover power outlets with a plug and cover your mattress with a protector to take away bed bugs’ top hiding places.
• If you are traveling, inspect your hotel room and take care when unpacking your suitcase when getting back from a trip.

Avoiding a bed bug infestation in Knoxville

Bed bugs are a more common pest problem than you likely want to admit. In addition to the tips mentioned above, there are a few more ways to stay extra careful about bed bugs. Vacuum frequently and reduce clutter in your home to reduce hiding places for bed bugs. Be careful about using shared laundry facilities or laundromats. If you live in a dorm or apartment building, be aware of bed bug infestations that your neighbors may be experiencing.

Long-term bed bug prevention

There’s no tried-and-true method to keep bed bugs away. In sum, it’s smart to stay proactive at all times. Whether you’re traveling, have a college student coming home from school for the holidays, or have a neighbor with a bed bug problem, it’s important to take every step possible to keep bed bugs out of your property. Always contact your local exterminator for more help preventing or controlling bed bugs.