Whether you’re the hardworking type or a chronic procrastinator, you still deserve a good night’s sleep. As much as possible, we all want to correct our sleeping habits—be it sleeping with the lights off or exercising regularly.

But have you ever come across reports of creatures lurking in the dark, ready to feed on the blood of people and animals? They can even survive months without a single blood meal. Mind you, they can surely disrupt your sleeping patterns without you knowing it.

These sneaky creatures have been known as bed bugs. Did that ring any bell? As per the United States Environmental Protection Agency, allergic reactions to their bites can result in anaphylaxis, secondary reactions (e.g., impetigo, ecthyma, and lymphangitis), and negative effects on mental health, including anxiety, insomnia, and systemic reactions.

But there’s no need to panic! All you need to do is to figure out how to deal with this bed bug problem the smart way.

Here are 5 ways to prevent a bed bug infestation:

bed bug on mattress

    • Check for any signs of bed bug infestation.

      Before you purchase any of the premium pesticides, the first thing you need to do is to make sure you know what you’re dealing with. 

After all, if you want to effectively eliminate the bed bugs, you must know your enemy. Know more about their behavior and habits as well as their hiding places in which they also mate and breed.

It’s also important to note that other furniture aside from your bed can be their target, despite what their name suggests. Thus, this makes it more difficult to locate them. If needed, getting help from your local professional bed bug exterminators could go a long way.

    • Declutter.

      This is the next straightforward but crucial step that should be included in the list. How could it be any more intuitive? But surprisingly, even a lot of people don’t get it right. 

Even mistakes in disposing of bed bug-infested items could potentially worsen the situation. Especially after vacuuming, make sure the vacuum bag is sealed to prevent the bed bugs from escaping.

You might be tempted to leave everything to the professionals, but to effectively remedy your bed bug problem, preparing your room for a thorough bed bug treatment will ease the process. It pays to be proactive!

Second-hand furniture

    • Be wary about getting second-hand furniture.

      If your beloved furniture can be a bed bug target, what makes you think used furniture can’t? But that doesn’t mean you should avoid doing so by all means. You just have to be smart about it!

Before you welcome the item to your home, it’s important to inspect for any signs of bed bug infestation, especially with upholstered furniture.

Once you know how these bad boys work, you’ll get the idea of how they survive and escape. 

laundry of bed sheets

    • Regularly wash your bed sheets and other bedding.

      The dirtier your bed is, the more likely it becomes a breeding ground. 

Dead skin cells, saliva, and sweat tend to stick on your bed, making it a honeypot for germs, fungi, and pests (of course, bed bugs aren’t an exception). Make sure you frequently change and wash your bed sheets, mattresses, curtains, and carpets.

Pest Control

    • Seek help from professional bed bug exterminators

      No matter how much time we spend researching for the best DIY approach to bed bug removal, sometimes we still need the expertise and experience of professional pest control experts.

If their services go as far as protecting your overall health from the negative effects of bed bug infestation, I’d say it’s a good investment. 

Long term solutions

At the end of the day, it’s important to think long-term when it comes to pest control. For somebody who is constantly striving to improve their living situation and overall well-being, taking care of one’s home is part of the process.

You need proper rest as much as you need to work. Also, with the right bed bug removal service and by following these tips, your bedroom will be pest-free in no time!