Close-up of a bed bug in the Greater DC and Baltimore areas

An infestation of bed bugs near Columbia can turn into a devastating problem without the help of an experienced exterminator. While you can’t perform effective bed bug treatment without a pest management company, you can take some steps to prevent bed bugs from infesting your home or business. Here are some great tips from exterminators for protecting yourself from bed bugs.

Keep Your Home or Business Free from Clutter

Bed bug infestations can happen even in the cleanest homes and businesses. It is much harder to recognize the early warning signs of a bed bug infestation in cluttered, messy environments, however, as there are more places for bed bugs to hide. It is also harder for an exterminator to provide bed bug treatments in a home or business that is full of clutter. You can reduce your risk of a dangerous and costly bed bug infestation by keeping all areas tidy and free of clutter. It will also be much easier to control and eliminate a bed bug infestation when the bugs have fewer places to hide.

Avoid Activities and Places that Increase Your Risk of Bed Bugs

The best way to prevent a bed bug infestation is to avoid visiting areas that are already infested. Bed bugs are incredibly hardy, and can easily travel on clothing and belongings. Do not bring home furniture or other items that you find by the side of the road. When possible, don’t buy second-hand clothing, bedding, or furniture, unless it’s from a reputable source. If you do suspect that you have come into contact with bed bugs, you should immediately hire an exterminator that has extensive experience in bed bug inspections and exterminations.

Take Care When Traveling

When traveling, you should make sure to investigate hotels, hostels, and other lodgings to ensure that they do not have bed bug infestations. You can inspect your lodging for bed bugs before unpacking to reduce your risk of infestation. You should also inspect your luggage, clothing, and other belongings for bed bugs before leaving an environment that may have bed bugs.