So now you’ve rid yourself of bed bugs. You played it smart and used heat extermination to get them out of your home. Unfortunately, the bed bugs could come back. They travel by people and objects, and the only defense is preparing and protecting yourself the best way you can. Harry Mitzo, owner of Akron, Canton and Columbus bed bugs control and exterminating company Bed Bugs Burners, explains why this bed bug is such a tough pest to treat and gives some helpful tips on how to best defend yourself from bed bugs.
Not Again! How to Protect Yourself
Having bed bugs is the worst. If you have used pesticides, you may be familiar with laundering all of your clothes and linens and praying that your mattress is not totally infested. If you used heat technology to kill the bugs, like Columbus bed bugs control company Bed Bug Burners offers, you may have packed up your plants and put away those sweet-smelling candles. Now what? Mitzo says, “You have to use a certain protocol to keep these things out of our homes. Bed bugs are brought into our dwellings either on our clothes unwittingly or used furniture. They are brought in by family members and guests. They can hide anywhere. It’s up to the resident to protect themselves.”
High Heat
“The home dryer is the best defense. It is extremely hot and can kill the bugs on high heat.” Mitzo says that a common misconception is that the household washing machine is effective in killing bed bugs. “The bugs can survive the wash cycles of a washing machine. If you’ve seen bed bugs, place your clothes in the dryer on high heat as soon as possible, for a minimum of 20 minutes.” Mitzo explains that his Columbus bed bug control staff uses this technique in their own homes as well.
Cautious Traveling
Research suggests that bed bugs made it to North America via international travelers. Reports claim that the popular little blood-sucking pest hitchhiked through the tourists’ luggage. If you are traveling, be mindful of your personal belongings. Luxury hotels, department stores, theaters and country clubs have been affected by the bed bug epidemic. Regardless of your lodging preferences or excursions, remember to be aware of these traveling pests, as many exterminators are trying to grasp bed bug control across the country. Mitzo and his team in Columbus,advise inspecting your luggage thoroughly, and again, turning to that trusty dryer. Dry your clothes on high heat for at least 20 minutes upon your return.
Risky Thrifting
Thrift stores are fantastic for good finds for a low cost- as one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Bed bugs, however, may think the same way. That new dresser may be fabulous, but bed bugs may have similar tastes as you do. Mitzo says to be wary of items purchased at a thrift store, and inspect any and all items coming into your home. Be cautious and and if possible, place them in the dryer as well.
If you follow these tips, you may never see bed bugs again. If you do happen to come across these rude pests again, however, contact a specialized heat exterminator, such as Bed Bug Burners as soon as possible.