Bed Bugs Travel Prevention

As a common nuisance in apartment complexes and multi-unit dwellings across North America, the bed bug problem doesn’t seem like it is going away anytime soon. They are frequently introduced into apartment buildings after travels, or during a move from a previously infested building. However, even long-term tenants are at risk for a bed bug infestation, as these critters are prone to travel between units.

Luckily, there are certain precautions that can be taken to lower your risk of finding bed bugs in your home or apartment.

What to Do When You Find Bed Bugs

Upon discovering a bed bug infestation in your home or apartment, or if you suspect there are bed bugs in your building, attempt to capture one in an airtight container to show a pest control specialist or your landlord. If you’re unable to catch a bed bug, notify your landlord or local pest expert immediately.

How to Avoid Bed Bug Travel

The most important step in preventing the travel of bed bugs is to report any suspicion that there may be an infestation in the first place. In the case of these nocturnal pests, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you’re certain that you have a bed bug infestation, it’s vital that you try your best to stop the spread in its tracks. After notifying the appropriate professionals, make sure that you do not move any items to neighbouring rooms or apartment suites, as bed bugs may be hiding in these items.

Pack up items such as clothing, bedding, pillows, and other loose items in plastic bags. It’s recommended to double bag these items to further reduce your risk of spreading bed bugs. This practice allows you to lower the spread of bed bugs while providing a clean space for pest control experts to do their job. Loose items like clothing and bedding can be washed and dried in high-heat machines to kill off bed bugs and their eggs.

Don’t throw out your mattress after your apartment or home has been treated. This is a large waste of resources and does not effectively stop the spread of bed bugs. There are specially designed mattress covers that prevent bed bugs from entering your mattress or exiting it if there are still eggs left over after treatment. Before a professional pest control company enters your home, vacuum large fabric items like your couch or chairs. To lower the risk of spreading bed bugs, get rid of all vacuum dust and debris in double-bagged plastic and immediately put it outside in your garbage can or dumpster.

Bed bugs are a nuisance that can easily be treated with the right precautions and practical first steps. If you’re worried about a bed bug infestation in your Edmonton, Alberta apartment or home, immediately contact the pest control experts at Harlow Pest Control by calling us toll-free at 1-855-757-2999.