The Holidays are upon us and it’s time to enjoy our family and friends!
No one likes unwanted house guests.
We’re not talking about people here.
This is probably not something you’d normally think of when inviting guests to your home, but trust us on this one. We’re going to save you some extra stress this year and give you some tips on how you can prevent bed bugs from ruining your holidays.
When entertaining guests in your home:
- Do not put your guests’ coats or purses on your bed. If there are bed bugs on these items, they can easily transfer to your bed.
- Thoroughly empty and clean out front closet to store guests’ items during their visit. Vaccuum closet right after guests leave to reduce risk of bed bug presence and transfer, discarding bag or contents of bin immediately.
- If a closet is not an option, use a sheet to cover your bed. As soon as guests’ items have been removed, place sheet in a high heat dryer for a minimum of 20 minutes while thoroughly vaccuuming the bed.
- Use mattress and box spring encasements (with bed bug locking technology) on beds for overnight guests.
- If a guest will be staying on your couch, place a sheet on the couch that can be laundered in high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes after use and the couch thoroughly vaccuumed.
- After unwrapping gifts, place paper and boxes in plastic bag and discard immediately.
When travelling to another home:
- Do not put belongings (coats, bags, suitcases) on beds or couches.
- If you’re staying overnight, bring plastic bags to put clothing in for immediate laundering when returning home.
- Leave suitcases outdoors or in garage upon returning home. Launder contents and vaccuum suitcase thoroughly before bringing into your home
Although these bed bug prevention precautions may seem over the top, the extra conscientiousness will save you potential months of stress if you were to bring bed bugs home with you. Remember, bed bug infestations happen due to transfer of the insects from one object to the next. And as the old saying goes…Better safe than sorry!
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