As a homeowner, few things are as unsettling as the thought of bed bugs sneaking into our sanctuaries. Recently spotlighted by an outbreak in Paris, these minuscule pests remind us that no one is immune. Bed bugs don’t discriminate, they infest pristine households and cluttered spaces alike, making their prevention and eradication a must. They may not harbor diseases, but their presence can lead to discomfort, disrupted sleep, and a case of the creeps. Ensuring your home remains a bed bug-free zone is a multi-step process that requires knowledge, vigilance, and an eye for detail.

What To Look For

Detecting a bed bug infestation requires a watchful eye. Look for subtle hints of their presence, such as unexpected skin irritations, blood smears on sheets, or a weird, sweet odor in your bedroom. Being observant is key to identifying these pests before they turn into a larger issue.

Preventing Bed Bugs

When it comes to preventing bed bugs in your home, David Rubin, Certified Sleep Science Coach and Director of Product Testing at The Sleep Doctor shared a few tips. “Bed bugs can multiply quickly, and those swollen, red, and itchy bites are not something you want to deal with at any level,” he shares with Home & Texture.

“The best way to prevent them is to keep your home—and especially bedding—clean as possible. Don’t leave clutter around where bed bugs could hide and multiply.”

Other things that you should do, according to Rubin, are to vacuum and sweep regularly, regularly wash your bedding, and heat dry to reduce the chances of bed bugs as they cannot survive in the dryer. “I also recommend vacuuming your mattress. Don’t forget the seams and piping,” says Rubin.

If you do get bed bugs, Rubin has tips for that as well. “It’s important to contain them as much as possible. This can mean encasing your mattress, steam cleaning, or even the use of pesticides.”