Tips For Keeping Bed Bugs Out Of Your Home

Have you ever woken up with itchy, red bites and wondered what could be causing them? One possibility could be an infestation of tiny, unwelcome guests – bed bugs. These little critters are known for being hitchhikers and can find their way into our homes despite our best efforts. While completely preventing their entry is a tough challenge, there are effective strategies to significantly lower the risk and ensure our homes stay as unwelcoming to them as possible.  

Understanding Bed Bugs

Bed bugs, or Cimex lectularius, are small, oval, brownish insects that live on the blood of animals or humans. Adult ones are about the size of an apple seed, but younger ones can be smaller and harder to spot. There's a common belief that these pests only thrive in unclean conditions. However, they can live in any environment as long as they have access to their food source – blood. They are masters of hiding and can sneak into the smallest of spaces, making them challenging to detect and eliminate.

These small and elusive pests, can find their way into our homes through a variety of unexpected avenues. It’s a common misconception that these pests only originate from places like hotels or second-hand furniture. In reality, there are numerous other ways they can hitch a ride into our living spaces.

Public transportation is one such common source. These insects can latch onto clothing, bags, or other personal items when we use buses, trains, or taxis. Another often overlooked source is workplaces and schools. Just like any other public space, these environments can harbor bed bugs which can then inadvertently be brought into our homes.  

Visiting friends or relatives can also be a source, especially if their homes are currently dealing with an infestation. Similarly, hosting guests in your own home can pose a risk, particularly if they have recently stayed in places where bed bugs are present.

Moreover, shared spaces like laundry facilities can be hotspots for these pests. Bed bugs can easily travel from one person's fabrics to another, making communal laundry areas a potential source of infestation. Even places like movie theaters or libraries are not immune. Bed bugs can dwell in the seats of a theater or within the pages of library books, waiting to hitch a ride on unsuspecting individuals.

Understanding these various sources is key in taking preventive measures. It's important to be vigilant and inspect personal items after visiting public spaces. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene and cleanliness at home can help reduce the likelihood of these pests settling in.

Preventive Measures

• Regular Cleaning: Keeping your home clean and decluttered makes it less inviting for these pests. Vacuuming regularly, especially around beds and furniture, can help remove any that may have hitched a ride into your home.

• Careful with Second-Hand Items: Inspect any second-hand furniture, mattresses, or textiles thoroughly before bringing them into your house. Look for signs of infestation like small rust-colored spots or live insects.

• Protective Covers: Using protective covers on mattresses and box springs can prevent them from making these areas their new home.

• Hotel Room Inspection: When staying in a hotel, inspect the room before settling in. Check the mattress seams, headboards, and furniture for any signs of bed bugs.

• Handling Luggage: Keep your luggage on a luggage rack rather than on the bed or floor. When you return home, inspect and vacuum your suitcase before bringing it inside.

• Post-Travel Clothing: Wash all your travel clothes in hot water and dry them on a high heat setting to kill any pests that may have come home with you.

What To Do If You Find A Bed Bug

Discovering bed bugs in your home can be an unsettling experience. The key is not to let panic set in. Instead, the most effective and immediate action is to reach out to Green Smart Pest Control for a professional inspection. Our expertise is crucial in accurately identifying the extent of the infestation and suggesting the best course of action.

Once you suspect that these unwelcome guests have made their way into your home, isolate the area where you found them. This could be your bedroom or any other part of your house. Carefully remove and bag all bedding, curtains, and clothing from the room. It's important not to move items from the infested area to other parts of your home to avoid spreading the problem.

While you're waiting for the professionals from Green Smart Pest Control, it's advisable to avoid sleeping in a different room or at someone else's house. These pests are known for their hitchhiking abilities, and you wouldn't want to inadvertently spread them to other areas.

In a hotel scenario, the approach is slightly different. If you spot bed bugs in your hotel room, immediately inform the hotel management. Most hotels are prepared for such incidents and will take appropriate action, including offering you a different room. However, ensure that your new room is not directly adjacent to or above/below the affected room, as bed bugs can easily move through wall sockets and other openings.  

When you get back home from a hotel stay, being cautious is key. Wash all your clothes in hot water and dry them on high heat, even if you didn't wear them. Inspect your luggage carefully before bringing it inside. Vacuuming your suitcase and storing it away from your bedroom can also help prevent any unwanted stowaways from settling in your home.

Remember, the key to effectively dealing with bed bugs is prompt action and professional intervention. By contacting Green Smart Pest Control at the first sign of an infestation and following these careful steps in other scenarios, you can significantly reduce the risk of a full-blown infestation and ensure a swift return to comfort and peace of mind in your living spaces.

Professional Bed Bug Extermination

Early detection is key to managing an infestation. Signs include itchy bites in a line or cluster, tiny blood stains on your sheets, or seeing the bugs themselves. Regularly check around beds, furniture, and in crevices for any signs of their presence.

Even after taking preventive measures or getting professional treatment, it’s important to stay vigilant. Regular inspections and maintaining cleanliness can go a long way in keeping your home free of these unwanted guests. 



Dealing with bed bugs can be a challenging and frustrating experience. However, by being informed and proactive, you can significantly reduce the risk of these pests making your home theirs. Regular cleaning, being cautious with second-hand items, and staying vigilant in your everyday routines can help keep your living space comfortable and pest-free. Remember, it's not just about keeping your own space safe, but also about contributing to the overall well-being of your community by preventing the spread of these pests.