Bed bugs are popular household pests that feed on human blood. They are known to live in mattresses, furniture, or clothing, making them a common problem in hotels.
Unfortunately, if you have stayed in a hotel that has a bed bug infestation, there is a strong chance you can bring them home with you.
If you are unlucky enough to bring these pests into your house, there are some critical steps you can take to get rid of them.
This is because if you don’t take immediate action, you could be facing a nightmare situation that can take months and potentially thousands of dollars to solve.
Here are 4 ways to remove bed bugs that you brought home from a hotel.
1. Call a Licensed Exterminator
Though this seems obvious (and can be expensive), a certified pest control company will be the most effective method for removing bed bugs. These pests are notoriously difficult to get rid of, and a professional exterminator will have the experience and tools necessary to eliminate them from your home.
There are a few different methods exterminators can use to eradicate an infestation, depending on your budget and the degree to which your home is infested. National brands such as Terminix have pest control specialists all across the country.
You can find an exterminator near you through their national directory.
However, you should conduct research into a company and make sure you select the one you feel the most confident in.
2. Wash and Dry Everything in High Heat
A critical step to removing bed bugs is removing them from your clothes. Bed bugs cannot survive in high temperatures, so washing and drying your clothes on high heat can be an effective way to kill them for good.
You should wash your clothes, bedding, and any other fabric items in your luggage in hot water and then dry them on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. This should kill any bed bugs that may have hitched a ride back to your home.
3. Vacuum & Clean your Household
After washing and drying your clothes, you should vacuum everything that cannot be washed, such as your luggage, furniture, and carpets. You should use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to ensure that bed bugs do not escape back into your home.
Pay special attention to the seams, cracks, and crevices of your furniture and luggage. Bed bugs are known to hide in these areas, so you should be thorough when vacuuming.
If you decided to go the route of a professional exterminator, then cleaning and removing clutter is a critical step to preparing your household for the professionals to come to deal with the infestation.
4. Steam Clean Your Furniture
While steam cleaning will not work on its own, this can complement other methods of bed bug removal If you suspect that bed bugs have infested your furniture. Bed bugs cannot survive in temperatures above 120°F, so using a steam cleaner on your furniture is an effective way to get rid of them.
Make sure to steam clean all of your furniture thoroughly, paying special attention to the seams and cracks where bed bugs are known to hide.
Preventative Measures & Early Bed Bug Detection
If you have successfully removed bed bugs and are looking to prevent a re-occurrence, some of the methods below can help prevent future infestations from plaguing your life.
1. Inspect Your Luggage and Clothing
Whenever you travel, you should inspect your luggage before you bring it into your house.
It is best to do this outside or in the garage.
Bed bugs tend to hide in crevices and seams, so you should check your luggage, clothing, and shoes thoroughly. Pay special attention to the stitching, pockets, and folds of your clothing, as these are the most common hiding spots for bed bugs.
2. Use Bed Bug Traps
Using bed bug traps is an effective way to monitor and control bed bugs in your home.
Luckily, there are a variety of bed bug traps on the market that can help you detect bed bugs quickly. You can place these traps in your luggage, on your bed frame, or anywhere else you suspect bed bugs may be hiding.
Make sure to check the traps regularly and dispose of any bed bugs that were caught.
3. Bed Bug Mattress Encasements
Bed bug mattress encasements can provide several benefits for those who want to protect their mattress. These encasements create a barrier between the mattress and bed bugs, preventing them from burrowing into the mattress or finding a hiding spot in its crevices.
This can make it easier to detect and eliminate these pests, as they will be more visible on the encasement’s surface. Encasements can also help to prevent the spread of bed bugs to other areas of the home by containing any live bed bugs within the encasement.
Lastly, bed bug mattress encasements can provide peace of mind for those who are concerned about bed bug infestations. Knowing that their mattress is protected can help individuals to sleep more soundly and feel more secure in their own home.
In conclusion, getting rid of bed bugs that you brought home from a hotel can be a daunting task. However, by following the steps outlined above, you can effectively eliminate bed bugs from your home and prevent a full-blown infestation.
With a little patience and persistence, It is possible to get rid of bed bugs permanently and enjoy a good night’s sleep once again.
*Bed Bug Injuries is not recommending Terminix as a service provider. Mention of Terminix should in no way be deemed as an endorsement of their services. There are many bed bug extermination companies. Every bed bug victim should conduct research into pest control companies and only hire the one that seems best for them.
