- Bedbugs aren't limited to just dirty places, in fact, anyone can find their houses infested by them.
- Always clean your belongings after traveling to prevent bugs from entering your home.
- To lessen your risk of getting bedbugs, avoid buying used furniture.
Bedbugs are the definition of a nightmare — they are small, brownish insects that feed on human or animal blood. According to WebMD, their bodies swell into a reddish color after biting and reach the size of an apple seed. While your first thought might be that the only way you can get them is by sleeping somewhere dirty, there are actually some surprising ways that bedbugs can infiltrate your bedroom.
They can find their way into your luggage.
Did you travel recently? If so, you might want to check your suitcases before settling back home. Bedbugs tend to be stowaways, especially in things that are moved from place to place, like your luggage. Even setting your bag down on a contaminated surface can put you at risk for bringing the bugs back to your home. It's always wise to stay on top of your belongings and keep them as clean as possible.
They'll hide in furniture.
It's best not to buy used furniture, like bed frames and mattresses, since they're more likely to harbor the critters. To play it safe, always check your furniture for any signs of the bugs. According to the EPA, using a protective and transparent cover will make it easier for you to detect the bugs' hiding spots. It's also recommended you regularly vacuum.
They might turn up in your clothing.
Whenever you return from traveling, you should wash your clothes to minimize the risk of transferring bedbugs into your home. Although they're less likely to hide in your clothing, you're better off being cautious.
The bugs can lurk in your pillows.
During the day, bedbugs hide on beds and in the "cracks and crevices" of walls, floors, and furniture, according to the New York State Health Department. At night, they come out, crawling rapidly and biting for food. The bugs can lurk in your pillows so if you want to avoid a nightmare scenario in your bed, use heat. Toss your pillows in the dryer, as it will kill the bugs and sanitize your bedding.
Key things to remember:
- Bedbugs don't carry disease.
- The bugs can live for months without a meal.
- If you start sleeping somewhere else, you'll bring the bugs with you.
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SEE ALSO: 8 common mistakes people make when trying to get rid of bedbugs
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