How to Keep Bed Bugs Away From Your Home

Bed bugs feed on blood, living in your bedding and other dark areas where they can hide. The insects resemble wood ticks, and they are capable of traveling on clothing and luggage -- but rarely on the human body. Bed bugs hide in seams, cracks and other tiny places that can make them hard to eliminate. Use careful prevention to keep bed bugs away from your home and keep them from traveling with you after you leave an area with a bed bug infestation.

Large plastic bag
2 damp cloths
Washing machine

Instructions

- 1
  Remove your clothing upon returning from a trip or somewhere that is suspected of bed bug infestation. If possible, remove the clothing in a kitchen, garage or utility room without carpeting and do so prior to moving throughout your home.
- 2
  Place all suspicious clothing in a plastic bag. A garbage bag will suffice.
- 3
  Wipe the floor where you changed with a damp cloth or mop.
- 4
  Wipe down your luggage with a clean, damp cloth. Pay special attention to all cracks and crevices.
- 5
  Open your suitcases and put the clothing inside into the plastic bag.
- 6
  Wash all clothing in hot water in the washing machine.
- 7
  Wash luggage with very hot, soapy water inside and out.
- 8
  Vacuum carpets thoroughly, particularly around cracks and dark areas. Remove the vacuum bag outside and dispose of it.

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