How to Prevent Bed Bug Infestations This Summer

 Summer travel, secondhand furniture, and warm weather create the perfect storm for one of the most dreaded pests: bed bugs. These tine bloodsuckers are masters of stealth and survival-and once they move in. they don't leave easily. 

The good new? You can prevent a bed bug problem before it starts. Here's how to stay bed bug-free during peak season (July through October). 

1. Know the Signs Before It's Too late 

Most people don't realize they have bed bugs until it's a full-blown infestation. Catching them early makes all the difference. 

What to look for: 

• Small red bite marks (often in a line or cluster). There are other insects that leave similar bite marks so it's important to look for these other signs.
• Rust-colored stains on sheets or mattress seams. 
• Black or dark red spots on sheets, pillowcases, mattress seams, and walls near bed. 
• Shed skins or tiny white eggs. 
• Musty or sweet odor. 

If you notice any of these, it's time to investigate further. 

2. Be Travel-Smart 

Hotels, vacation rentals, and even airplanes can be hotspots for bedbugs-and you might bring them home without realizing it. 

DIY Bed Bug Travel Tips: 

• Do not bring luggage in yet! Do a thorough inspection first 
• Inspect mattresses, headboards, furniture, and even luggage racks
• Store dirty clothes in a sealed bag and unpack directly into the washer when you get home.
• Run all clothing in dryer on high heat for 30 minutes, even it looks clean. 

Bonus tip: Travel with a small flashlight to make spotting bed bugs easier in dim rooms. 

3. Be Cautious with Secondhand Items 

Thrift finds and curbside furniture may be budget-friendly, but they could also be bed bug infested. 

Inspect before you bring it in: 

• Pull back cushions and seams
• Use a flashlight to check cracks, creases, and corners
• When in doubt walk away. It may be hard, but you'll be better off. 

Pro tip: Avoid taking in mattresses or box springs from unknown sources- these are bed bug magnets. 

4. Keep Your Bedroom a Hostile Environment 

A clean space isn't immune to bed bugs-but the fewer hiding spots, the better. 

Easy ways to reduce risk: 

• Vacuum regularly around beds and baseboards
• Use mattress and box spring encasements to trap and monitor
• Keep clutter to a minimum under the bed.
• Avoid skirts or bedding that touch the floor. 

5. Natural vs. Professional Treatments 

If you do get bed bugs, don't panic-but act fast. 

• DIY options:  Some may say to use diatomaceous earth, or to buy this product or that product. In reality, those may do some good, but you'll go insane before you solve the problem.
• Call a professional: Yes, this is a DIY Pest Control blog, and I am telling you to call a professional exterminator. Here's why, bed bugs are becoming resistant to many pesticides and often hide deep in walls, outlets, or floorboards, far beyond the reach of sprays or steamers. Professionals use targeted heat treatments and advanced detection tools that homeowners just don't have access to. 

Waiting too long can make the infestation worse-and more expensive. 

Final Thought

No one wants to deal with bed bugs, especially in the middle of summer, but with a few smart precautions some awareness, you can stay bite-free and bug-free all season long. 

 Want more DIY pest control tips? 

Follow @allypestblog on Instagram and check out our other posts on mosquito prevention, fly traps, and ant control. We make dealing with pests simple, safe, and stress free.