What Should I Do To Prevent Bed Bugs From Infesting My Home Or Being Attacked By Them At A Hotel?

Our firm has assisted hundreds of clients with bed bug cases across the country including claims in Florida. Unfortunately, for the vast majority of the population bed bugs are a growing problem across the country. Our Bed Bug Lawyers recommend that you take the following precautions in order to help prevent the spread of bed bugs.

A number of helpful preventive measures in and around your home:

• Conduct regular visual inspections of your home for signs of bed bugs. Some of the signs to look for are fecal spots (black spots), blood spots, bed bug skins or casings. When looking for bed bugs thoroughly inspect bed frames, mattresses, box springs, sofas, club chairs, baseboards, in and around electrical outlets and storage bins.
• Reduce the clutter of household belongings. The more clutter, the more places for the bed bugs to hide.
• Do not purchase used or second-hand furniture. If you do so, have it inspected by a professional licensed pest control company before transporting the items and eventually moving them into your home.

Dealing with a bed bug infestation can be challenging, but there are effective steps you can take to manage and eliminate them:

1. Confirm the infestation: Make sure you have bed bugs and not another type of insect. Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown and about the size of an apple seed.
2. Reduce clutter: Clear out any clutter in your home. This reduces hiding places for bed bugs and makes treatment more effective.
3. Clean and encase: Wash and heat-dry your bed sheets, blankets and any clothing that touches the floor. Use special bed bug covers (encasements) on your mattress and box springs to trap bed bugs inside.
4. Vacuum regularly: Vacuum your home thoroughly, especially around bed frames, mattresses and furniture. Dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag immediately after use.
5. Use heat treatments: Bed bugs die at temperatures above 113°F (45°C). You can use heat treatments such as placing infested items in a black plastic bag and leaving them in the sun or using a clothes dryer on high heat.
6. Chemical treatments: If necessary, use insecticides specifically labeled for bed bugs. Follow the instructions carefully or consider hiring a professional pest control service.
7. Monitor and follow-up: After treatment, monitor the infested areas regularly to ensure that the bed bugs are gone. It may take multiple treatments to completely eliminate them.
8. Prevent reinfestation: Be cautious when traveling and inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs. Avoid bringing second-hand furniture into your home without thoroughly inspecting it.

If the infestation is severe or persistent, it might be best to consult a professional pest control service for more comprehensive treatment.

Preventive measures when traveling to a hotel, motel or on a cruise ship:

• Before checking in, take a look at bedbugregistry.com or to see if prior complaints of bed bugs have been made. If you want to take it one step further, you can request the property provide you with a copy of their most recent pest inspection logs.
• Carefully check the mattress, box spring, fabric in around the bed, headboard, furniture and corners of the rooms for any signs of bed bugs.
• At a minimum place your luggage and other belongings on a luggage rack. If possible, place your items on a counter in the bathroom.
• Inspect your suitcase before leaving your room.
• Examine your suitcase and other belongings outside of your home before entering your home.
• Wash and dry all of your dryer-safe items upon returning home.
• If you suspect you may have brought bed bugs home with you contact a licensed pest professional as soon as possible to inspect your home.

Can I kill bed bugs by putting them in a washing machine?

Yes, you can kill bed bugs by putting them in the washing machine. Bed bugs cannot survive hot temperatures. To effectively kill them, wash your clothes and bedding in the hottest water possible, ideally at least 120°F (49°C) or higher. The heat from the water will kill both the bed bugs and their eggs. After washing, it’s important to dry your items on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. The heat from the dryer kills any remaining bed bugs or eggs.

If you cannot wash your clothes or bedding in hot water, you can still use the dryer on high heat to kill the bed bugs. Remember to keep infested items in sealed plastic bags before washing them to prevent bed bugs from spreading to other areas of your home. Also, be sure to clean the area around your washing machine and dryer to remove any bed bugs that might have fallen off during the process.

Reach Out For A Free Claim Strategy Session

If you have a question about injuries suffered due to bed bugs, please contact us and one of our attorneys will be happy to answer your questions. Call us today at 888-912-5897 for a Free Injury Claim Strategy Session or fill out the Case Evaluation Request Form Below. All Claim Strategy Sessions are FREE.