4 key factors that drive bed bugs to your mattress — and how to protect it tonight
As global travel triggers widespread bed bug outbreaks, pest control expert Lyuben Kiryakov reveals the 4 key factors that increase your risk of an infestation — and how to protect your mattress.
Bed bugs are spreading rapidly around the world, causing numerous disruptions such as grounding a Qantas flight, closing a US school, and suspending a UK rail service. Their prevalence correlates with the volume of travelers, as more arrivals and departures lead to an increase in infestations. To safeguard your home and mattress from bed bugs, several factors must be considered, including frequent travel, living in major cities, purchasing secondhand furniture, and residing in high turnover housing.
Experts recommend taking several precautions to protect yourself and your bedding. First, inspect your mattress regularly for signs of bed bugs, such as live insects, dark droppings, and eggs. Second, vacuum your mattress thoroughly to remove any bugs or eggs that may be hiding in the seams or crevices. Third, invest in a fully zippered mattress encasement to starve any existing bed bugs of their food source (your blood) and prevent new infestations.
Fourth, avoid bringing outdoor clothes into your bedroom, as they may carry bed bugs from public spaces like buses and trains. Instead, change into fresh attire in a separate room and wash all clothing at a temperature of at least 60°C (140°F) to kill any bugs or eggs. Lastly, exercise caution when traveling by inspecting hotel rooms, hostels, and short-term rentals for bed bugs before unpacking.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of a bed bug infestation and protect your mattress and bedding.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
