As the semester comes to a close, many students look forward to returning home for summer break. However, the threat of bed bugs in dorms can make the transition less than pleasant. Avoid accidentally bringing bed bugs home with you by following these simple steps and discovering the benefits of Ivytress zippered structured mattress encasements.
Steps to Prevent Bed Bugs from Hitching a Ride Home
Washing and Drying
Gather all your clothing for a thorough cleaning. Even if your clothes appear clean, they could be harboring bed bugs. Wash all clothes on a hot setting and then dry them on high. Ideally, you should do this at a laundromat to avoid bringing bed bugs back to your dorm or home.
Sealing Your Clothes in Plastic
As you remove your clothes from the dryer, place them in a plastic bag and seal it using drawstrings and duct tape. Ensure there are no holes in the bag and that the clothing is fully enclosed. Double-bagging is a good idea, especially if the clothes will return to the dorm before you head home. If possible, leave your clothes in the car to reduce the risk of reinfestation.
Washing Clothing at Home
Upon returning home, leave your luggage in the garage or outdoors. Promptly wash all clothing in hot water and dry on a hot setting. If you choose not to wash already clean clothes, run them through the dryer on the hottest setting for at least 20 to 30 minutes to kill any potential bed bugs.
Auto Treatment
Bed bugs may hide in the vehicle you used for transportation. Treat the interior of your vehicle with a spray approved for bed bugs to ensure they don't follow you home.
Electronics
Bed bugs can hide in electronics such as radios, clocks, and laptops. Use a flashlight to inspect these items closely. Encasing electronics in a plastic bag with a bed bug vapor pad can effectively kill the bugs without damaging your belongings.
Books
Textbooks are a perfect hiding place for bed bugs. Inspect the spine and binding closely. The same vapor pad treatment used for electronics can also be applied to books.
Take Off Clothing
Before entering your house, remove all clothing and shoes and place them in a plastic bag. Immediately put them through the dryer to kill any bed bugs.
Furnishings
If you plan to bring home personal furnishings or mattresses, store them in the garage and treat them with a bed bug-approved pesticide. Consider calling an exterminator to fully treat these items before bringing them inside.
Protect Your Mattress with Ivytress
Ivytress zippered structured mattress encasements provide an additional layer of protection against bed bugs. These encasements fully encase your mattress with a secure zipper lock, creating an impenetrable barrier against bed bugs, dust mites, and allergens. Here are some key advantages:
- Complete Protection: Ivytress encasements block bed bugs from nesting within your mattress and make them easy to spot.
- Durability and Comfort: Made from high-quality materials, Ivytress encasements are designed to last while ensuring a comfortable sleeping experience.
- Easy to Install and Maintain: Simply slip the encasement over your mattress and zip it up. Regular maintenance involves wiping down the encasement or machine washing it as needed.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your mattress is protected from infestations helps you sleep better, free from the worry of bed bugs.
Treating Your Home for Bed Bugs
Despite taking preventive measures, bed bugs might still find their way into your home. If you notice signs of an infestation, act promptly. Treating a small colony is easier and more effective than dealing with a larger one. Here’s how to manage an infestation:
- Early Detection: Watch for signs such as bites, blood specks on bedding, red fecal matter, or shed exoskeletons.
- Professional Help: If the infestation is serious, consider hiring a professional exterminator for thorough treatment.
- Preventive Measures: Use bed bug sprays, traps, and encasements like Ivytress to protect your living spaces.
Summer break should be a time of relaxation and fun, not worrying about bed bugs. With Ivytress zippered structured mattress encasements and these preventive steps, you can keep your home bed bug-free and enjoy a restful break.
