Primary prevention
Primary avoidance of contact is essential to prevent bed bug bites. At home and/or especially in unfamiliar sleeping environments, inspection of sites where bed bugs commonly hide (e.g., crevices of mattresses, bed bases, and bed headboards and behind skirting boards) is recommended.[3][12][21] Rooms should be vacuumed regularly and cleaned to reduce clutter for bed bugs to hide in. Cracks in walls and furniture should be sealed.[8][22][23] Additionally, baited pitfall traps may be used to detect early infestations.[24] Plastic mattress covers can prevent bed bug movement from a mattress refuge.[3][12] Travel precautions include regular inspection of luggage and clothing, laundering all travel items immediately following trips, and avoiding placement of luggage on the floor or on bedding during travel to reduce bed bug carriage.[21][23]
Secondary prevention
Advise patients that immediately following treatment they should launder all bedding and cloth items (e.g., clothing, drapery, pillows) in water temperatures greater than 55°C (approximately 130°F), or place in a hot air clothes drier for at least 30 minutes to decontaminate. For heat-sensitive items, freezing at -20°C (approximately -5°F) for 8 hours per 2.5 kg of item weight can be used.[16]
If bed bug infestation is present in the patient's home/living accommodation, advise that eradication is essential. Advise patients to inspect and clean all areas where bed bugs may find refuge (e.g., furniture, crevices in walls, and mattresses). Professional extermination is often necessary.[2][3][6][7] Consumers should choose a pest management service that is specifically trained in bed bug management because insecticide resistance and treatment failure is not an uncommon problem.[16][34][35]
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer