The bed
bug infestation has hit homes once again and these pesky critters are not only
latching onto your beds, but to your wallets as well. Some self-proclaimed bed
bug eradicators are coming into your home with the intention to only take your
money and not actually rid you of your critter problem. The Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) and Better Business Bureau serving Eastern
North Carolina are advising consumers on ways to ultimately
prevent bed bug infestations in your home.
Locally,
BBB has received over 30 complaints and 10,000 inquiries against pest control
companies in the past year. In a recent October news release, BBB recommended tips
for choosing a trustworthy pest control company to banish bedbugs. This time,
BBB and the FTC are advising consumers on ways to prevent a bed bug infestation
from taking over your home in the first place.
“While it
may be easier said than done, it is always important for consumers to know how
to prevent and control a pest problem,” said Toby Barfield, president and
CEO of BBB serving Eastern North Carolina.
“Taking steps to stop a bed bug infestation will help prevent the possibility
of a pest control scam.”
BBB and
the FTC urge consumers to be proactive when it comes to preventing bed bugs
from entering your home.
Inspect your furniture. If you recently purchased
furniture from a secondhand store or flea market, make sure that your purchase does
not have fleas or bed bugs before bringing it into your home.
Do not allow bed bugs to hide. Only enclose mattresses and box
springs in covers labeled “allergen rated,” “for dust mites,” or “for bed
bugs.” Make sure to periodically check for rips or openings so that you can
patch them up securely. That also includes repairing cracks in plaster, loose
wallpaper and any loose light switch covers, and being proactive by always
making sure to apply caulk to seal crevices, joints in baseboards and gaps on
shelves or cabinets.
Do not be a hitchhiker. When traveling, use luggage racks to hold your
suitcases rather than setting your luggage on the bed or floor. When staying in
a hotel, check the mattress and headboard before getting into bed. Keep the
critters from infesting your home by unpacking directly into a washing machine.
Always inspect and vacuum your luggage as well.
For more tips on choosing
a trustworthy pest control company or to learn more about keeping bed bugs out
of your home, visit bbb.org, the FTC’s
consumer alert Web site, and the National
Pesticide Information Center.
