Beat the Bedbug Outbreak With These Tips
Considering a trip overseas? If your travel plans have you considering a vacation in England or France, you might want to do some research before booking the flight. According to recent reports, both London and Paris are the locations of bed bug outbreaks. While the current eruptions have been limited to a handful of hotels and AirBnbs, savvy travelers are taking steps to prevent bringing these bloodsuckers back home with them. The good news is there are steps you can take to keep your body and belongings free from bed bugs. Keep reading to learn about how to keep bed bugs out of the home, as well as suggestions for stopping an outbreak in its tracks.
What Are Bedbugs?
Bed bugs are a well-known bother, taking up residence in homes and refusing to leave. But what are these pests anyway? An insect from the genus Cimex, bed bugs are small, reddish-brown, and wingless. These tiny creatures can be hard to spot. However, they tend to leave behind rusty stains on sheets and bedding. Additionally, many bed bug sufferers spot bite marks on their bodies. If you wake up with strange marks, don’t hesitate to seek professional aid in fighting the infestation.
How Often Do You Change Your Sheets?
Anyone unlucky enough to deal with a bed bug infestation knows that these icky invaders are often spotted on sheets and mattresses. That’s because bedding is a repository for dead skin, bodily oils, pet hair, dust mites, and more. If you want to avoid creating a happy home for bed bugs and other insects, practicing proper bedroom hygiene is key.
Unfortunately, few of us are as careful as we should be when it comes to keeping bedding clean. In fact, a survey from Mattress Advisor shows that the average person swaps out their sheets every 24 days despite research indicating they should be changed once a week. The numbers are even worse for singletons who frequently go 37 days without changing sheets. (Twenty-one days is the average for people in a relationship, while married couples generally wash their bedding every 19 days.) If you want to prevent bed bugs from taking over your home, adhering to the sheet washing guidelines is a good first step.
Preventing Bed Bugs in Your Home
Homeowners can take additional actions to reduce the odds of bed bugs and other creepy crawlers taking up residence. The good news is that minor infestations are relatively easy to beat. The goal is to find and eliminate bed bugs before they have the chance to spread. Here are some tips to stop these pests from becoming a serious problem for you and your family:
Cut the Clutter
There’s nothing wrong with decorating your home with a few tchotchkes and knick-knacks. However, excess clutter can make it tough to spot pests like bed bugs before they have time to breed. If you want to ensure any infestation is spotted early, think about removing some of those extra belongings.
Run the Vacuum
Robot vacuums make it easy to pick up dirt, dust, and pet dander from the floor. However, if you want to avoid bed bugs, think about grabbing the handheld. These small vacuums are ideal for cleaning off mattresses, couches, and other upholstery.
Take Care in Laundry Rooms
Not everyone is lucky enough to have their own washer and dryer. If you do the wash in a shared laundry room or visit a commercial laundromat, be careful not to leave clean clothes lying around. Dumping clothes or bed sheets on the counter to fold risks exposing them to bed bugs and other pests. For best results, stow freshly laundered items in a plastic bag and fold them when you return home.
Change Your Bedding
Changing sheets once a week is only half the bed bug-busting battle. Additionally, homeowners should aim to swap pillowcases two times a week, duvets every three months, and pillows every six months.
Be Thoughtful When Traveling
Heading on vacation? Take extra care to keep your belongings bed bug free. We suggest swapping out fabric suitcases for those made of plastic, as bugs will have a harder time hitching a ride. You should also wash all your clothes, even ones you didn’t wear in your travels, before returning them to your closet. Finally, experts recommend checking hotel mattresses, pillows, and sheets prior to climbing into bed.
Premium Sheets and Bedding
Keeping your home bed bug free is important. However, it’s also crucial to select the most comfortable sheets for a good night’s sleep. Here are some of the coziest options currently available in our online shop:
YALDA SHEET SET | 100% CERTIFIED GIZA EGYPTIAN COTTON
Ideal for sleepers with sensitive skin, Yalda Sheets feature 100 percent certified Egyptian cotton. Picked in the Nile River Valley, these extra-long staple fibers maintain their strength and softness no matter how many times you wash them – a plus for those looking to avoid pests. Additionally, the super-smooth yarn features a silky weave sure to help you drift off to dreamland. The Yalda set is available in sizes twin through king and California king. It comes in an array of hues, including Ivory and Icy Blue.
Prefer the crisp feel of linen against your skin? We love the salt-and-pepper marled weave of our Lush Linen Sheet Set. Stonewashed for added softness, the collection has a rumpled look that’s delightfully casual. As a bonus, the set is great for regulating temperatures. If you suffer from night sweats or tend to run hot, linen sheets are a great way to go.
Maybe you appreciate your bedding with a little romance. At once feminine and appealing, the Classic Ruffle Sheet Set is a great choice. Coming complete with one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, the collection works well in any space. It’s available in both White and Ivory.
Shop Latest Bedding’s Designer Collections
Stop settling for sheets that rip, pill, or come apart in the wash. A reliable source for sheets, luxury comforter sets, accessories, and more, Latest Bedding stocks a wide selection of products by all the most beloved designers. Choose from Bebejan, J Queen, Croscill, Rose Tree, Waterford, and more favorites. As a bonus, the affordable prices mean you don’t have to choose between quality and aesthetics. Shop our luxury sheet sets today and start getting better sleep.
