Bedbug control tips are becoming more important than ever as bedbugs continue their steady comeback across homes, apartments, dorms, and even high-traffic public spaces. These tiny, persistent insects don’t just cause itchy bites; they can trigger allergy symptoms, worsen asthma, and create ongoing stress that disrupts sleep and overall well-being. Because bedbugs spread easily and hide incredibly well, prevention and early action are essential tools for keeping your home protected. That’s where allergy-friendly solutions, such as high-quality mattress and pillow encasements, and protective bedding, become your first line of defense.
Bedbugs thrive in warm, cluttered environments and often hide in seams, cracks, carpets, and furniture, making them difficult to spot. Using certified allergen-proof mattress and pillow encasements helps seal off one of their favorite hiding places while also blocking dust mites, mold spores, and other allergens. Vacuuming regularly with a HEPA-filtered vacuum, maintaining clean laundry routines, and using portable air purifiers in sleeping areas can further reduce allergens and improve indoor air quality while you address the bedbug issue.
Early detection tools, such as bedbug interceptors or light inspections around baseboards and bedding seams, can alert you to an infestation before it grows. If bedbugs are confirmed, heat treatments or professional pest control may be necessary, but maintaining allergen-proof bedding and indoor air purification will continue to support your health during the process. Staying proactive with simple, effective steps not only helps control bedbugs but also keeps your home healthier, cleaner, and more comfortable for everyone who lives there.
Going along with the idea that this year is likely to be a veritable Insectapalooza, Atlanta-based pest control company that offers the best and affordable pest control services, Orkin, recently released its 2020 top 50 cities for bed bugs. Unlike most other top 50 lists, this one isn’t much cause for celebration – unless you’re not on it. Interesting facts, Washington DC is now the number one city for these little critters and Myrtle Beach and Toledo have now joined the list for the first time. Unfortunately for local residents, Atlanta is among the top 10!
Now much of this may be due in large part to the Hartsfield Jackson Airport, but with so many people moving through the city daily, the number is only likely to climb.
Bedbugs spread easily by hitching rides in luggage and in clothing as people move about and travel. Once they settle in a home, whether your bedroom or a hotel room, they can be very difficult to eradicate.
Since these little vampires only come out at night and feed on blood, their bites are generally noticeable, as are spots or smears on bedding and bedroom furniture. When traveling to areas where bedbugs are a problem, remember to inspect your surroundings before unpacking. Keep your luggage elevated off the ground and on a luggage rack. Bag clothing and luggage before returning home, and toss clothes in the washer (use hot water) or in the dryer (on high for 15 minutes) to kill any potential bedbugs. Also, incorporate an anti-allergen laundry detergent to help keep allergens and other pests like dust mites at bay.
Other notables on the list: Cincinnati (1), Chicago (2), Detroit (3), Denver (4), Los Angeles (5), New York (9), Boston (14), Charlotte (33).
Other factors for the increased rankings are increased public awareness (making it easier to identify the actual problem) and an actual increase in the overall bedbug population in the city. Rankings are based on treatment data from the metro areas where Orkin performed the most bed bug treatments from December 1, 2018 – November 30, 2019. The ranking includes both residential and commercial treatments. For more on the 2020 top bed bug cities click here.
See our full selection of Mattress Covers for bed bug covers as well as dust mite covers.