Can You Get Bed Bugs by Helping Someone Move?
WouterIf you’re moving into someone else’s home, you may be at risk of bringing bed bugs with you. While these pests aren’t usually dangerous once they’re inside a residence, you need to take extra precautions to prevent them. Make sure to check the home for signs of infestation and keep all of your belongings away from the bed. Make sure to close the curtains and other areas where the bugs can hide.
Before you start unpacking, you should hang your clothes and change into clean clothes. You should also put a second set of clothes in a plastic bag and run them through the dryer. This will kill any bedbugs present in the clothes. If you can, avoid moving out with your friends’ furniture or clothing until you’ve ensured that their place is bedbug-free.
Getting rid of boxes can help prevent bedbugs, so check them thoroughly before moving out. Changing out carpets and mattresses may also help. Using a hot steam cleaner to wash a box thoroughly can help prevent bed bugs from entering it. However, you should remember that these steps are not foolproof. A bedbug infestation can be difficult to treat, so be careful when moving furniture.
If you can’t avoid moving, you can try to help the mover by using protective coveralls and a good anti-bedbug spray. You can also try contacting Environmental Public Health. They will not reveal your name to the landlord. Afterwards, you should try to call a pest control service.
