Diseases and Conditions
Bedbugs
Preventing bites
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Prevention
Diagnosis
Treatment
Preparing for an appointment
Preventing bites
- Cover up. Because bedbugs don't tend to burrow under clothing, you may be able to avoid bites by wearing pajamas that cover as much skin as possible.
- Bug spray. Insect repellents designed to protect against mosquitoes or ticks aren't very effective against bedbugs.
- Mosquito netting. Bed nets impregnated with the pesticide permethrin may help protect sleepers against bedbug bites. However, this practice may be helping bedbugs develop resistance to this pesticide.
Preventing infestations
- Secondhand items. Inspect used bedding items and upholstered furniture carefully before bringing them into your home.
- Hotel precautions. Check mattress seams for bedbug excrement and place your luggage on tables or dressers instead of on the floor.
- Birds and bats. Eliminate any neighboring bird and bat habitats that may serve as a refuge for bedbugs.