According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “It is very unlikely, though not impossible, that a bed bug infestation will develop in an office, classroom, or other non-residential environment, such as a department store. However, these sites can serve as transfer hubs for bed bugs to hitchhike a ride to your home. Management, staff, students and workers all have roles to play in reducing the spread of bed bugs.” As disturbing as this fact is there are steps you can take to protect yourself from needing bed bug treatment.
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Reduce clutter
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Keep your belongings away from those of others
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Be cautious in areas where bed bugs are most likely to be found
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break rooms, storage areas, lounges with upholstered furniture
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Set up a monitoring program and immediately report a bed bug sighting
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Educate the staff so they know what to do if they find a bed bug
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Discourage panic associated with bed bugs
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Vacuum daily to pick up any stray bugs
So, what are you supposed to do if you find a bed bug?
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Inform management and staff
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Only treat a true infestation is found rather than one bed bug
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Hire a professional such as Seattle’s Northwest K9 Bed Bug Detectives
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Alert everyone in the building and let them know it is being handled
Easily protect yourself from bringing home a bed bug by following the simple steps above. You can never be too careful when it comes to these tiny creatures, so focusing on prevention is key to staying bed bug free.