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Tiny critters that hide out in the soft, dark areas in and around your bed during the daytime, bed bugs creep out at night to feast on your blood. These critters are often discovered because of the three-pronged bite marks they leave on exposed parts of the bodies of sleeping people. As the world grows closer together and globe-trotting becomes more common, one of the most hideous travelers that often quietly hitchhikes along the way is the bed bug.

While summertime is notorious for passing around critters while travelling, bed bugs don’t hibernate in the winter so they are just as likely to be mobile during cold weather and winter holiday travel. Since they are comfortable in the same temperatures as humans, and they spend their time cozy and inside, cold temperatures typically don’t affect bed bug populations. Although bed bugs will die if exposed to temperatures less than zero degrees for more than four days, exposure to cold is obviously not a practical plan to get rid of bed bugs. Keep in mind these important tips to keep bed bugs out of your home this winter.

1. Reduce Clutter

Minimize the number of hiding place for bed bugs by controlling clutter and keeping your home tidy. Clutter around headboards, nightstands, and under the bed may provide the perfect respite for bed bugs to hide. Keep these areas neat and be sure to vacuum around them regularly. Avoid storing items under your bed unless it is in sealed, plastic containers.

Read more: What to Do When You First Notice Bed Bugs

2. Clean Bed Linens Often

Regularly launder your sheets, comforters, pajamas, and even curtains that hang near the bed. Wash them and also tumble dry on high heat when possible. Bed bugs can only handle high heat exposure for a short amount of time so a tumble dryer helps to kill off any adults or eggs.

3. Post-Travel Attention

After getting back over the river and through the woods from Grandma’s house, don’t forget to take extra care as you unpack. Check the crevices of your luggage for signs of bed bugs, particularly if your luggage is made of fabric. Since bed-bugs are nocturnal and tiny you may not see them when inspecting, but their droppings or tiny blood stains may be evident. Using the hose of a vacuum cleaner to get into the corners and crevices of your fabric luggage might be effective. Wash all of your clothes, towels, and linens after returning from your travels. Then dry them on high heat in the tumble dryer.

Read more: Infographic: Bed Bug Prevention During Holiday Travel

4. Vacuum Often

Although this may not solve a full-blown bed bug infestation, vacuuming is a powerful tool for preventing or reducing populations of these pesky critters. Floors, rugs, bed frames, upholstered furniture, areas under the bed, around the bed legs, and in general any crevices or cracks around the room should be vacuumed. Change the bag immediately after vacuuming and place in a tightly sealed garbage bin outside.

5. Contain the Problem

If you do have a concerns because of evidence of bed bugs in your home, don’t panic. It is best if you can contain the problem, so don’t immediately move out of your home and into someone else’s. That will just make the problem worse. Get started on a plan for ridding your home of the bed bugs and keep the problem contained while you do.

6. Get Help From Professionals

For problems with bed bugs and other needs related to Houston pest control, contact Cypress Creek Pest Control for a home inspection. Getting rid of bed bugs, whether in the summer or winter, will be much less stressful when you know you’re in the hands of experienced professionals.