How to get rid of (and prevent) bed bugs

Bedding & BathHow to get rid of bed bugs, and what you can use to avoid getting them at allDon’t let these tiny bugs cause big problems. Updated May 21, 2026, 9:18 AM EDTBethany HeitmanContributing EditorSkip to table of contentsThe most common ways to pick up bed bugs is through travelling or bringing second-hand furniture into your home. Dmitrii Marchenko / Getty ImagesNo rodent or bug infestation is fun, but there is one type that may rank as one of the worst — bed bugs. While they are tiny, these insects can cause big problems. While some people don’t react poorly to bed bug bites, others will develop itchy red bumps. Additionally, these itty bitty bugs can spread rapidly, embedding themselves into mattresses, furniture and even clothing. You may have even heard horror stories of people having to throw out everything they own after a major infestation — something experts say is not necessary if you take the proper steps.Bed bugs are parasitic insects, which means they feed on blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control. They usually measure between 1 and 7 millimeters, and they can live several months without a meal. Oh, and they’re excellent at hiding — which can make getting rid of them very challenging. This is why I consulted pest control experts to ask them how to tell if you have bed bugs and what to do if you do. Keep reading to find out what they had to say, and for a list of products you can use to prevent bed bugs from taking up residence in your home in the first place. The best products to protect you from bed bugs Our experts recommend getting help from a professional if you have bed bugs (more on that later), but when it comes to preventing bed bugs, there are a few things you can do. First, if you’re traveling, check hotel bed frames and mattresses before placing your belongings on them, says Juan Rezk, chief marketing officer at Certus Pest in Tampa, Florida. You should do the same if you are bringing second-hand furniture into your h...