How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Books & Other Household Items

Before we dive into some tips, we’ll start with a humble brag - we know how to get rid of bed bugs no matter where they are in your home. And because it’s hard to know the extent of their invasion, we always recommend calling in professional help as soon as you suspect bed bug activity

OK, now for some other expert tips on dealing with bed bugs in your home!

Bed bugs are commonly found in books, magazines, and newspapers - all items that are likely kept near furniture for browsing. Thanks to their tiny size, bed bugs can fit into the binding, fore-edge, and protective covering of a book.

To inspect for bed bugs in your literature, lay the book against a white sheet or bathtub and check for black spots on the fore-edge (where you would thumb through the pages). Keep a vacuum nearby for bed bugs that try to escape and plastic bags handy for infested books.

If you spot a bed bug, seal the book in a plastic bag and give that professional backup a call. They’ll be able to inspect other areas of your home where bed bugs may have migrated and help with complete removal.

Bed bugs (like cockroaches) will find their way into small openings in electronics. This includes TVs, phones, remotes, gaming consoles, printers, and computers. A magnifying glass can help you inspect for bed bugs, though any DIY removal solutions could put your electronics at risk.

Most of us have shoes that we rarely wear, whether they’re for special occasions or different seasons. These shoes provide a perfect home for bed bugs that don’t want to be disturbed.

They can hide under soles, between fabrics, in zippers, and under laces.

If you spot a bed bug in your shoes, conceal it in a plastic bag or container. And don’t fret - many shoes can be salvaged with proper cleaning or specialized freeze treatments!

It’s a good habit to check your luggage for bed begs upon arrival at your destination. This can help prevent an infestation once you return home.

To inspect your luggage for bed bugs, use a flashlight to look over the entire bag, including seams and pockets. If you spot a bed bug, you can vacuum it up to conceal it. Just be sure all bed bugs are completely removed from the vacuum bag or container when emptying it!

You should also clean your luggage if you discover a bed bug. Hot, soapy water or store-bought luggage cleaners are a great option!

Whether bed bugs have invaded your mattress or your books, it’s good practice to contact a pest professional right away. They’ll know how to get rid of bed bugs in books, electronics, shoes, luggage, and other areas of your home.

When you give us a call, we’ll inspect common bed bug hiding places and develop a plan to eradicate the infestation. We look forward to making your home bed bug free!