Bedbugs are a fact of life, and we should get used to it. That’s one of the conclusions from the first ever “bedbug summit” - a conference that took place last month, where 350 experts gathered to talk about the growing bedbug epidemic. According to Time magazine, their message is simple: The key to stopping bedbugs is understanding how they spread, because if more people know what to look for, we may someday learn to co-exist with bedbugs – the same way we do with common pests like bees and roaches. What does that mean to you and me?

• For starters: We know that bedbugs like to hide in mattresses and box springs. So, one solution is to wrap mattresses in a tight plastic seal, so they can’t get out, like you would if your child wet the bed.
• We also know that bedbugs like to hitch-hike on clothing, backpacks, and luggage. That’s why experts recommend never bringing luggage into a hotel room, until you’ve inspected every nook and cranny for bedbugs. If you find any tiny rust-colored spots, leave the room immediately.

Experts say the good news is that bedbugs can’t fly, they can only scurry. That’s why they recommend contacting your local exterminator about a new product called the ClimbUp Insect Interceptor. It’s basically a trap you can place under the legs of a bed or chair. Bedbugs can climb in, but can’t climb out. You can learn more about the traps at Insect-Interceptor.com. If you think you have bed bugs, it’s best to call in a professional.