Please provide some do's and don'ts on dealing with bed bugs.

Bed: Bed bugs: mattresses ; box springs should be covered w mattress encasements/ covers.

Bed: Bed bugs: insure box spring ; mattress encasements are zipped up to prevent bed bugs from escaping.

Ignore: Use an anti-itch lotion on bed bug bites, such as hydrocortisone.

Do: Do use antihistamines to help with bedbug bites.

Do: Do use steroid creams like hydrocortisone, to help with bedbug bites.

Do: Do get bites checked out if they are painful and have pus discharge.

Do: Do wash infested clothes and dry in a dryer on "hot" setting to kill the bedbugs and eggs.

Ignore: Use anti itch cream like Sarna to avoid staining your skin from scratching. Exterminate the bugs.

Ignore: Bed bugs hide in clothing and furniture. Eradicate them!

To: To prevent bedbug bites, wear clothing to bed taking care to cover exposed skin as much as possible.

Bed: Bed bug bites can become infected with bacteria. If pain, redness, pus, swelling, see the doctor.

Insect: Insect repellents (permethrin) sprayed on bed clothes can prevent bed bug bites in older kids/adults.

Bed: Bed bugs hide in seams & folds of luggage. Do check these areas and examine all folded clothes.

Check: Check beds when you stay somewhere and shake out clothes and suitcases outside before bringing in.

Check: Check luggage outside and shake out clothes before you take it in the house.

You: You don't need a doctor for this, simply wrap everything in plastic which causes bugs to die.

When: When traveling, place suitcases on folding racks - not on the floor or on the bed. No stowaways!