Health Tip: Help Keep Bed Bugs at Bay

(HealthDay News) -- Bed bugs can hide in furniture, luggage and clothing, causing itchy, painful bites.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests how to help prevent bed bug infestations:

• Carefully inspect any secondhand couches, beds and other furniture for signs of bed bugs.

• Protect any mattress and box spring with a cover. Make sure it is of good quality and light in color, Remember to inspect it frequently for tears and bed bugs.

• Cut down on clutter throughout your home to provide fewer areas for bed bugs to hide.

• If staying in a hotel, keep luggage up on racks, not on the floor.

• Inspect hotel mattresses and headboards carefully.

• When you return from a trip, put clothing directly into the washing machine. Carefully check luggage for bed bugs.