Last year, a friend of mine moved into her dream apartment. On the third night, she woke up with three tiny red bites lined up on her arm.
She thought it was just mosquitoes until she pulled back the sheets and saw a small brown bug crawling along the mattress seam.
That’s when she realized her new apartment had bed bugs.
Here’s the thing…
Bed bugs don’t care if you just signed a lease or scrub every corner of your home.
They slip through wall cracks, ride in on luggage, or sneak in from a neighbor’s place.
When this happens, most people panic and reach for the wrong fixes.
Foggers, baking soda, and random sprays may sound easy, but the EPA warns they don’t work and can even make the problem worse.
If you’re searching for how to keep bed bugs out of your apartment, you need a plan that’s simple, renter-safe, and proven.
I’ve spent years studying what works.
The tips I share here come straight from EPA guidance, Rutgers university testing, and hands-on product trials. That means you get steps backed by real science.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- A quick apartment bed bug prevention routine you can do in minutes.
- Renter safe bed bug solutions that actually stop infestations.
- How to block bed bugs from spreading through walls or hallways.
- The exact moves to make in the first 24 hours if you spot one.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to protect your apartment, save money on exterminators, and finally sleep without worry.
Disclosure: Some of the product links in this guide are affiliate recommendations. They’ve been independently tested for safety and effectiveness, and using them supports this site at no extra cost to you. You can read more about our testing methodology here
Your 7-Minute Daily Prevention Routine
When it comes tokeeping bed bugs out of apartment, the smartest move is not waiting for them to show up. It’s stopping them before they ever get inside.
I learned this years ago after ignoring a few small signs, only to end up paying $700 for a professional treatment.
Since then, I’ve stuck to a simple routine that takes less than 10 minutes a day, and it has kept my space bug-free.
Here’s the prevention routine you can follow:
1. Vacuum once a week (about 5 minutes)
Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean around your bed, baseboards, and couch seams.
This removes stray bugs before they settle in. A single vacuum bag costs under $5, and it’s cheaper than replacing a mattress.
Pro tip: Empty the bag outside in a sealed trash bag so you don’t bring the bugs back in.
2. Check your bed bug interceptor traps (1 minute)
Slip interceptor traps under each bed leg. These little cups catch crawling bugs before they reach you.
A set of 8 costs around $15, which is enough for most one-bedroom apartments. Spend just a minute each night giving them a quick glance.
Interceptors not only trap bugs, but they also give you early warning before an infestation gets serious.
3. Wash and dry bedding on high heat (1 minute setup, weekly)
Bed bugs die at 120°F. So, it is advisable to toss sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in the dryer on the hottest setting for 30 minutes.
Even if you don’t see bugs, this step kills any that may have hitchhiked in.
4. Quick visual check (30 seconds)
Every few days, lift a mattress corner or look along couch seams. You’re checking for tiny brown spots (bug droppings) or shed skins. It takes less than a minute and can save you hundreds in pest control bills.
Following this simple checklist adds up to just 7 minutes per week. That’s less time than scrolling TikTok before bed, and it can save you thousands of dollars plus weeks of stress.
Quick Comparison: Time vs Cost vs Benefit
| Step | Time Needed | Cost | Benefit |
| Vacuum around bed & baseboards | ~5 minutes weekly | $5 per bag | Removes stray bugs and eggs before they spread |
| Check interceptor traps | 1 minute daily | $15 for a set of 8 | Catches bugs early, gives proof before infestation grows |
| Wash & dry bedding on high heat | 1 minute setup + 30 min dryer (hands-off) | $0 (normal laundry) | Heat kills all bed bug stages, keeps bedding safe |
| Quick visual check | 30 seconds, 2–3 times weekly | Free | Spots early warning signs like droppings or skins |
For less than $20 upfront and just a few minutes each week, you can cut the risk of infestation by more than 80% (based on Rutgers testing of interceptors and EPA heat guidelines). That’s pennies compared to the $600–$1,200 most people pay for professional treatment.
Stop Bed Bugs from Visiting from Next Door
Most times, bed bugs are like unwanted visitors who come over from your neighbor’s apartment without an invitation.
They sneak through tiny hidden cracks in the walls or floors. But you can lock the doors.
Sealing up your apartment is like building a tiny fortress. It’s a super important step that many people forget.
The best part? It’s easy to do and doesn’t cost much.
Here’s your simple, 4-step plan to seal bugs out:
Step 1: Seal Cracks in the Walls (Cost: About $8)
- What to do: Look for small cracks where the floor meets the wall. Use a simple tube of “caulk” (it’s like toothpaste for your walls) to fill in the gaps. Just squeeze the tube, run a line along the crack, and smooth it with your finger.
- Why it works: It blocks a major bug highway.
Pro Tip: A single $8 tube can seal a lot of cracks! Focus on walls you share with neighbors.
Step 2: Block the Gap Under Your Door (Cost: About $12)
- What to do: Bugs can sneak under your front door. Buy a “door sweep.” It’s a strip of rubber or bristles that attaches to the bottom of your door with a few screws.
- Why it works: It acts like a broom that sweeps bugs away every time you open and close the door.
Step 3: Cover Your Outlets & Switches (Cost: About $10)
- What to do: Bugs use the tiny holes around electrical outlets and light switches like secret tunnels! Buy a pack of plastic outlet covers. Push them into any plugs you don’t use. Then, use a screwdriver to make all your switch plates nice and tight.
- Why it works: It closes off their secret passageways. A $10 pack has enough covers for your whole apartment.
Step 4: Seal Around Pipes (Cost: About $15)
- What to do: Look under your sink or around pipes for gaps. Spray a special “expanding foam” (it looks like shaving cream) into the holes. It puffs up and hardens, sealing the gap completely.
- Why it works: It plugs the last few holes bugs use to get inside.
Bed bugs are sneaky, but they aren’t smart. By sealing up these entry points, you cut off their roads into your home.
This is the best way to stop your neighbor’s problem from becoming your problem.
For less than $50 and one afternoon of work, you can sleep soundly knowing your fortress is secure
Renter-Safe Gear That Works (and What to Skip)
If I’m being honest, not all bed bug gear is created equal.
I’ve tested everything from fancy traps to homemade hacks, and I’ve seen what works and what’s a total waste of your money.
The right tools can stop an infestation before it starts. The wrong ones will leave you with empty pockets and itchy bites.
Here’s my guide to the gear that’s worth your cash (and what to avoid), so you can protect your home without the guesswork.
Mattress Encasements: Your First Line of Defense
A good mattress encasement is like a superhero suit for your bed. It zips around your mattress and box spring, trapping any bugs inside and stopping new ones from moving in.
But not all covers are created equal.
After testing 12 different brands, I only trust ones with tight, reinforced zippers and strong, tear-proof fabric.
The SafeRest Premium Zippered Mattress Encasement (around $45 for a queen) is my top pick.
It’s backed by EPA recommendations (2023) and survived six months of real-world testing in a high-risk apartment without a single rip or broken zipper.
Cheaper $20 covers might save you cash up front, but they often fail at the seams within weeks, leaving you vulnerable.
Interceptor Traps: Catch Bugs Before They Bite
These little dishes sit under your bed legs and catch bugs trying to climb up.
They’re one of the cheapest and smartest tools you can buy. The ClimbUp Insect Interceptor (about $8 per trap) is proven effective in Rutgers University studies.
You’ll need four for a standard bed, one under each leg. Check them every two weeks.
If you see even one bug, you’ve caught the problem early. Skip the “glue trap” versions sold online, they don’t work well and can make a sticky mess.
Steamers: Heat That Kills on Contact
Bed bugs hate heat. A good steamer can kill bugs and eggs hiding in seams, curtains, or furniture.
But you need one that gets hot enough, at least 120°F and has a narrow nozzle to focus the heat.
The McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steamer (around $75) is a renter-friendly option that’s easy to use and effective on upholstery.
Avoid handheld steamers under $50; they often don’t get hot enough or hold enough water to be useful.
What to Skip: Myths and Money-Wasters
- Baking Soda: Doesn’t kill bed bugs. The Spruce (2025) confirmed it’s a total myth.
- Bug Bombs/Foggers: EPA warns these can spread bugs deeper into walls and are fire hazards.
- Ultrasonic Repellers: Zero scientific proof they work. Save your $30.
- DIY Sprays with Alcohol: Dangerous (flammable) and only stun —not kill — bugs.
Choosing the right gear is about stopping infestations early; bad ones make problems worse. With these picks, you’re using methods backed by science.
Safely Handling Travel & Second-Hand Finds
You just got back from a trip or found a perfect used couch, but could bed bugs be hiding in your luggage or that new furniture?
It’s a real risk.
I learned this lesson after a work trip left me with unwanted souvenirs: three bed bugs in my suitcase.
But don’t worry. With a few simple habits, you can enjoy travel and thrifting without bringing home pests.
Inspect and Protect Your Luggage
Before you even unpack, take your suitcase to a hard-surface area like a bathroom or garage, not your bedroom or carpet.
Open it up and check the seams, pockets, and folds. Bugs love to hide in dark, quiet spots.
If you see any signs like tiny dark spots (their droppings) or shed skins, it’s time to act.
Wash all your clothes in hot water (at least 120°F) and dry them on high heat for 30 minutes.
Heat kills all life stages of bed bugs, according to the University of Kentucky’s entomology department.
For items that can’t be washed, like shoes or delicate bags, toss them in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes instead.
Quarantine Your Suitcase
After unpacking, don’t just stash your suitcase in the closet. Store it in a sealed plastic bin or a large garbage bag tied tightly.
This keeps any hiding bugs trapped and away from your living space. You can also use a handheld garment steamer to treat the suitcase’s seams and zippers.
Just make sure the steam is hot enough to kill bugs (above 120°F).
Check Second-Hand Furniture Like a Pro
That vintage chair or used mattress might look cool, but it could be hiding bugs.
Always inspect second-hand items outdoors or in a garage before bringing them inside.
Use a flashlight to check seams, crevices, and underneath labels. Look for live bugs, tiny white eggs, or dark rust-colored stains.
If you’re unsure, pass on the item. But if you really want it, treat it first.
For upholstered furniture, rent a commercial steamer or use a bed bug spray labeled for fabric (always follow EPA safety guidelines).
For non-fabric items, a thorough wipe-down with soapy water can help.
A few minutes of caution can save you weeks of stress and hundreds of dollars in extermination costs. By making these habits part of your routine, you can explore and decorate without fear.
If You Spot Bed Bugs – First 24-Hour Plan
Finding a bed bug can send shivers down anyone’s spine. I’ll never forget the sinking feeling I had when I spotted my first one, a small, brown bug crawling near my pillow.
But panic doesn’t help.
What does help is having a clear, calm plan. In the first 24 hours, your goal isn’t to eliminate the problem yourself, it’s to confirm, contain, and communicate.
Here’s exactly what to do, step by step.
Step 1: Confirm and Document (Time: 15 minutes)
Before you do anything else, make sure it’s really a bed bug. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, brown, and oval-shaped.
Look for signs like tiny blood spots on your sheets, small pale eggs, or dark specks (their droppings).
Use your phone to take clear, well-lit photos and a short video if possible. Timestamp this evidence, it will be crucial for your landlord or a professional.
Don’t start moving furniture or tearing things apart yet, this can spread them.
Step 2: Contain the Area (Time: 30 minutes)
Isolate the problem to prevent spreading. Strip your bedding and place everything directly into a sealed plastic bag.
Wash and dry all linens and clothing from the area on the hottest settings possible (at least 120°F).
Keep those items sealed until they go into the machine.
Move your bed slightly away from the wall, but don’t relocate to another room, this can spread bugs to new areas.
Step 3: Notify Your Landlord Immediately (Time: 1 hour)
This is the most important step for renters. Check your lease agreement for pest control policies.
In most states, landlords are responsible for bed bug treatment.
Write a clear, polite email to your landlord or property manager. Include the photos/video, the date and time you found the bug, and a specific request for a licensed pest control professional.
Here’s a template you can use:
Subject: Urgent: Possible Bed Bug Sighting in [Your Apartment Number]
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
On [Date], at approximately [Time], I discovered what appears to be a bed bug in my apartment at [Your Address]. I have attached photos for your review.
Please coordinate with a licensed pest control company to inspect and treat the unit as soon as possible, in accordance with our lease agreement and state law. I am prepared to provide access for the inspection.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
Step 4: Monitor and Avoid Common Mistakes (Ongoing)
Place interceptor traps under your bed legs to monitor activity. Avoid the urge to use over-the-counter bug bombs or sprays.
As noted by the EPA, these products are largely ineffective against bed bugs, can cause them to scatter deeper into walls, and pose health and fire risks.
Do not throw out your mattress or furniture, most can be treated successfully by a professional.
A swift, organized response protects your rights as a tenant, prevents a small issue from becoming a building-wide infestation, and saves you from wasting money on ineffective DIY solutions.
Your first job is to be a good detective and communicator, not an exterminator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
After helping hundreds of renters, parents and homeowners to prevent and get rid of bed bugs, we’ve provided advice to the most common worries based on EPA guidelines and real-world experience.
1. Will boiling water or steam ruin my mattress encasement?
No, high-quality encasements like the SafeRest brand are designed to handle heat. You can safely use a steamer on them, as long as the steamer’s temperature is below 130°F. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first. Boiling water is not recommended, as pouring liquid directly on the encasement could damage it or seep through the zipper.
2. Can bed bugs bite through a mattress encasement?
A good encasement has a tight weave that bed bugs cannot bite through. It acts as a barrier, trapping any bugs already inside and preventing new ones from reaching you. This is why the EPA recommends them as a first line of defense.
3. How often should I check and change my interceptor traps?
Check your interceptors every two weeks. Empty and clean them with soapy water if you find dirt or debris. You only need to replace them if they become cracked or damaged. If you catch a bug, you should check them weekly until the problem is resolved.
4. Do DIY bug bombs or foggers work on bed bugs?
No. The EPA specifically warns that foggers are largely ineffective against bed bugs. They can cause bugs to scatter deeper into your walls, making the infestation harder to treat. They also pose a fire risk and can leave harmful chemical residues.
5. Can my pet bring bed bugs into our apartment?
It’s very rare. Bed bugs prefer human blood and don’t live in pet fur like fleas do. They are much more likely to hitch a ride on luggage, backpacks, or used furniture. Your pet’s bed could harbor bugs, so it’s a good idea to wash it regularly in hot water.
6. Is diatomaceous earth safe to use around my kids and pets?
Diatomaceous earth is EPA-approved for bed bug control, but you must use food-grade version and be cautious. The dust can irritate lungs if inhaled, so it should be applied lightly in very thin layers in hard-to-reach areas like baseboard cracks, not out in the open. Always keep kids and pets away during application.
7. Is my landlord required to treat bed bugs in my apartment?
Laws vary by state, but in most cases, yes, your landlord is responsible for providing pest-free housing. You must notify them in writing first. For specific laws in your area, check our guide to your bed bug rights by state.
Conclusion: Your Next Steps
Dealing with bed bugs can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You now have a clear, proven plan rooted in real-world testing and expert guidance. Remember, prevention is always easier than cure. With your quick 7-minute routine, the right gear, and smart sealing habits, you’ve built a strong defense. And if you ever spot a bug, you know exactly what to do in those critical first hours.
Remember: If you suspect a major infestation or have health concerns, always contact a licensed professional. This guide is for prevention and early response.
