Keep Those Bedbugs Out of Your House

The best prevention for bedbug scams is guarding against infestation. Here's how:

• Never bring secondhand furniture, especially mattresses or box springs, into your home without thoroughly checking for signs of an infestation. If you're not sure, consider having a pest control professional inspect the furniture.
  
  

• When traveling, carry a small flashlight to inspect beds for blood spots or insect carcasses.
  
  

• Bring a large plastic trash bag to keep your suitcase in during hotel stays—that way, the bugs won't be able to hop a ride home with you.
  
  

• Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation.
  
  

• Regularly inspect areas where pets sleep for signs of bedbugs.
  
  

Sid Kirchheimer is the author of  Scam-Proof Your Life (AARP Books/Sterling).