Familiarize yourself with what a bed bug and a bed bug infestation look like so that you can avoid interacting with an active infestation. 
 
Check secondhand furniture, beds, and couches for any signs of bed bugs infestation before bringing them home.
 
Every time you change your bed linens, you should look for signs of bed bugs. Check linens for bugs and blood spots. Inspect your mattress, paying close attention to the folds, tufts, and seams. Look for live bedbugs, faeces, or cast skins.
 
Use a protective cover that encases mattresses and box springs to eliminate many hiding spots. The light colour of the encasement makes bed bugs easier to see. Check the encasement regularly for holes or use a cover that has been pre-treated with pesticide to control bed bugs.
 
 
Reduce the clutter in your home to reduce hiding places for bed bugs and ensure that you do a frequent vacuum to remove any successful hitchhikers.
 
Have a thorough check of your hotel room or guest bedroom when out of town to prevent bringing bed bugs back home with you. Inspect the mattress, headboard, and dresser(s) before placing your personal belongings in the room.
 
Always check for bed bugs after you have had guests spend the night. Friends and family members may not be aware that they left behind bed bugs.
 
Consider purchasing a portable heating chamber to treat any items that you believe may have bed bugs. Be sure to read and carefully follow the directions if you use one of these units and be aware that they are not regulated federal agencies. 
 
Use the appropriate pesticide to control the infestation if noticed.