Let’s be real. Bed bugs are terrifying. And getting rid of bedbugs can be even more of a nightmare.

The idea of parasitic insects that burrow in your bedding and feast on your blood at night sounds more like a plot for a B-horror movie than a real life crisis. But for those who are suffering from bed bugs, it’s all too real. To make the problem even more of a nightmare for urban dwellers, reports of bed bugs have increased 71 percent in the last five years according to the National Pest Management Association.

I'm always look for way to prevent bed bugs and have found a few tips that I think are pretty useful. If you aren’t already aware, here are a few tips to keep your home free of the nocturnal bloodsuckers.

If you’re sleeping in a bed that’s not your own, check it for sign of bedbug feces which look like clusters of black pinpoints on the bedding. Sometimes you may even find their shed skin which look like reddish brown discs up to a quarter inch long.

If you think you’ve been exposed to bed bugs while travelling, the NPMA suggest you wash EVERYTHING before bringing it into your home. Vacuum out your suitcase and wash all your clothes, even if you didn’t wear them.

If you buy secondhand furniture and clothing, inspect the items thoroughly before you bring them home.

All in all, getting rid of bed bugs can be especially tricky, so prevention is the best way to control them.