Are there things I can do to decrease the chances of bringing bed bugs home with me?

Yes! Here are some tried and true steps to lessen the chances of bed bugs hitching a ride with you:

1. Never place your suitcase or any personal items on the bed or other upholstered surface
2. Seal all dirty clothes in plastic bags immediately after taking them off
3. Wipe shoes with a damp cloth and hot water before taking them inside your home
4. Empty your dirty clothes from the sealed bags directly into the washing machine and wash on the hottest setting for the fabric. Dry clothes for at least 30 minutes on the hottest appropriate setting
5. Do not bring your suitcase in the house; vacuum it outside and then immediately remove the vacuum bag, seal it in a plastic bag, and dispose of it in an outside garbage can
6. Spray the suitcase with an insecticide that kills bed bug eggs and place it in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the sun for at least 24 hours
7. Vacuum the suitcase again, removing the vacuum bag and sealing it in a plastic bag before disposing of it