Although bed bugs aren’t really harmful, they are a nuisance and proper bed bug control can help to keep the tiny pests out of your home. It’s hard to get the bugs out of your bed once they have established a nest there; one way to deter them is to replace your mattress and box spring every two or three years. Protective plastic covers that slip over your mattress can also make sure you don’t have a bed bug problem. And thoroughly washing and vacuuming your bedroom, bedding and sheets can also help to deter them. Several essential oils are also effective in repelling bed bugs, including lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and cinnamon. Bed bugs like a messy and cluttered house; your chances of having a bed bug infestation are a lot less if you declutter and keep your home clean and tidy.