What recommendations would you offer homeowners to prevent or minimize the risk of having bed bugs ​at home?

There are many methods to effectively prevent and manage infestations of bed bugs. For example, when traveling, use luggage racks to hold your luggage and do not place your luggage on the bed or floor. Upon returning home, unpack directly into a washing machine using hot water, and inspect your luggage carefully. To manage infestations, learn about the signs of bed bugs and carefully inspect mattresses and other fabrics for the presence of bed bugs. If discovered, control should be immediately pursued by removing clutter where bed bugs hide, sealing cracks, encasing mattresses, vacuuming, heat treatments, and the careful use of pesticide products explicitly approved for bed bugs.
There are over 300 different products registered by EPA for use against bed bugs, and as always, pesticides must be used consistent with the label directions. Another option is to consult a pest management professional as soon as possible to inspect your residence, take apart furniture, if necessary, and use high powered vacuums, heat, and approved pesticides to treat the infestation.