How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs
“Annoying like a bedbug” is an Eastern European expression that usually refers to a person who’s hard to shake off. The expression didn’t just come to be on its own; bedbugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of, especially if you have reservations about hiring professional help. In this short guide, we’ll go over how to get rid of bed bugs and why you should really consider getting the professionals involved. However, before we begin, let’s discuss what bed bugs are.
What are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are tiny, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals, typically while their host sleeps. They’re reddish-brown in color (though the color varies depending on their feeding cycle) and about the size of an apple seed, which allows them to hide in the smallest of cracks and crevices.
Despite their name, bed bugs aren’t just limited to beds. They can infest other furniture, luggage, baseboards, and even wallpaper. This is what can make a bed bug infestation so dreadful; these tiny insects don’t build visible nests like ants or bees. Instead, they lay their eggs in hidden spots and come out only at night to feed.
Usually, by the time most people realize they have a problem, the infestation is already well underway. Fortunately, while they are difficult to locate, bed bugs aren’t that difficult to kill.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
The first step towards putting an end to a bed bug infestation is to identify all the infested areas. Identifying a bigger infestation is a lot easier compared to a smaller one. In the case of smaller infestations, you’re more likely to notice bedbug bites before noticing other evidence of bedbug presence.
Keep in mind that some people don’t react to bedbug bites, so bites alone aren’t the evidence of an infestation; they’re just an indicator of a possible issue. The best thing you can do is look for the bedbugs themselves.
Check near the seams of your mattress, in the crack of your bedframe and headboard, box springs, baseboards, and between couch cushions. It’s also a good idea to check furniture joints and any loose wallpaper, as well as the inside of electrical outlets if you’re tech-savvy enough.
You can spot live bedbugs, their droppings, molted skin, and their eggs. Once identified and located, the next step is to contain the infestation. It’s really important to keep the infestation contained, so don’t move any furniture or other objects from one room to another.
The first thing you should do is vacuum your home, even your dressers and electronics. Following the process, we suggest that you clean the vacuum using a steam cleaner.
Take all your linens and affected clothing and place them in an airtight bag until you can wash them. Bed bugs are fairly easy to kill this way. They die at 115°F, so washing all your linens at 140°F (60°C) will definitely do the trick.
If your clothing can’t be washed at those temperatures, put it in plastic bags and into a freezer at 0°F (-19°C) and leave it there for about four days.
Next Steps
Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate, so once you’ve cleaned your home, check for signs of a new infestation every seven days. If they’re still not gone, or if they reappear again, you’ll want to get the pros involved, as these professionals often have all the necessary knowledge and tools for dealing with these infestations.