How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
“Goodnight, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite” is easier said than done, especially if said bed bugs have already gotten comfortable in your bed. Bed bugs are rather flat insects with a reddish brown color, and are great travelers. They can hide themselves in small crevices, clothes and bags and reproduce quickly. Here’s how to get rid of bed bugs.
The best way to get rid of bed bugs is by temperature. Bed bugs cannot survive a temperature over 115 degrees Fahrenheit for over a few hours, so the best solution is to use steam cleaning. Strip down furniture, mattresses and affected areas to their bare minimum. Stripping them down is the best way to prevent them from hiding in hidden places.
Locate them using their feces trail, molted bed bug shells and blood spatter caused by crushed adult bed bugs.
If a particular piece of furniture or infested, you might consider replacing it entirely. If not, vacuum it thoroughly and use a sealable cover.
Don’t use insecticides or anything similar on your beds, ever. You can use them in the areas surrounding your bed but not your bed itself. There are bed bug sprays being sold online, but you get them at your own risk.
If the problem gets really out of hand, get the services of a professional exterminator.
Prevention
Preventing bed bugs from ever settling is just as important in getting rid of them. Here’s how to prevent bed bugs from making themselves at home.
Avoid getting secondhand beds, mattresses, couches and the like. You’re risking introducing hidden bed bugs in your home, especially if the previous owner didn’t bother getting rid of them. If it’s unavoidable, make sure that you check them thoroughly before putting them in your home.
Bed bugs love to hitch a ride on traveling bags and clothes. Whenever you’re in a rented room, make sure that you check the bed and the headboard for bed bugs. Avoid putting your bag on the bed, and avoid leaving your clothes lying around in rented rooms.
If you suspect your home has bed bugs, act quickly. Don’t let the situation go out of control.