Identifying bed bugs is difficult as they generally found in hard to reach places. It is only when they bite that you will know that there is a bed bug problem. Bed bugs suck blood, are seen by victims very rarely and are most active during night time. An excellent strategy against them is prevention, but first you need to find them and then reduce their number with effective treatments.
Launder Bed Bug Infested Bedding
In case darkish red spots smear your bedding or mattress, or molted bed bug skins are present and you have small insect bites on your body then indications are that there is a bed bug infestation. They also emit a strong smell of rotten fruit. Pack all bedding well to prevent any bed bug contamination and launder them well. Dry the bedding well in the highest heat setting as well.
Use Vacuum Cleaner
Take the vacuum cleaner and run it everywhere around the bed, mattress, crevices, cracks etc. Ensure to dispose of the vacuum bag out in trash receptacle outside. Special encasements that are bed bug proof are also available in the market. Use them to cover the mattress.
Spray Pesticide And Dust Sprays
Use a throw away rag or a good brush to apply pesticide on all affected areas, including drawers, chests, floors, nightstands, baseboards, dressing tables, bed frames, headboards etc. Remember multiple treatments are required for some formulas. Use pesticides and sprays as per instructions.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the easy treatments to get rid of bed bugs. Bed bugs are easy to eradicate with tea tree oil. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to water and wash clothing and bedding in it. Also clean your home thoroughly. Spraying tea tree oil on infected furniture, beds, mattresses and carpets helps greatly.
Starve Off Bed Bugs
One thing bed bugs are good at is hiding. They can thrive anywhere even under carpets, cracks in walls and other inaccessible areas. Deny them food and that is you and your family members. In the market there are bug traps available, exclusively designed for trapping bed bugs. When bugs get trapped, dispose them off fast as possible.
Discard Bed Bug Infested Stuffed Toys And Pet Bedding
Bed bugs harbor in stuffed toys or pet bedding even. Treat these items the same way the bed and bedding. If these items have to be disposed then it is best to seal with tape after enclosing them in plastic.
Call Up Local Services
A local technician will professionally eliminate bed bugs in your home and make it pest free in the easiest way possible. The technician would also cause as little disruption as possible. All that you need to do is call on the local service and utilize them regularly.
Use Steam
Using a steam machine or a simple electric kettle are also easy treatments to get rid of bed bugs. Bedbugs and their eggs can be killed by pointing steam at them. Spraying steam on all seams and corners can help in getting rid of them.
Silica Gel
Silica gel can be ground and applied in all affected areas and items in your home. Try this out for a few weeks. While moving bed bugs get stuck onto the gel, dehydrate and perish. Remember that silica gel is dangerous if inhaled.
Vigilance Helps
It is commonplace for railroad cars, trucks, storage facilities, home, warehouses etc to be bed bug infested. When new furniture infested with bed bugs is shipped or stowed away to your home, it could lead to infestation of these insects. Be vigilant and ensure quick intervention of a professional to handle the situation.
