Bed bugs, those tiny, persistent bloodsuckers, can turn your peaceful nights into a nightmare. Following the recent news of a massive bed bug outbreak in Paris, it’s important to know what to do if these pests make their way into your home – whether you live in Los Angeles, New York City, or anywhere in between. If you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, you’re not alone. These pests are resilient, but with the right strategy, you can remove them from your space. In this Redfin article, we’ll explore the essential steps to effectively eliminate bed bugs from your home.
1. Locate infested areas
The first step in getting rid of bed bugs is to pinpoint their hiding spots. Bed bugs are skilled at concealing themselves, but you can find them if you look carefully. Here’s how to check for bed bugs:
Strip the bed
Remove all bedding, including sheets, pillows, and mattress covers. Inspect every seam, crevice, and fold for any signs of bed bugs. Dreama Day of RHR Cleaning Services notes that bite markes on the skin, a musty odor around the bed or furniture, or bed bug skin or eggs are signs of a potential infestation.
Check your furniture
Bed bugs don’t just infest your mattress. They can be found in cracks, crevices, and seams of nearby furniture, such as nightstands, couches, and chairs.
“To determine if there are bed bugs present you should do an inspection of the area where people are sleeping,” says Kenny Kisch of Peak Pest Control. “The easiest place to find the bed bugs is on the underside of the furniture (under the box spring or underside of the sofa) as this is where they prefer to live. Look in creases and crevices for the bugs themselves, their defecation (little black spots), their castoff exoskeletons, and their eggs (these look like tiny white lima beans).”
Inspect your walls and floors
Examine the area around your bed, especially any wall hangings, baseboards, and carpeting. Bed bugs can hide in these areas as well.
Use a flashlight
A good quality flashlight can help you spot these elusive pests in dark or hidden spots.
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2. Contain the bugs
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Once you’ve identified the infested areas, it’s essential to prevent the bed bugs from spreading further. Containment is crucial to stop the infestation from growing and becoming harder to manage.
Isolate infested items
Seal any infested bedding and clothing in plastic bags, and keep them separate from non-infested items. Make sure to mark them clearly.
Use bed bug-proof covers
Invest in bed bug-proof mattress and pillow covers. These do a great job of trapping any remaining bed bugs and prevent them from feeding or escaping.
Reduce clutter
Declutter your living space to minimize hiding spots for bed bugs. The more clutter there is, the harder it is to control an outbreak.
3. Eliminate the bed bugs
Once you’ve contained the infestation, it’s time to start eliminating the bed bugs.
Wash with hot water
Wash all infested clothing and bedding in hot water, followed by high-temperature drying. Bed bugs cannot survive extreme heat.
Vacuum
Thoroughly vacuum your mattress, furniture, and floors. Pay close attention to seams and crevices. Dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag.
Use diatomaceous earth
Apply food-grade diatomaceous earth, a natural and safe desiccant, to cracks and crevices where bed bugs hide. This substance dehydrates and kills the insects over time.
Steam cleaning
Use a steam cleaner on your mattress, furniture, and carpets. The high-temperature steam will kill bed bugs and their eggs.
4. Monitor the area
After taking measures to eliminate the bed bugs, you must continue to monitor your living space to ensure they don’t return
Do regular inspections
Keep inspecting your mattress, furniture, and other potential hiding places for signs of bed bugs. Be vigilant, especially in the weeks following treatment.
Maintain bed bug covers
Regularly inspect and clean your bed bug-proof mattress and pillow covers to ensure they remain intact.
5. Get help from an exterminator
If your infestation is severe or your DIY efforts prove unsuccessful, it may be time to seek professional help. “For the homeowner, the first impulse may be to go to your local hardware or home products store and choose a pesticide spray for bedbugs,” says June from Annihilators Inc. of Maryland. However, if the label says it’s a repellent as opposed to a non-repellent, it will scatter the bedbugs throughout the house. It’s best to call in a professional to provide treatment.”
Pest control experts have the knowledge and tools to eradicate bed bugs efficiently and safely. They can provide a targeted treatment plan, which may include pesticides, heat treatments, or other advanced techniques.
While there are DIY methods available, Jonathan Stoddard, Imperial Pest Prevention’s entomologist, emphasizes that hiring a professional exterminator ensures thorough eradication and reduces the chances of reinfestation.
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How can I prevent a bed bug infestation?
“To prevent bed bugs, regularly inspect and clean your bedding and surrounding areas,” says Randy Cottrell of Black Tie Termite. “Use bed bug-proof covers on mattresses and box springs. When traveling, check hotel rooms for signs of infestation, and avoid bringing used furniture into your home without careful inspection.”
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