Bed bugs have been a part of human society since the beginning of time. They have been mentioned in texts dating back to the period of Aristotle; they were found in Egyptian tombs.
To this day, the saying “sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite” has a basis in truth. In this article, we will look at how to get rid of bed bugs and when is the right time to call the Pest Control experts.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Step-by-Step
Bed bugs measure only 5 mm across - they are small but tough, smart, and reproduce quickly. They know where to hide and how to avoid detection and can live for months between meals.
No wonder that these tiny bloodsuckers can wreak havoc in any home. And, if they get in bed with you, they can leave itchy red welts all over your body. The good news is that it is possible to stop the unwelcome infestation. Follow our step-by-step instructions on how to get rid of bed bugs.
Step 1: Identify
The first step is to identify the source of your problems. Here are a few useful facts about bed bugs:
Appearance and Smell
Bed bugs are 3/16 to ¼ inch long (approximately the size of an apple seed). They are brown in colour, with an oval, flat body when unfed. After eating, they appear longer and balloon-like in shape. When in large groups, bed bugs can produce a musty but sweet odour.
Feeding and Mating Cycle
Bed bugs feed on the human blood. To continue reproduction, both males and females must feed every 14 days. While they are mainly active at night, hungry bed bugs may also seek a host during the daytime.
With regular feeding, a female can lay 1 to 3 eggs daily, delivering between 200 and 500 eggs over her lifetime. And, even if a regular feeding cycle is interrupted, the bugs can still survive for several months.
Where to Find
Bed bugs can be found throughout the U.S. and can inhabit home residences, hotels, offices, stores, and gyms. These bugs can’t travel large distances on their own, but they can attach themselves to movable objects like boxes, furniture, clothing, and bedding.
Step 2: Inspect
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to determine the severity of the problem.
Most bed bugs can be found within 8 feet of a bed. However, as the population increases, so does their footprint in your house or apartment.
When inspecting for bed bugs, make sure to check the following areas:
- Bedding, mattresses, and box springs
- Under carpet -Behind peeling wallpaper and in curtains
- Piles of clothing -Cracks in hardwood floors and furniture
- Picture frames
If you have one or more cluttered rooms, bed bugs are likely to hide there. Carefully inspect the room for bugs or dark stains indicating their droppings. And, of course, if you experience bites, you can be sure that you are dealing with an infestation.
You can also use a credit card and a flashlight to probe crevices while looking for bed bugs. If you see them moving, capture them immediately with adhesive tape. Then, wipe the area with soapy water to get rid of any dead bugs, droppings, shed skins, and eggs. Finish off by vacuuming the area for even deeper cleaning.
Step 3: Get Rid of Bed Bugs
A bed bug infestation is extremely difficult to eradicate, but there are a few DIY tactics to clean rooms, discourage bed bug spread, and wipe out their homes:
- De-clutter infested rooms in your home
- Vacuum several times each week to fend off the pests
- Buy a mattress encasement to protect the box spring and the mattress
- Apply caulk to cracks and crevices in door frames and walls
- Wash and dry your clothes and bedding in high heat to kill any bed bugs
Give your efforts in treating bed bugs at least a week to take full effect. If the signs of infestation continue, contact a pest control professional: the issue may require an insecticide, which should only be handled and deployed by a trained professional.
Bed Bug Control: When to Call a Professional
If repeated home treatments fail to be effective, and the infestation continues for weeks or even months, it is time to call an exterminator. In addition, it is always recommended to call experts if you or your family members are experiencing copious bites.
A professional pest control company can help to get rid of bed bugs quickly, and they have special training to use repellents, sprays, insecticides, heat, and other methods. They can also provide specific tips that will help to prevent bed bugs in the future.
While bed bugs are one of the most unwelcome guests you can have in your home, and they don’t present a danger to you or your family. Fortunately, with the help of a specialist, you will be able to keep these little bloodsuckers away for good.
