GET RID OF BED BUGS
If you have bed bugs I urge you to take a few minutes to read this short article to the end.
You see if you have bed bugs there are really only two options:
#1. Hire Licensed Pest Control Team
#2. Do It Yourself Pest Control (D.I.Y)
I opted for doing it myself and saved myself thousands of dollars.
Although it wasn’t easy and I had to treat my home several times it’s possible to get rid of bed bugs yourself.
That being said it’s not for everyone because of the time and effort that is involved.
And because some infestations really do require professional help.
If you’re interested in getting rid of bed bugs with do it yourself methods.
You can find plenty of articles on this page with tips to help you be successful.
As you read on you’ll learn about what bed bugs are, steps to remove them, and how to prevent them from coming back.
I know your time is valuable so I try to give you as much information as possible in quick easy to read steps.
Thanks for stopping by…
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are oval in shape and flat insects that feed on the blood of humans and sometimes animals. Bed bugs can move quickly and are excellent at hiding.
It’s likely you won’t even know you have them until you get bed bugs bites. Female bed bugs can lay hundreds of eggs so it’s important to act fast to eradicate all bed bugs.
These blood suckers can appear brownish in color then reddish in color after feeding.
Below Are Some Of The Tell Tale Signs You Might Have Bed Bugs:
- Blood stains on your mattress, pillow cases, or bedding
- A disgusting smelling musty order
- Rusty or Dark colored spots on your sheets, mattress, or walls
- Most common and usually the first sign is waking up with bed bug bites
Bed bugs are very small and only about the size of an apple seed. You can spot them with the naked eye but it can be difficult to spot them during the day.
Unfortunately bed bugs have been on the rise and have become a problem nationwide and even worldwide. The explanation for this rise in bed beds is due to travel.
Who Gets Bed Bugs?
You don’t need to feel embarrassed if you have bed bugs because anyone can get them. Even the cleanest homes could get bed bugs.
Bed Bugs Can Spread The Following Ways:
- They Can Hitch A Ride In Your Luggage
- Enter Your Home With Second Hand Furniture
- Moving Your Belongings That Came From Storage
- Public Transportation
- Dressing Rooms
- Hotels/Motels
- Movie Theaters
This is a small list of possible ways that bed bugs can enter your home. And then spread quickly causing an infestation.
Steps To Remove Bed Bugs
STEP #1: Identify You Have Bed Bugs
There are some bugs that look like bed bugs. You can learn more about them here.
Inspecting for bed bugs can be easier with the help of a bed bug light.
Check The Following Areas For Bed Bugs:
- Baseboards
- Cracks and Crevices
- Picture Frames
- Electronics
- Mattress and Boxspring
- Furniture Cousins
- Seams or under lose wall paper
You may find live bed bugs when inspecting for them but other signs can be finding yellowish skins, egg shells, reddish stains, and bed bug droppings.
STEP #2: Contain Area And Prep For Treatment
If you have identified that you have bed bugs you need to contain the area this is very important so bed bugs do not spread to other areas of your home.
A small problem can quickly turn into a massive problem if you skip this step.
This means you should not switch where you sleep because bed bugs will follow you into the areas you spend the most time.
Preparing your home for treatment:
- Vacuum your entire home 2-3 times. You can get a vacuum that is made for bed bugs here.
- Place linens, clothing, and anything that can be washed into a plastic bag and seal at top
- Wash/Dry In High Heat for minimum 30 minutes
- Place all clean items in separate plastic bag and seal at top
- Throw out infested items in your outside trash
- Keep Clean Items Away From Dirty Bed Bug Items
STEP #3: Eradicate Bed Bugs
Now you’re ready to kill bed bugs. If are searching for a bed bug spray I recommend:
You can read my bed bug sprays review here.
Other options to kill bed bugs include the following:
It’s common to need to treat more than once. So it’s important to monitor your home for bed bugs after treatment.
How To Prevent Bed Bugs
It’s easy to accidentally bring bed bugs home with you. It’s more common than you might think. That’s why it’s important to know how to prevent bed bugs from getting into your home.
Below Are Tips That Can Keep The Bugs Out:
- Avoid Storing Items Under Your Bed
- Remove Clutter
- Vacuum Your Entire Home Weekly
- Invest in Mattress Encasement
- Use Bed Bug Traps
- Wash/Dry Clothes In High Heat Immediately after traveling
- Inspect Second Hand Furniture before bringing it into your home
-
Keep Luggage Off The Ground when staying in a hotel/motel
Frequently Asked Questions
Below Are Some Of The Most Common Questions Regarding Bed Bugs:
Q: Do Bed Bugs Spread Disease?
A: At this time bed bugs are not known to spread disease.
Q: Are Bed Bugs Just In Beds?
A: No, bed bugs are usually near their host that’s why it’s common to find them in beds. However, they can be found in electrical outlets, cracks, crevices, or behind picture frames. Bed bugs are usually in areas people spend most of their time.
Q: What Are The Signs You Have Bed Bugs?
A: The most common and usually the first sign someone has is waking up with bed bug bites. The bites are found anywhere on the body but neck, arms, and back are very common.
Q: Can Bed Bugs Fly or Jump?
A: Fortunately no bed bugs do not fly or jump.
Q: Do I Need To Throw My Bed Out If I Have Bed Bugs?
A: No you can keep your mattress but it’s highly recommended to invest in a bed bug mattress encasement. This can trap any live bed bugs so they can’t bite you.
