Bed bugs are tiny pests that can cause painful bites. Bed bugs hide during the day and feed off their host during the night.
Inspect for bedbugs using a flashlight. Search carefully because bedbugs can sometimes be difficult to see due to their small size but they can be seen with the naked eye. Bed bugs or oval-shaped, flat and reddish brown. Generally, they are about ΒΌ inch in size. They resemble a miniature tick.
First step to getting rid of bed bugs.
One of the first steps to getting rid of bed bugs is to do a general cleanup of the area. Get rid of clutter and debris that can provide a safe hiding place for bedbugs. You will also want to vacuum the floor, bed, and upholstered furniture.
When treating for bed bugs it is imperative that you use insecticides designed to kill bed bugs that have been approved for the treatment of mattresses. Do not use general insecticides to treat bed bugs; you may endanger your own health.
Insecticides approved and labeled for use on bed bugs and beds include Pyganic Dust, Phantom Aerosol, Bedlam Aerosol or Temprid SC. If you are unsure of which products to use consult a pest control professional or contact your state or county extension office.
For a particularly heavy infestation of bed bugs it will be helpful to use a combination of insecticide powder and spray. Foggers should never be used on bed bugs because they only tend to scatter bugs and may spread the infestation.
How to treat bed linens to remove bed bugs.
Don’t treat bed linens or clothing with insecticide. Wash the linens in hot water, no less than 120 degrees. For extra insurance dry them in a hot dryer.
How to get rid of bed bugs from bed and mattress.
Inspect all areas of the mattress for bed bug infestation. In order to remove bed bugs completely you will have to inspect the top, bottom, and sides of the mattress. Pay special attention to seems and buttons where eggs may be hidden.
If the mattress is particularly old or has holes or tears it is time to get rid of the mattress. Bed bugs may infest the interior of an old mattress. Once that happens they become difficult to treat.
Inspect your box spring for bed bugs by shining a flashlight through the gauze fabric. You should be able to see any bed bugs that are hiding. Spray an insecticide through the gauze to eliminate bed bugs.
An additional step to help remove bedbugs from your bedding is to remove the mattress and treat nooks and crannies where bedbugs may hide.
How to treat bedbugs on pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals.
The best way to remove bedbugs from small, soft personal items is to vacuum the item. Place the toy or blanket in a garbage bag. Gather the bag opening in your hands leaving only enough room for the vacuum hose to fit into the bag. Insert the vacuum hose and hold the trash bag snuggle around the hose. Cut on the vacuum and allow it to run until all of the air and bedbugs are sucked out of the item.
If the bedbug infestation is bad leave them in the bag and use an insecticide that is non-toxic to humans. Leave the item bagged for a couple of days with the insecticide then vacuum again before removing from bag.
How to treat and eliminate bed bugs from your bedroom.
When you are treating for bed bugs it is important to clean the entire room for infestation. Scrub infested surfaces to eliminate any eggs.
Wash and vacuum baseboards, bedrails, headboards, and footboards to ensure that bed bugs are completely eliminated.
Sources:
Bed Bugs: Biology and Management; Harvard School of Public Health
Bed Bugs Guide – How to Kill Bed Bugs
Getting Rid Of Bed Bugs-How To Kill Bed Bugs
