Bed bugs are increasingly common these days. Unfortunately, because of many factors including increased travel, chemical resistance, and lack of awareness, bed bugs are spreading everywhere. They will live on almost anything, can be spread from home to home quickly, and can live for a year without feeding. And they are expensive to treat. The average bed bug treatment is $1,000 or more, so many people would prefer to try a DIY method before calling in the professional. So how can you get rid of bed bugs on your own?
Don’t Trust the Internet
Bed bugs are hard to get rid of and people can be desperate for help. Unfortunately, there is a ton of bad information online, or worse, people who want to take your hard earned money for themselves. Most bed bug “treatments” you can read online are not effective. Don’t believe it unless you can confirm it on a reputable site. Don’t buy $50 worth of some essential oil spray. It’s not going to work, and you’ll be out even more money. Read further, and we’ll talk about some options, ones that might actually work, not just scams to take your money.
First, know your enemy
Bed bugs will live in a variety of locations besides your bed. If you have bed bugs, you will have to be aggressive in your approach to killing them. You can’t just spray some stuff from Home Depot and hope. Well, you can, but it probably won’t work. You need to treat your house like a war zone. Discover where your enemy is hiding and destroy them. Inspect your house throughly. Once you can determine how bad the infection is you can decide if it’s something you can handle of if you should call a professional. If they are in every room, call us before you waste months of work and spend a ton of money without success. However, if it’s a small infestation, there are things you can try.
Clean up
Bed bugs love clutter and trash. The less stuff you have the fewer places they can hide. You have to be ruthless. Throw away everything that is trash or clutter. You must reduce your stuff so they can’t hide in too many places to treat.
Vacuum
You have to vacuum the area of infection every day thoroughly. Use a powerful vacuum with a hose attachment and get into every crack and crevice of your furniture. Bed bugs will usually live directly on your bed or couch, so you need to vacuum it daily. Scrape the fabric with the end of the hose to get any eggs off, and then make sure to empty your vacuum outside or put the bag outside after every use, as they won’t be killed by sucking them up. You don’t want them walking back out!
Spray
You can buy a bed bug chemical and apply it often. They spray won’t really have a very good residual, so you’ll need to apply often. Read the label and only apply it where and how the label says. You don’t want to poison yourself trying to get rid of the bugs.
Steam
You can use a powerful steamer to get into the cracks and crevices of your furniture with heat. The heat will kill the bed bugs and eggs. This will have to be done several times a week to be effective.
Must Read: What’s the Best DIY Treatment for Bed Bugs?
Don’t spread them
Don’t use bed bug bombs, they will spread the bugs around. Don’t go to other people’s houses until the problem is dealt with 100% in your house. Don’t allow anyone who might have bed bugs to come over and sit on your couch.
Vigilance
Bed bugs can live a year without feeding and hide anywhere. You can’t stop fighting them until it has been several months since you’ve seen any activity. Normally people stop trying to kill them once they don’t notice them for a week or two. Don’t fall into that trap. You must stay vigilant longer than you think. Don’t stop vacuuming or steaming for a least a couple of months after you have stopped seeing them.
Call a professional
If you are overwhelmed at how hard bed bugs are to get rid of, you are not alone. We hate them too, and would love to help you get rid of them. Honestly, bed bugs are not a pest most people have good success with getting rid of own their own. We suggest calling a professional right away and saving months of work. But if you are vigilant, get rid of clutter, and use a good technique, you may be successful on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Detecting a bed bug infestation in your home can be tricky as they’re tiny and elusive pests. However, some signs can indicate their presence. Look for small reddish-brown spots on bedding or mattresses, which are bed bug excrements. You might also find shed skins or egg shells in areas where they hide. Unexplained bites on your skin that itch intensely could be another sign.
Getting rid of bed bugs requires a comprehensive approach. Start by thoroughly cleaning the infested areas; vacuum your home, especially the bedrooms, and wash all bedding and clothing in hot water. You can use special bed bug sprays available in the market. For severe infestations, it’s best to hire professional pest control services. Remember, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Prevention of bed bug bites primarily involves preventing an infestation. Regularly inspect your home for signs of bed bugs, particularly when you return from travels. Use protective covers designed to encase mattresses and box springs. If you suspect an infestation, promptly seek professional help. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness and reducing clutter in your home can make it less inviting for bed bugs.