Bed bugs are small reddish-brown parasitic insects that conceal their presence in furniture, mattresses, and bedding once they infest homes. This makes detecting or eradicating them very hard once they invade your property. Also, they are very resilient and can survive months without feeding.
Therefore, in this article, we’ll provide the necessary steps for eliminating bed bugs from your home.
Steps for Effective Bed Bug Control
Generally, effective bed bug control involves early detection before they establish and develop into a nuisance, eliminating them and preventing reinfestation.
You can take the following steps to control bed bugs and pests.
1. Inspect your Property to Confirm the Presence of Bed Bugs
If you suspect there could be bed bugs in your home, the next thing to do is confirm whether they are indeed bed bugs.
Thus, start by searching for signs of bed bugs characterized by:
- Small, reddish, or rust-colored spots due to crushed bugs or their droppings on bedding and furniture.
- Small, white eggs or eggshells along bedding seams and within furniture cracks.
- Molted skin since bed bugs are known to shed during their growth phase.
- Skin bites that may appear red, swollen, or itchy on your skin.
2. Declutter and Clean Up to Prepare for Treatment
Since the bed bugs have many hiding places, you cannot effectively carry out pest control exercises if the home is dirty and cluttered. Therefore, after ascertaining that bed bugs have invaded your home, please clean it up and remove unwanted items, especially around the beds and sleeping areas.
Importantly, inspect the items before moving them since the bed bugs can quickly relocate to other rooms where you move the items.
After moving the items, clean the spaces properly and generally organize them to maximize the success and effectiveness of the treatment and reduce the likelihood of reinfestation.
3. Heat-Treatment of Bedding and Garments
Heat treatment is among the most effective ways to eliminate bed bugs because they cannot withstand extreme heat. Therefore, gather and throw into scalding hot water linens, bed covers, clothing, and other fabrics that can be washed and are found within an infestation area. After cleaning, dry them on the hottest temperature setting for at least 30 minutes.
Alternatively, you may resort to unique heat treatments like steam cleaners on items and spaces that are inaccessible and just cannot be cleaned in the washing machine. The steam at the higher temperature penetrates deep inside fabric and furniture to kill the bugs and their eggs. More importantly, with steam cleaning, avoid attempting steam on surfaces that heat might damage, such as electronics or specific finishes.
4. Chemical Treatments and Insecticides
Severe cases of bed bug invasion require chemical treatment. The most common chemical treatment formulation for bed bugs includes sprays and powders. Importantly, you can consider over-the-counter solutions in chemical treatments or hire a professional to advise and carry out the treatment process.
In this regard, and as the best and most lasting solution, professional bed bug pest control is highly recommended.
However, if you decide to do the insect pest control treatment, apply specific insecticide thoroughly and specifically around the cracks, crevices, and other most probable places that may shelter the insects.
Conclusion
After a successful bed bug control exercise, it is essential to avoid reinfestation by sealing the areas where the bed bugs are likely to hide. Also, ensure your house is clean and clutter-free.
Importantly, be alert after treatment and monitor your home for bed bug reinfestation. Check your bed and the rest of your home regularly. If you find new signs of bed bugs, stop the full-blown reinfestation immediately by eradicating them.
Lastly, always work closely with a professional bed bug control company to provide professional input throughout the process before, during and after bed bug control treatment
