How to Get Rid of Bedbugs

Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite: it’s a pretty daunting message to give to kids before they go to bed. Adults don’t really like the idea of getting bitten while they sleep either. Bedbugs aren’t just a storybook tale, like monsters in the closet, they’re actual insects. Since World War II, bedbug infestation is on the rise. If you don’t do something about them you really will “let the bedbugs bite.”

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Washing machine
• Vacuum
• Steam cleaner
• Insecticide

1. Check for infestation: if you have small bites on your arms, neck, or shoulders, in addition to spots of blood on the mattress or pillows, you may very well have a bedbug infestation.
2. Check the mattress for a nest. Bedbugs are easy to spot—they’re larger than fleas. If they’re transparent, they have yet to feed. If they’re brown or black, they’re full. Bedbugs can also nest in the headboard or a hole in the wall. Do a thorough search around the bed. Bedbugs can live 15 away from their feeding area so check the entire bedroom as well.
3. Wash your pillows and sheets immediately.
4. Vacuum the area thoroughly. Also remove clutter where bedbugs can hide. Cleanliness is key. A steam cleaner is also recommended.
5. Apply diatomaceous earth and silica aerogel to crevices where the bedbugs have been discovered. Over the counter insecticides can be effective against live bugs, but not necessarily against bugs that have yet to hatch.
6. Hire an exterminator if the above steps have not been completely effective.

Tips & Warnings

• Bedbugs often attach themselves to your clothing or luggage after staying in a motel. Wash your clothes before sleeping in your bed at home.
• Bedbugs feed for three to five minutes a night—so catching them in the act isn’t quite effective. You need to attack the nest.
• Wearing long sleeves and pants to bed is not a good solution.
• Bed bug bites can lead to infections. Certain people have a worse reaction to the bites than others. Get rid of the bugs as soon as they’re spotted.
• If possible, use insecticide sparingly in a well-ventilated room. Insecticide uses potent chemicals.