How to Check for and Treat Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are a frightful sight.

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Although bed bugs were almost obsolete, they are back with a vengeance and something to check for at home, in hotels and even in movie theater seats. These pesky little buggers are small, wingless nesting bugs that feed on the warm blood of mammals leaving you with small, itchy red welts wherever they bite you. Here's some information about the pests, how to check for them and what to do if you find them in your home.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Be aware. If you are staying somewhere outside of your home, never put anything on the bed without checking the mattress first. It's common for people to walk into a hotel room and throw their luggage, coats, clothing or themselves on the bed right away. Stop and first check the seams, tags, edges, pillows and linens on the bed to make sure you won't be sleeping with any unexpected pests.

Step2

Bed bugs like to hide in small crevices. Know what to look out for in a bed bug situation. Watch out for actual crawling bed bugs or dead remains, dark brown/reddish fecal stains, blood stains, feces or cast skins of the bugs. Scrutinize your furniture, clothing, linens, curtains and especially your bed frames and mattresses. Bed bugs are oval shaped and very flat so they love to fit in tiny crevices, seams and nooks--so check everything.

Step3

Bed bugs can survive months without feeding so check everything regularly. Reduce clutter and trash in your home to reduce hiding places for these pesky little bugs, they can hide in the smallest places. Keep your sheets tucked in and off the floor and also furniture away from walls to prevent them from crawling onto your bed.

Step4

Clean, clean and clean. Vacuum and scrub everything to dislodge any hidden bed bugs or eggs. Seal any cracks or holes in flooring and walls (especially around wires and pipes) to prevent the bugs from traveling inside or from neighboring apartments.

Step5

If you do find that you have bed bugs, don't panic. It might be annoying, but bed bugs are treatable and furniture is cleanable. Hire a professional pest-control person to have your home cleaned properly and effectively. There are home remedies and pesticides but a professional has a more capable means of cleaning your home and preventing future bed bug problems.

Step6

Take prevention measures. Bed bugs are usually brought into the home by surprise, you! When returning to your home after traveling it's important for you to check your clothes, luggage, boxes and other items transferred during a move or from traveling. Wash your clothes before you put them back in your closet, put boxes in the basement to unload and vacuum and scrub luggage outside of the bedroom before putting it away. Always keep your home clean and clutter-free.