How to Eliminate Bed Bugs

Bedbugs can quite literally be considered the scum of the earth. They usually only come out at night to go "out to eat", so to speak, and feed on the blood of humans. Although their bites may not be immediately detected, the effects of their bites can be EXTREMELY aggravating due to the incessant itching that can take place. Who wants a creature like that around? This article will give you some tips on how to eliminate bed bugs.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• A cannister vacuum with a hose extension
• Hot Shot Fogger insecticide (several cans)
• Matress bags, or any large, clear, tough plastic bags
• Packing tape or some kind of durable clear tape

1. You will have to create somewhat of a "quarantine" for all of your bedding accessories. So the first step is to clear all of your bedding accessories (bed cover, pillows, etc.) off of the box spring and mattress, drop them in the plastic bags, and tape up the bags. Take note of any brown or light rust-colored spots you may see, as this may be old fecal spots. Also notice if you see any "molts"--evidence of a bed bug having shed its skin--that are translucent or light brown. All of this should let you know if there is indeed an infestation in your bedding.

2. Tilt the box spring up on its end and examine the bottom thoroughly. Do you see tiny holes, or any nests where bed bugs may be hanging out? If so, vacuum those bad boys up with the hose. Treat the mattress in the same manner--give it a thorough examination as well. Vacuum both as thoroughly as you can.

3. Pour hot water into the vacuum cannister and give it a good flushing out. This will kill the bed bugs and any potential eggs along with it. Thoroughly clean the vacuum hose as well.

4. Bag the mattress and box spring as well in large mattress bags. This will take a little bit of time, but it will be well worth it.

5. Now it's time for the Hot Shot Fogger insecticide. Have each aspect of your bedding accessories (bed cover, pillow, etc.), along with the mattress and box spring, bagged up and ready to be sealed. Shake the Fogger cans well, open them up, press the valve all the way down and make sure that you hook the catch. PLEASE remember to point the can AWAY from your face. Drop one can in each bag as quickly as you can, and then re-seal the bags as quickly as you can. Then, get the heck out of the room for a while. Even though the Fogger cans are operating in sealed bags, make sure that the room has adequate ventilation.

6. Wait at least 12 hours before reopening the bedding accessory bags. The box spring and mattress should stay covered for at least two weeks. You will start to see bed bug carcasses through the clear plastic covering the box spring and mattress.

7. Give all of your bedding accessories a good washing in warm water. After you have waited the appropriate amount of time (about two weeks) for the mattress and box spring to be treated, take the covers off them and wipe them down with a damp cloth and soapy warm water.

8. Hopefully you can sleep peacefully now!

Tips & Warnings

• Contrary to popular opinion, bed bugs are not a result of having a dirty house, although it doesn't hurt to keep the home environment as clean as possible.

• Be very careful in how you handle the chemical treatment of the Fogger cans. Follow ALL of the instructions listed on the label of the can.