How to Take Care of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are an increasingly common problem in American households. When dealing with the tiny, rust-colored pests -- which flourish by living in mattresses and bedding and survive on human blood -- it is important to enlist the services of a professional exterminator. Bed bugs are adept at hiding in cracks and crevices and are resistant to common bug sprays. It is important to keep on top of the problem and continue checking for signs of bed bugs. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Inspect each room of your home for bed bugs, using a flashlight to illuminate dark spaces and nooks. Bed bugs can thrive not only in bedding, but also in upholstered objects like sofas and chairs. Make detailed notes on the signs that you see; signs include the bed bugs themselves, bed-bug droppings, small blood smears and bed bug eggs.
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Pull out drawers in your dressers and cupboards. Search underneath beds, look at the underside of your headboard and check the seams of your mattresses during your investigation. You also want to check zippers, wallpaper seams, toys, cushions and furniture frames for signs of infestation. Bed bugs can hide just about anywhere.
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Swipe a putty knife or similar instrument into hard-to-reach cracks; this should drive bed bugs out, giving you the opportunity to crush them with a paper towel. If this does not work, you can also use a hair dryer -- set to the hottest setting -- to force them out of hiding. More than likely, you will still need to call a professional, but it is helpful to have some of the problem taken care of in advance.
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Research local exterminators in your area. Factors to consider include: pricing; whether or not the company specializes in dealing with bed bugs; and testimonials from past clients.
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Call some companies to get price estimates and ask any questions you may have about their services; choose a company and arrange a time for the exterminator to treat your home.
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Show the company the detailed notes you took about your bed-bug problem; this helps them assess your situation. They will safely apply pesticides to your home and give you more pointers on keeping your home bed bug free. You will need to stay out of your home for a period of time while the fumigant used on the bed bugs gets aired out.
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Wash all affected linens with hot water; the temperature should be at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Place all of the linens in the dryer and set the dryer to medium or high heat. Leave the items in the dryer for at least 20 minutes.
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Place all of the items in sealed plastic bags until you are certain your home is free of bed bugs.
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Throw away any items that are beyond salvaging; items you are planning on throwing away need to be placed inside trash bags; make sure to clearly label the trash bags with masking tape on which you have written "Infested with bed bugs." This will warn anyone scavenging for used items not to pick up the infested items.
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Tips & Warnings
Medications for bed bugs include creams with hydrocortisone and oral antihistamines with diphenhydramine.
Prevent future problems with bed bugs by checking all rented or used furniture for signs of the critters. Inspect your hotel room before going to sleep. Seal all the cracks and crevices in your home with caulk. Don't pick up furniture found on the street.
Make sure to notify your landlord and/or neighbors if you find bed bugs in your home.
Common foggers and bug bombs do not work on bed bugs.
Purchase a mattress cover that has a label that says "for bed bugs." Place this over your mattress and periodically check it for rips or tears.
Pesticides should be applied by a professional exterminator only.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Bedbugs Treatments and Drugs
- NYC Health Department: Preventing and Getting Rid of Bed Bugs Safely
- Orkin: How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
- WebMD: Bed Bugs - Your Questions Answered
- Vermont Health Department: Stop Bed Bugs Safely
- Cincinnati Health Department: What You Need to Know About Bed Bugs
