Most people learn that they have a bed bug problem when they realize they have been bitten. These little nocturnal pests feed on blood, and humans are one of their favorite food sources. It can be hard to sleep – and really creep you out – knowing you have bugs crawling around on you in your bed
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU HAVE A BED BUG INFESTATION?
You may see – or feel – small bites on your skin. There could be an usual sweet smell in your bed. Some say it’s smells like rotting fruit. If you look at your mattress and bed coverings carefully and closely you may notice molted bed bug skins. As these bugs grow and mature, they shed their skins in order to grow. Since their bites may cause you to bleed some you may see small red spots on your bedding or mattresses
If you find that you have bed bugs in your home, what should you do?
WASH YOUR BEDDING
First strip your bed and wash all your bedding using hot soapy water that is at least 120 degrees. When you put your bedding in the dryer use the highest heat setting. You need to be careful to keep contaminated items away from your clean clothes and laundry, so you won’t spread the infestation to other items.
You can protect your mattresses by wrapping them in a bed bug-proof zipper plastic case. These keep bed bugs off your mattress and box spring, and prevent them from making nests in your mattress.
CHECK YOUR PET’S BEDDING, TOO
Next you will want to check your pests. Bed bugs prefer to feed on humans, but they can also hitch a ride on household pets. Their bedding and stuffed toys can harbor bed bugs, so you should treat them the same way as your own bedding, furniture and personal items. If you throw away any pet items, be sure to seal them in a plastic bag, and dispose of them in an outside trash bin.
VACUUM
Vacuum your mattress, headboard, bed frame, and under your bed. Clean thoroughly along baseboards and anywhere bed bugs can hide.
When you are finished, dispose of the vacuum bag in your outside trash receptacle.
CLEAN & TREAT YOUR HOME
Scrub all hard surfaces, and use a pesticide spray that is made for treating bed bugs. Many pesticide formulas require multiple applications, so be sure to follow the instruction on the label. Even after you have treated your furniture and bedding, bed bugs may still be hiding in places that are hard to reach – like under your carpet, and inside walls. It will take more work – and persistence – to eliminate them all.
You can purchase bed bug traps that will trap the bugs while you sleep. Read the instructions for the traps carefully, as there are precautions you will want to be aware of. Always dispose of trapped insects right away, so they won’t spread to other parts of your home.
LET US HELP YOU GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
The most effective way to eliminate bed bugs is to consult your local Problem Solved Pest Control professional. We can determine the best treatment options for your home, and eliminate the bed bugs, so that you – and your family – can get a better night’s sleep. Give us a call or complete our online free estimate request.
