Menu
Mattress / Health

Bed Bugs 101: What Should I Do With My Bed

Bed Bugs

What Exactly Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are tiny little wingless insects that feed off of human blood. It is next to impossible to figure out where these nasty pests make an entry into the house. Once they are in, these bed bugs get cozy in your bedding. They bite and can also be seen crawling on the bed’s surface. The moment you see one, make sure to kill it right away. This is also indicative of the fact that there are more bed bugs in your home, and you must get rid of bug bugs at the earliest, lest you have an infestation you cannot deal with. Hence, it is absolutely crucial to get rid of bed bugs as fast as possible. It is often suggested to replace furniture or mattress in order to get rid of this issue; however, this is not necessary as it can be expensive and time-consuming. If you are struggling with a bed bug infestation, simply call in pest control professionals, or use these simple tips to combat the pests yourself. So read on to know all about the causes and how to kill bed bugs.

bed bugs

Bed Bug Killer Treatment And Control: How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs

Hunt Them Down

If you are looking for complete bed bug removal, it is important that you hunt down the nest of these pests. These bugs might be hiding within cracks in the wooden frames of the bed, deep inside furniture, inside the pages of books, along carpet edges, along the baseboards, and so on. Cleaning, vacuuming, and steaming are some of the bed bug-killer ways in which you can get rid of the bed bugs from these areas.

Reducing Clutter

Bed bug treatment doesn’t have to be as cumbersome as you think. Begin with decluttering your bedroom as one of the methods of bed bug control. Refrain from putting clothes, toys, books, and other personal belongings on the floor as the bugs can cling to them and be transferred to another place. Dust these items to ensure there are no bugs sticking to them.

bed bugs

Vacuuming & Steaming For Bed Bug Removal

Once the cleaning part is over, it is time for vacuuming and steaming. Both vacuuming and steaming should be done along with the window sills, along baseboards and headboards, by the edge of the carpet, and in the crevices of the furniture in your bedroom. Steam chairs, sofa sets, cabinets, beds, and even your mattress. The nozzle of the steamer should be moved slowly so that you eliminate all the bed bugs and any possible eggs in one go. Portable bed bug heaters are easily available online. These steamers can be used on practically any surface with ease, especially smaller items like bags, books, papers, shoes, and so on.

Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Using Repellants

Even after vacuuming and steaming, you may not be able to get rid of all the bugs that may have settled in the deepest cracks and crevices of your bed. So, how to get rid of bed bugs? Fortunately, there are special bed bug killer powders and sprays available in the market that can kill these nasty pests effectively. Sprinkle the powder generously around your bed and lock up the room for a few days before use. Be sure to clear up the room and wash the bedding thoroughly before you cozy up under the sheets again.

bed bugs

Change Your Bedding To Avoid Bed Bugs On Mattress

Bed bug bites can cause nasty itch and, in some cases, a persistent rash too. The sooner you get rid of bed bugs, the better it is. If your mattress is infested with bed bugs, take off all the bedding, pillowcases, and bedsheets and simply junk them. This will prevent the spread of these bugs to other parts of your home. If you do not wish to get rid of the bedding, wash them in scalding hot water before use. Use the vacuum cleaner and clean the bed thoroughly before laying out fresh linen. After checking for bed bugs once again, your bed and mattress are bug-free; seal all cracks and crevices to ensure the bugs do not return.

FAQs

1. How to kill bed bugs?

Many different types of treatments can help you get rid of bed bugs:

  • Vacuum – Vacuuming some parts of your bed is an effective way to reduce or get rid of bed bugs, naturally. 
  • Steam – High temperature kills bed bugs and their eggs. Hence, applying steam to your mattress can immediately kill bugs. This method can help you eliminate bed bugs on mattresses.
  • Essential Oils – These are a great home remedy to get rid of bed bugs, especially the ones with paraffin oil and silicone oil, as these can suffocate bed bugs, eventually removing them.
  • Sprays & Repellents – Although not fully eliminated, some store-bought sprays are powerful enough for bed bug removal

2. What is the main cause of bed bugs?

Research shows that Travel is the most common cause of bed bugs. People, luggage, clothing, carpet, furniture, suitcases, or any other belongings are common breeding grounds for bed bugs. Moving homes is a common situation when bed bugs can be transported onto your things without you noticing. They are also most commonly found in hotel beds, dorm rooms, cruise ships, motels & public transport!

3. Are bed bugs caused by poor hygiene?

Bedding hygiene usually is not a reason for a bed bug infestation. However, it is important to maintain clean and fresh bedding so that it does not attract them. These practices include: 

4. Is it hard to get rid of bed bugs?

Bed bugs can, fortunately, be eliminated, although they can be time-consuming. The speed at which you can get rid of bed bugs depends on how big or small the infestation is. It can be an experiment, as you may have to try several approaches.

5. How to get rid of bed bugs fast?

Heat is the fastest way to get rid of bed bugs. 

6. Should you throw out the mattress if you have bed bugs?

It is a common misconception that you need to throw away your belongings to get rid of bed bugs. However, it is advised not to do so as it can contribute to further spread and infection. Hence, you are not required to throw away your mattresses.

Frequently Asked Questions 

  1. What is the fastest way to kill bed bugs?

The fastest way to kill bed bugs is to wash the bedding and clothes in hot water for about 30 minutes. Then dry then on the highest heat setting for about 30 minutes. 

  1. How can I get rid of bed bugs with no professional help?

Junk all infested things, seal all hiding places, vacuum, steam, and then seal mattresses and pillows with plastic covers, and use safe pesticides to kill bed bugs. 

  1. How can I get rid of bed bugs in my home?

If you think the bedding or clothes is infested with bed bugs, wash with hot water, vacuum furniture, and bedding, use a steam cleaner to remove bugs and use tree oil as it is antifungal and antiparasitic.

  1. What’s the best way to check for bed bugs?

Check for stains that are rusty or redding in color on bedding, dark spots on bedding, eggs, eggshells, pale yellow nymph skins, and/or live bed bugs.

  1. How can I check for bed bugs on my couch?

Look for bed bug droppings of feces that are like small black dots. These can be found near seams, underneath couches, and also inside the crannies of your furniture. 

No Comments

    Leave a Reply