7 tips on how to get rid of bed bugs for your home

Dealing with bed bugs can be frustrating and challenging. These tiny, blood-sucking pests can quickly multiply and wreak havoc on your peace of mind. However, you can effectively eliminate bed bugs and reclaim your home with the appropriate strategies. In this blog, let’s look at some tips and tricks on getting rid of bed bugs from your home.

1. Identifying Bed Bugs

Before you can tackle a problem, it is important to identify the enemy. Bed bugs are small and reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They usually hide in crevices and cracks, making it very difficult to find them. You can start looking for tiny white eggs and dark faecal spots on your mattress, furniture, and walls. Once you identify these signs, it will be much easier to prevent a full-blown infestation. 

2. Thorough Cleaning and Decluttering

Bed bugs flourish in congested areas because it provides them with extra hiding places. Begin your war by decluttering your house, particularly in places where bed bugs are suspected to be lurking. Get rid of clutter, clean your carpets and organise your stuff. This not only exposes hiding places but also makes other eradication techniques easier to apply for pest control services.

3. Washing and Heat Treatment

One effective way to eliminate bed bugs is by laundering infested items. Bedding, curtains, and clothes should be washed in hot water, preferably over 120°F. Bed bugs and their eggs are killed by high heat. Items that cannot be washed should be dried in a dryer on the highest setting for at least 30 minutes. Steam cleaning is also an effective technique since extreme heat penetrates cracks and kills bed bugs that are hidden or in difficult-to-reach areas of the house. 

4. Vacuuming and Sealing

Regular vacuuming is important if you are looking to fight bed bugs. Vacuum your mattress, furniture and carpets thoroughly, paying special attention to seams, edges, and crevices. Dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag immediately after use. Seal any cracks or gaps in the walls, furniture, and electrical outlets. This minimises the number of hiding places and restricts their capacity to propagate.

5. Use of Bed Bug Sprays and Insecticides

Consider utilising pesticides and bed bug sprays to target particular areas where bed bugs may be hiding. Choose bed bug control products and carefully follow the directions. Keep in mind that repeated applications may be necessary, and be cautious when using these products, especially in bedrooms and around children and pets.

6. Mattress and Furniture Encasements

Purchasing mattress and furniture encasements is a proactive step towards keeping bed bugs out of your sleeping quarters. These protective coverings provide a barrier that prevents bed bugs from entering or fleeing. Choose encasements that are specially labelled for bed bugs and are of excellent quality and durability. Inspect and replace encasements regularly if rips or damage occur.

7. Professional Pest Control

When a bed bug infestation persists or becomes overwhelming, seeking professional help is a wise decision. Pest control professionals have the expertise and tools to eradicate bed bugs effectively. They can conduct thorough inspections, apply targeted treatments, and offer guidance on preventing future infestations. A professional pest inspection is especially crucial for severe infestations that may require more aggressive measures.