Bedbugs are a fairly common problem these days, and it’s not hard to understand why they’re so difficult to get rid of, either. For one thing, they reproduce incredibly quickly and can live almost anywhere – even in the wall voids of some homes! They’re also able to travel far on people’s belongings and can be brought into your home in someone else’s suitcase or purse, among other ways. Fortunately, there are plenty of strategies that you can try to get rid of them completely, no matter where they are hiding in your home.
Expert Advice on Bed Bugs
If you think you have bedbugs, the first thing you should do is confirm that they are actually bedbugs. Second, don’t panic! While they are certainly a nuisance, bedbugs are not known to transmit disease. Here are a few expert tips on how to get rid of bedbugs for good:
- Vacuum regularly and thoroughly, paying special attention to cracks and crevices where bedbugs like to hide.
- Wash all you’re bedding in hot water and dry on high heat.
- Encase your mattress and box spring in dust-proof or bug-proof covers.
- Use a stiff brush to scrub infested furniture, walls, floors, etc.
- Seal any areas where pipes enter or leave your home (this can be done with caulk).
- Examine any secondhand furniture before bringing it inside – if there are signs of bedbugs, seal the items into plastic bags and discard them immediately.
- Finally, remember that keeping a clean house will help keep these pests at bay – so try to vacuum daily, change sheets weekly, keep surfaces tidy and clear clutter as much as possible.
DIY Ways to Get Rid of a Bed Bug Infestation
It’s every homeowner’s nightmare: you wake up with bites on your body and realize you have a bed bug infestation. These pests are notoriously difficult to get rid of, but it’s not impossible. With a little elbow grease and some patience, you can eliminate bedbugs from your home for good. First, vacuum all carpets thoroughly (even the edges) and wash all bedding in hot water.
Next, use a fine dusting of talcum powder over the mattress (or box spring) before vacuuming again. You should also use an insecticide specifically designed to kill bed bugs; apply these treatments as per the label instructions. Lastly, seal any entry points into your home such as cracks or crevices around windows and doors.
Now you’re ready to sleep tight knowing that you’ve got this pesky problem under control! If you do experience a recurrence of bed bugs in the future, be sure to check whether anything has changed at home like new furniture or another pet. If so, change them back and follow steps 1-5 once more to ensure that you’re getting rid of bedbugs for good.
Tips on Preventing Recurrence
Unfortunately, once you’ve had bedbugs, there’s always a risk of them coming back. To prevent a recurrence, there are a few things you can do:
- Inspect your bed and furniture regularly for signs of bedbugs.
- Vacuum your home regularly, especially if you live in an apartment or condo where bedbugs could easily spread from neighboring units.
- Keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free to make it harder for bedbugs to hide and multiply.
- Immediately wash and dry all clothes and linens that come into contact with bedbugs.
- If you suspect you have bedbugs, don’t try to treat the problem yourself—call a professional exterminator right away. Remember, they may not be able to guarantee they’ll be able to get rid of them on the first visit because these bugs are clever at hiding out during treatments. But they will be able to help you keep them under control and prevent future infestations so long as you take proactive steps like those listed above.