While it is always preferable to avoid getting a bed bug infestation in the first place, if you are unlucky enough to get bed bugs, the question becomes how you can get rid of them. Certain activities can put you at a higher chance of a bed bug problem.
Activity That Increases The Risk of Bed Bugs
You are more likely to have a bed bug problem if you engage in certain activities, for instance:
- If you travel a lot and stay at different hotels.
- If you often get used furniture or clothing.
It is easy to end up with bed bugs in your home after returning from a trip where you have stayed in a hotel or motel. Bringing home used clothes or furniture is another risk because these items could easily be infested.
It is advisable to be careful and check your luggage and clothing after traveling. Be cautious about buying used clothes, linen, or furniture, which could harbor pests.
Steps to Take to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
There are different approaches to take when trying to rid your house of bed bugs. First look for possible signs of bed bugs.
Such signs include bites on your body that occur while you are sleeping. After a bed bug bite, your body reacts and a red bump develops. This is often very itchy and has a raised central area. If these bumps develop after a night of sleeping then there is a good chance that you have bed bugs.
The presence of the bed bugs, their shed skins, and specks of blood or dark smears on the linen of the bed or corners of mattresses are also a good indication of an infestation.
Washing Linen and Steaming Furniture
You can kill bed bugs but to do so requires high heat. A temperature of 60oC for at least half an hour is needed to kill them. Linens and clothing can be washed in hot water and should also be placed in a drier at a high-temperature setting.
Mattresses may require professional steam cleaning at high temperatures to eradicate any bed bugs. Steamers can also be used on furniture to help rid you of bed bugs. It is important to remember that bed bugs are not only found in and on beds but easily spread throughout the house to other rooms and other furniture.
Vacuum and Steam Clean Carpets
Carpets should be vacuumed on a regular basis and though this is a good way to get rid of dust and mites and shed bed bug skins, it may not eliminate living bugs. Steam cleaning the carpets is a more effective means of control. Hiring a professional to steam clean carpets is advisable.
If you find you have a bed bug problem it may be a good idea to consult a professional pest control company. Fumigation may help if you are unable to eliminate the bed bugs, but this is best left to experts.
