How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
While bed bugs do not pose a threat in the form of carrying diseases or causing illness, they are biting pests. The bites inflicted by bed bugs create itchy red spots that are typically seen in a zigzag pattern. Often, people unknowingly pick up bed bugs while staying at hotels or purchasing used furniture and clothing. Because these bugs are so minuscule, they can go undetected for long periods of time, until they increase in numbers and begin causing problems.
Signs of Bed Bug Problems
There are a few signs that should alert a homeowner they have a bed bug problem. Once these signs are noticed, immediate action needs to be taken to ensure the bed bugs do not become an infestation problem.
- Bloodstains on bedding
- Itchy, red bumps on the body
- Rusty-colored spots on the mattress and bedding
- Shed skins and egg casings
- Strong musty odor
If a home has developed a strong musty odor, this means the bed bugs have increased in numbers. This odor comes from the scent glands on the bed bug and it typically is not noticed until many bed bugs are present in a home.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Home
There are four main steps homeowners can take to get rid of bed bugs in their home. Taking the following steps will ensure the bed bugs are eradicated.
- Preparation is the first step. Removing anything that cannot be treated in the room is important. Seal any items that will be removed in plastic so bed bugs cannot be inadvertently transferred to other areas in the home.
- Spray the cracks and crevices of the room with a bed bug treatment that can expand into these minute areas.
- Spray all sides and crevices of the mattress with bed bug aerosol treatments. There are a variety of bed bug pesticides on the market. There are even green versions that are not full of chemicals.
- Treating the room is the next step. Concentrated bed bug pesticides can be mixed with water in a spray bottle and these can be sprayed over baseboards, flooring, and other areas of the room.
This process will need to be completed every seven days until there are no more bed bug bites and no more bed bugs being seen. It takes a concerted effort, but it is possible to get rid of these pests. If you need professional assistance in how to get rid of bed bugs in your home or apartment, any number of qualified pest exterminators are more than willing to help with your bed bug issue. You can find the best professional pest exterminator near you today in our extensive pest exterminator directory.
