Bed bugs are becoming a bigger problem.They are not indicative of the quality of a home.It's notoriously difficult to get rid of them, so your first call should be to an exterminator.The first thing you need to do is determine if you have bed bugs.
Step 1: Try a steamer.
One way to kill bed bugs is to steam them.You can see that they can't survive the steam.You can blow steam at bugs with a handheld steamer.Be warned.The solution will only kill the ones you can see.Bed bugs like to hide.
Step 2: You should vacuum your mattress.
Store your bed's bedding in a double trash bag.If you can, vacuum your mattress and box springs.The most immediate thing you can do is deal with your mattress.If you want to keep bed bugs out of your bed, you need to clear the sleeping area by vacuuming and covering the mattress.
Step 3: Pick a material for your mattress.
The encasement is supposed to keep out bed bugs.It should be strong enough to not rip.
Step 4: Take care of your mattress and box springs.
Individually cover your mattress and box springs.The bed bugs can't move in and out of the shell.The ones inside will eventually die and the ones outside will have lost a place to hide.You should keep it on for a year.
Step 5: If the cover is ripped, throw it out.
Throw out your cover if it becomes torn.There are small openings where bed bugs can move.
Step 6: You should wash your bedding.
It's a good idea to wash your bedding in hot water.It should be dry on a hot setting.The hot water should kill bed bugs.The bed bugs aren't in your house if you discard the bags the bedding was in outside.
Step 7: Clothes can be placed in black trash bags.
The bags should be set in the sun.The heat should kill bed bugs.
Step 8: Clean up.
Make sure your room is clean.By removing items, you reduce the chances that bed bugs will survive.
Step 9: Your room needs to be vacuumed.
You can suck up bed bugs by vacuuming.Once you are done vacuuming, make sure to take the vacuum bag outside.
Step 10: Use bed bug repellers.
They go under your bed.They are designed to keep bed bugs out of your bed.Commercial traps bed bugs before they reach the bed post.
Step 11: Move the bed away from the furniture.
Bed bugs can still crawl in your bed if it touches the wall or furniture.
Step 12: Don't try to get the pesticide.
It's not going to be helpful to use pesticides on your bed and room in one.
Step 13: Call the pest control company.
The first thing to do if you think you have bed bugs is to call a professional.You don't have the skills to take care of the problem completely.
Step 14: You should know what to expect.
The professional will need to get to most of your room, including your mattress and bedsprings.
Step 15: The person needs to be systematic.
Carefully watch to make sure the professional is doing his job.You may need to point out hidden areas if he or she is able to spot where bed bugs are hiding.
Step 16: It is possible to try a heat treatment.
You can't kill bed bugs on your own, so Exterminators can heat up your rooms to kill them.Discuss a heat treatment with the professional.
Step 17: Alert any management.
Bed bugs may be spreading from apartment to apartment, so you need to talk to management.The apartments directly above, below and on either side should all be treated at the same time.
Step 18: Don't wait to wash thrift store clothes.
If you bring home clothes from a thrift store, wash them in hot water.It is possible to run them through a hot dryer.There should be no bed bugs in the clothes.
Step 19: Don't pick up furniture.
It might be a good idea to take the couch home.Bed bugs can be found in furniture, so you could be bringing them into your home.
Step 20: Purchase a new mattress.
Before buying a used mattress, make sure it has been professionally cleaned.To keep bed bugs from biting at night, you can cover the mattress and box springs with dust-mite covers.
Step 21: There is a room at a hotel.
You can check your hotel room for bed bugs by inspecting the mattress and the area around it.It's a good idea to keep your luggage away from the bed.If your suitcase is away from the bed, you can use the luggage rack.Don't leave your luggage on the floor.
Step 22: After a trip, wash your clothes.
You should wash all the clothes you took on the trip when you return.If possible, leave your suitcase in the garage.
Step 23: Don't be mean to others.
Throw out furniture if you have bed bugs.If you slash up the pieces, other people won't take them.You can leave a note with the items for the same reason.
Step 24: They are in crevices.
Bed bugs can be found in cracks, behind items on your bedside table, and even in mattresses.Take a flashlight to look for them.
Step 25: There are signs that you should look for.
Bed bugs excrete black feces.Blood can be seen on your bed in the morning.
Step 26: Make sure to check for bites.
Not everyone is affected by a bed bug bite.About 1/3 of people develop a spot on their skin after being bitten.The bites usually result in a small pink lump.
Step 27: Compare to other bugs.
If you find a bug, compare it to pictures online to determine if it is a bed bug or a flea.
Step 28: Take a look at the other rooms.
If your bedroom is the most likely to be affected, check out other rooms as well.It is possible to bring bed bugs into your living room.