Bed bugs are one of the most annoying infestations that you will get so it’s no surprise that people are trying to find methods of eliminating bed bug infestations. Is it possible? Bed bugs might be the most challenging pest to eliminate since they are so good at hiding.
Your chances of success are dependent on a number of factors like the extent of the infestation and the willingness of all residents to participate in the plan you lay out. Let’s dive deeper into this important topic.
Remove all Clutter
You should start by removing all clutter out of the room being treated. This includes stuffed animals, toys, and blankets that are not a permanent part of the room. Keep in mind that any items that are infested with bed bugs will transfer over to the new area so it’s a good idea to seal them in plastic.
Don’t Treat Garments with Insecticide
This seems obvious but I’ve heard stories about people actually spraying their garments with insecticide when trying to get rid of bed bugs and then getting sick as a result. You should wash all of your garments in hot water to get rid of the bed bugs that might be infesting them. Never spray them with chemicals.
Thoroughly Inspect your Bed Frame
You should completely dismantle your bed in order to expose the places where bed bugs are hiding. Shine a flashlight thoroughly along the box spring and inspect all of those small joints. If fabric is torn, then that is a potential hotspot for bed bug infestation. If your mattress and box spring are infested, then you should invest in an encasement to seal away those bed bugs. I do not recommend spraying them with insecticide.
Treat Dresser Drawers
Remove drawers from any desks or dressers that are in the room since bed bugs love to hide here. You should treat these and let them air out before returning them. Also turn over furniture to expose potential hiding spots. You can also spray these as long as you avoid areas where people will actually sit.
Thoroughly Clean all Surfaces
Use a stiff brush to scrub all surfaces that could have potentially been infested. Thoroughly vacuum the room and use a hose so that you can vacuum all of the following crevices:
- Furniture
- Baseboards
- Bed stands
- Rails
- Headboards
- Foot boards
- Bed seams
- Tack strips on carpet
Good vacuuming will help with all insecticide treatments and also eliminates eggs.
Never Stop Inspecting for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are extremely difficult to eliminate so you have to stay on top of it! Never stop inspecting for bed bugs and take care of the problem before it becomes too severe.
- Inspect all places that might serve as a good hiding spot for bed bugs.
- Make sure that you inspect all adjoining rooms to determine if the bed bugs have spread.
- Flush bugs out of hiding places using insecticide aerosol. Never spray places that people inhabit.
Since bed bugs are so difficult to control, it might be a good idea to hire a professional exterminator. They can be a major headache so professional help might be the only choice you have of eliminating bed bug infestations.
