Bedbugs are among the most annoying pests that many homeowners have had to deal with at some point.

They are highly proficient and have a wingless but fattened body, which allows them to hide in small spaces in the house.

Unlike many pests that can move openly during the day, bed bugs only come out at night to feed, and this makes it quite hard for humans to identify their presence.

Luckily, there are several methods that you can use to get rid of the bedbug epidemic.

What Are Bedbugs?

Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. They are about the size and shape of an apple seed, and they can be found in homes, hotels, and other places where people sleep or rest.

Bedbugs are nocturnal and typically hide during the day in cracks and crevices, such as in mattresses, bed frames, and furniture. They emerge at night to feed on their hosts, leaving itchy, red welts on the skin.

Bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases, but their bites can cause discomfort and distress. Infestations can be difficult to eradicate, and professional pest control may be required to eliminate them completely.

Here is a step by step guide of how you can effectively do away with Bed Bugs in your home:

Identify Infested Places Bedbugs Might Be In a Home

Bedbugs can be found in many different places in a home, but they are most commonly found in and around sleeping areas.

Here are some common places where bedbugs might be found in a home:

1. Mattresses and box springs: Bedbugs often hide in the seams, folds, and crevices of mattresses and box springs.
2. Bed frames and headboards: Bedbugs can also hide in cracks and crevices in bed frames and headboards.
3. Furniture: Upholstered furniture, such as couches and chairs, can also be a hiding place for bedbugs.
4. Carpets and rugs: Bedbugs can hide in the fibers of carpets and rugs, especially if they are close to the bed or other sleeping areas.
5. Curtains and drapes: Bedbugs may also hide in the folds of curtains and drapes, especially those near beds or other sleeping areas.
6. Electrical outlets and wall voids: Bedbugs can sometimes hide in electrical outlets or in the spaces behind walls.

It’s important to note that bedbugs can also be found in other areas of the home, such as in luggage, clothing, and even in books. If you suspect that you have a bedbug infestation, it’s important to contact a professional pest control service to help you identify and eliminate the problem.

How to I Prepare for Bedbug Extermination?

Preparing for a bedbug exterminator is an important step in ensuring that the treatment is effective. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for a bedbug exterminator:

1. Declutter the affected areas: Remove any clutter from the affected areas, including clothing, bedding, and other items. This will make it easier for the exterminator to access and treat the areas.
2. Wash and dry all clothing and bedding: Wash all clothing and bedding in hot water and dry them on the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes. This will help to kill any bedbugs and their eggs that may be hiding in the fabrics.
3. Vacuum the affected areas: Use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly vacuum the affected areas, including the mattress, box spring, bed frame, and any nearby furniture. Be sure to empty the vacuum cleaner outside of the home after use.
4. Seal any cracks and crevices: Seal any cracks and crevices in the walls, floors, and furniture using caulk or another sealant. This will help to prevent bedbugs from hiding in these areas.
5. Move furniture away from the walls: Move furniture away from the walls so that the exterminator can access all areas that need to be treated.
6. Follow any additional instructions from the exterminator: The exterminator may have additional instructions or recommendations for preparing for the treatment. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure that the treatment is effective.

Remember to also talk to your exterminator about any concerns you may have or any additional steps you need to take to prepare for the treatment.

Remove your pets too, and keep children out of the area.

How do I Kill Bedbugs?

Killing bedbugs can be a difficult and time-consuming process, but there are several methods that can be effective.

Here are some ways to kill bedbugs:

1. Heat treatment: Bedbugs are susceptible to heat, so exposing infested items to high temperatures can be an effective way to kill them. You can use a clothes dryer on the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes to kill bedbugs in clothing, bedding, and other fabrics. Professional heat treatments, using specialized equipment, can also be effective for treating larger areas, such as entire rooms or homes.
2. Insecticides: There are several insecticides that are effective for killing bedbugs, but it’s important to use them carefully and according to the instructions on the label. Some insecticides can be harmful to humans and pets if not used properly. Always wear gloves and protective clothing when applying insecticides, and keep children and pets away from treated areas.
3. Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming can help to remove bedbugs and their eggs from carpets, mattresses, and other surfaces. Be sure to empty the vacuum cleaner outside of the home after each use.
4. Steam cleaning: Steam cleaning can be an effective way to kill bedbugs and their eggs in carpets, furniture, and other surfaces. Be sure to use a steam cleaner that reaches at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit, as this is the temperature required to kill bedbugs.
5. Professional pest control: If you have a severe bedbug infestation, it’s best to seek professional pest control services. Pest control professionals have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to effectively eliminate bedbugs from your home.

It’s important to note that bedbugs can be difficult to eliminate, and it may take a combination of several methods to completely get rid of them. It’s also important to take preventive measures to avoid reinfestation, such as regularly inspecting and vacuuming your home, and being cautious when traveling or bringing used furniture into your home.

Monitor The Results

Bedbugs may take some time before they disappear entirely.

For this reason, it is advisable to wait for at least seven days before judging your extermination method’s performance.

Repeat the process if the method was not effective.

And if the bedbugs are no longer present, inspect your house every three months to prevent them from reoccurring.

Final Thoughts

Do not allow bedbugs to embarrass you any longer.

Identify their hiding places and choose a suitable method to kill them.

The process of killing them is quite engaging, so it is advisable to work with professional exterminators.

So, partner with a good company of your choice, implement these tips to get rid of bedbugs, and start the journey of living a bedbug-free life.

Learn more about bedbugs through the CDC.