The Mayo Clinic states that bed bugs are tiny bloodsucking parasites that can hide in various areas of furniture, such as the headboard, box springs, and inside mattresses.
If you have encountered bed bugs in your home, there are ways to eliminate them.
To prevent the spread of bed bugs, place infested items in a sealable plastic bag for several days. When vacuuming bed bugs, empty the vacuum and seal the bag immediately.
According to WebMD, bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed. To assess the severity of the infestation, check for signs such as blood stains, reddish spots, eggshells, fecal matter, or shed skin on your sheets. If the room smells musty, it could indicate bed bugs and their scent glands. If you notice these problems, take a good look at your bed.
Mitigate the problem by stripping your bed of sheets, comforters, and pillowcases. Spray rubbing alcohol on clothes that have come into contact with bed bugs. However, this method should only be used for colorfast garments.
After gathering all items from your bed, add them to a load in your washer and set it to the hottest cycle (over 120 degrees Fahrenheit). Then, transfer the items to the dryer and set it to the highest temperature. By following these steps, you can feel at ease knowing that you are one step closer to getting rid of bed bugs.
It is important to note that commercial products can also be purchased for added protection.
If you are uncomfortable with DIY methods, effective products are available to treat bed bugs. The Harris Bed Bug Traps for Early Detection & Monitoring is an excellent product for trapping bed bugs in the early stages.
The Bed Bug Killer by EcoRaider is a top choice for a spray.
Another method to get rid of bed
bugs is to create a cayenne pepper spray to eliminate the infestation. To make a bug spray at home, Vinx Pest Control recommends mixing cayenne pepper, oregano oil, and ground pepper with water in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well before use. This powerful spray kills bugs instantly.
If you have tried all these options and still have a bed bug infestation, it may be time to call the professionals.