Bed Bug Prevention: How to Stop the Spread of Bed Bugs
Bed bug removal is always possible as long as you dedicate your time and efforts in doing all precautionary measures for stopping the spread of those pesky nocturnal pests. Oftentimes, people do not detect bed bug activity early on. Still many of us fail to identify the telltale signs of bed bug infestation because we are unaware of the indications. In fact, many people still cannot distinguish the difference between a mosquito bite and bed bug bite.
So, how can we stop bed bugs from multiplying beyond control and totally infest our entire home? Every member of the household must gain awareness regarding bed bug prevention. While pest control experts are there to help us with bed bug problems, it is still imperative that we know the ways to prevent the spread of these tiny bloodsuckers.
Ways to Thwart Bed Bugs
Among the various DIY methods and recommendations on how to get rid of bed bugs, here are a few that are proven effective by homeowners:
Know the Signs.
You can never get started with your prevention plan unless you are aware of what you are looking for. First and foremost, you have to know the indications of bed bug activity. If you happen to wake up with super itchy red welts in clusters of 3 to 5 marks on certain exposed parts of your body, it is likely that you have bed bugs in your bedroom. Moreover, look out for other signs such as blood stains, dark fecal matter, exoskeletons, bed bug eggs, and live bugs on your mattress, beddings, pillows, and pajamas. You may also spot these signs on the seams and sides of the bed, behind headboard, wall papers, drapes, and other items and areas near your bed. Plus, you may notice a lingering musty stench in the atmosphere of your room. These things will tell you that bed bugs are inside your home. You must therefore take action as soon as possible before the infestation worsens.
Vacuum Cleaning.
This method definitely removes bed bugs, their eggs and nymphs, out of their hiding places. Vacuuming the different zones inside your bedroom is the way to suck those bed bugs away. You may start on your mattresses, the cracks or crevices on your bed, all the way to the walls, carpets, and floors. Afterwards, make sure to dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag by putting it inside a garbage bag and throwing it out into a trash can situated at a safe distance from your house to prevent the bugs from escaping and re-infesting your home.
Wash Clothes and Other Fabric Using hot Water.
It is a fact that bed bugs can never survive under extreme heat. Thus, to exterminate these tiny crawlies while they’re latching onto your washable belongings, use hot water when washing. Moreover, to further get rid of the remaining bugs, place the fabric and clothes in the dryer and heat them again for 20 to 30 minutes.
Apply Necessary Methods for Bed Bug Removal.
To avail of treatment methods such as bed bug heat treatment and chemical treatment, you need to seek advice and assistance from pest control experts. Bed bug heat treatment is a one-time solution that can be accomplished within 4 to 10 hours and your bed bug problem is gone. It entails heating the bed bug-infested room using specialized heaters. During the process, a room temperature of 130 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit is maintained in order to kill the bed bugs. Chemical treatment, on the other hand, involves the use of chemicals like insecticides to eradicate the bed bugs. Unlike heat treatment, this method requires one initial treatment followed by two or three supplementary treatment sessions to ensure success in removing the bugs.
With your household totally free from bed bugs, you’ll be rest assured to finally sleep tight during the night. As long as you stay alert for the subtle signs of bed bug existence, all you need to do is to take action immediately and follow the other prevention tips mentioned above. In addition, you must never hesitate to consult with a pest control professional if you suspect a heavy infestation and you can no longer take matters into your own hands.