Bed bugs are more than just a nuisance; they can disrupt your sleep, your comfort, and your peace of mind.
Known for their incredible resilience, these tiny pests can be difficult to eliminate. But with the right techniques and a strategic approach, you can take back control.
Here’s how to get rid of bed bugs effectively and reclaim a clean, bug-free home.
Identifying bed bugs and infested areas
The first step in eliminating bed bugs is identifying where they’ve set up camp. You’re looking for small, oval, and brownish bugs that have flat bodies. They love squeezing into tiny spaces to hide effectively. Look in, around, and under beds, couches, and other places you and your family love to relax.
1. Vacuum your bed
The best option is to vacuum your mattress and bed frame. Vacuuming helps to reduce the bed bug population, but won’t wipe out the population entirely. Make sure to discard the vacuum’s contents immediately afterwards. Vacuum, clean, and wash mattresses and other bed-related items at least once a month.
2. Steam them
If you find that vacuuming isn’t doing the trick, try stem cleaning. The high temperatures of the steam penetrate deep into the mattress, killing pesky adult and bug larvae. Invest in a high-quality steamer that produces extremely hot steam, and use it to hover over every bit of bed surface.
3. Insecticides
Larger infestations of bed bugs need a harsher technique. Use commercial insect repellants, specifically made for repelling ticks and bed bugs. Apply to the surface of the mattress and leave to seep in, forcing the bed bugs to crawl out.
When to seek professional pest control
If you’ve tried everything and still struggle with these pesky bugs, it might be time to call in the pros. Pest control companies have access to stronger, specialised chemicals and treatments not available to the general public. They are also pros when it comes to whole-room treatments that effectively eliminate bed bugs in just one season.
Compiled by: Food & Home Entertaining Staff
First published on Food & Home
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