How to get rid of bed bugs is the first question anyone with a bed bug infestation asks. Bed bugs are tiny, bloodsucking pests that feast on the blood of unsuspecting sleepers and are damm hard to get rid of once they enter your home.
How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs Yourself
Getting rid of bed bugs yourself can be time consuming but not impossible. First, you must find and locate the places in your home or apartment where bed bugs are hiding, especially inside and around the mattress where one sleep. Because of their tiny size, they can hide anywhere from inside the mattress and box-spring to floor crevices and in tiny cracks of furniture.
Secondly, you will have to monitor and follow up with treatments on infested areas for a few months to ensure that the bed bugs are truly gone. Bed bugs can survive for a very long time (up to a year!) without food.
The following are ways to kill bed bugs and prevent them from returning:
- Proper housekeeping such as deep vacuuming mattresses, upholstered furniture and floors can help remove the bugs. Pay particular attention to any cracks, crevices and open spaces on the walls, floors or upholstered furniture.
- Reducing any unnecessary clutter around the house can also help reduce the number of places where bed bugs can hide and breed.
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- Wash all clothing, curtains, bed linens, table cloths, slip covers, blankets and other loose items in hot water (minimum 120°F) for at least 20 minutes will kill the bugs.
- Treat all possible bed bugs hiding spots like the cracks and crevices between baseboards, bed frames and furniture with bed bug spray or other disinfectant that contains alcohol to kill.
- Seal cracks in walls, floors, tile and other surfaces using floor or tile sealant.
- Steam treat all large items that cannot be wash in a washing machine like the mattress, sofa, armchair, dressing table, luggage with a professional bed bug steamer.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Naturally
If you are particular about using chemicals around the house, the following are a few home remedies that may help in killing and repelling bed bugs:
Diatomaceous Earth
Made from the fossils of freshwater organisms, diatomaceous earth (DE) is a form of very abrasive powder. When bed bugs come into contact with the powder, the sharp particles of the powder cuts and dehydrates the waxy cuticle of any bugs, causing them to asphyxiate and die.
To use, apply diatomaceous earth powder to possible infested areas such as under the bed or use them as barriers around the bed or room where possible bed bug activities are detected.
Lavender
Lavender acts as a bed bug repellent. While it will not kill bed bugs, lavender oil can repel the bugs or force existing bugs out of their hiding spots so one can use the proper methods to get rid of them.
For it to work, add lavender or rosemary essential oils (about 20 drops) to bed sheets, clothing, curtains and other items during the final rinse cycle when washing. Afterwards, make lavender sachet bags (purchase cheesecloth or fine mesh and fill with dried lavender flowers) or purchase sachet bags from gift or furniture stores and place under beds, in closets or under pillows.
How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs In A Mattress
Bed bugs in your mattress can make getting a good night’s sleep impossible. To get rid of these pests, remove all bedding including pillow cases. Inspect every area of the mattress such as the seams, folds and crevices to find their nesting areas. Turn the mattress over to inspect the other side as well.
Spray your mattress with a non-toxic bed bug spray to eliminate the bugs. Do not spray harsh chemicals on the mattress as this could cause health problems. After spraying, use a stiff scrub to brush or dislodge any dead bed bugs, eggs or any fecal matter out of the mattress.
Get a bed bug mattress encasement to prevent existing bugs already hiding inside the mattress from getting out to feed on your blood as well as new bugs from re-infesting your mattress.
How To Get Rid And Treat Bed Bugs Bites And Rash
If you suffer from itchiness associated with bed bug bites or rash, try an over-the-counter treatment such as hydrocortisone or oral antihistamine medication to relieve the bite and itch. Natural remedies such as aloe vera and witch hazel can work wonders in speeding up the recovery process.
