Before you can learn how to get rid of bed bugs, you have to be willing to admit you have them. Bed bugs are not only found in unsanitary conditions, as most people believe; they can also invade a clean home through a variety of outlets Pest Control in Naples, FL. In recent years, the U.S. has seen an increase in home infestations from bed bugs.
Used furniture, items like bedding or clothing that has been in storage, or even a nearby bird nest can help bed bugs find their way into a clean home and cause you an extermination nightmare. It is not certain whether bed bugs transmit any diseases, but even without that possibility, their biting makes them a most unwanted visitor. Hives and swelling from the bug’s bite will surely leave a homeowner seeking out answers as to how to kill bed bugs.
Bed and Breakfast
The reason why bed bugs bite people is because they are hungry and find humans to be a worthy meal. Many do-it-yourself pest control plans involve removing a pest’s food source as part of the solution. Since you are the food source, trying that method will not help you figure out how to get rid of bed bugs from your home. If you believe birds, bats or other wildlife are the source of your bed bug infestation, then learning how to remove those creatures is a good place to start your extermination plan. Bed bugs look for areas in your home that are rough, dry, and dark. They prefer wood and paper, and they like to lay eggs in a place where they can firmly attach them with their sticky secretions. Nail holes, floor cracks, openings in window sills, behind old wallpaper, and of course, inside a mattress or the creases of a wooden bed frame are all good living quarters for bed bugs. Extermination methods will have to be thorough since these pests can hide almost anywhere. A full scale attack is needed when learning how to get rid of bed bugs.
Quit Bugging Me
It is much easier to prevent bed bugs than to remove them. But if you have an infestation, you will certainly want to know how to kill bed bugs quickly and efficiently. Hopefully you know where the pests are nesting or can at least narrow it down to a few rooms, making your do-it-yourself pest control adventure a more targeted attack. Depending upon your particular infestation situation, the following ideas will help you figure out how to get rid of bed bugs:
Send your mattress and pillows out to be fumigated
Wash your linens in hot water or have them dry cleaned
Heat the areas of infestation, possibly the entire house, to 115 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 30 minutes
Use an insecticide containing pyrethrin dust in any cracks or crevices (follow instructions and warnings carefully)
Seal infested items like stuffed toys in a plastic bag
Use hot steam on carpeting
Try DE, food-grade diatomaceous earth, an organic pest control product
Call a pest exterminator
Good Riddance
Using a combination of the aforementioned do-it-yourself pest control ideas will eventually have your home free of bed bugs. Since you went to all of that trouble, possibly weeks of effort, to discover how to effectively get rid of bed bugs, you will naturally want to know what to do to keep them from returning. Follow this next list of tips to prevent another bed bug infestation from taking hold of your home.
Vacuum the floors regularly
Patch any wall cracks, nail holes, etc., with caulking, plaster or paint. Pay extra attention to window seals and door frames.
Remove or re-paste any loose wallpaper
Inspect your home’s foundation for cracks that need repair
Screen your attic and vents to keep pests like birds and bats from tracking in bugs
Thoroughly inspect any second-hand items, especially upholstered furniture, before bringing it into your home
It is very difficult to learn how to get rid of bed bugs using do-it-yourself pest control. More than one tactic will be needed, along with patience and perseverance. If you choose to go with professional extermination, be sure to listen to any prevention or home maintenance advice the pest control technician may give. It will all be worth the effort if it helps you drive these creepy critters away.