Many wonder where do bed bugs come from and how do they spread and infest their homes. Get the facts and answers to these questions as well as learn where do bed bugs hide and how to get rid of the infestation.

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?

The common bed bugs were thought to come from the developing world, but nobody even the scientists are sure. The first mention of bed bugs came from as early as 400 BC in ancient Greece but they are also mentioned in Rome in 77 AD, followed by Germany in the 11th century, France in the 13th century as well as in England in the 16th century.

Prior to the mid 20th century, bed bugs are thought to be a common household pest until post-war period in the 1940s where bed bugs almost disappeared in Western countries with the introduction of potent pesticides.

How Do Bed Bugs Spread?

Scientists are really baffled about the new wave of bed bug infestation all over the world. Experts and entomologists believes that the increased and ease of international travel is contributing to the outbreak of the bugs. In addition, many powerful pesticides like DDT that were once used to treat bed bugs are now banned because of their high level of toxicity as well as with the new generation of bed bugs that are becoming increasingly resistant to many new, commonly used pesticides may have also contributed to their growing populations.

Where Do Bed Bugs Live And Hide?

Contary to popular beliefs, bed bugs are not particular about hygiene or cleanliness and an infestation is not a sign of unsanitary conditions. These tiny bloodsuckers don’t discriminate when it comes to location and have been found in luxury, world class hotels, shopping stores, cinemas, schools and offices.

No bigger than the size of an apple seed, bed bugs are very persistent and relentless parasites that feed on the blood of hapless sleepers. Like cockroaches, bed bugs are very good at hiding in ingenious places and they are also capable of living several months without food, plus the fact that each female bed bug can lay up to 200 to 400 eggs in their lifetime which is probably the secret to their survival and resurgence. They can hide in luggage, clothes, furniture, bed linen, toys and one may never know that there is a bed bug problem until waking up in the morning with bites marks on the skin.

Bed bugs’ preferred habitat is the bedroom, and especially beds or other areas where people sleep where they have ready supply of blood to feed on. They are mostly active at night and  tend to feed on their human hosts when they are sleeping but they are not strictly nocturnal. These tiny critters are attracted to carbon dioxide that human sleepers exhale as well as body heat.

After feeding on their victims for about five minutes, they crawl back into hiding in the mattress seams, in the headboard crevices, behind the loose wallpaper, even behind the light switches. Because they are small and flat, they can hide in very tiny spaces, and finding them can be very hard. Individuals who wake up in the morning covered with bite marks on their arms and faces often have no clue what bit them and can’t be sure the bites came from bed bugs and not from mosquitoes, fleas, spiders or even from some other types of skin irritation.

How To Detect Bed Bugs

Even with the answers on where do bed bugs come from and how they spread into our homes, detecting them can be a very tedious task. To find whether if one has bed bugs in the home or in a hotel room while traveling, the first area to typically inspect is the bed. Use a torchlight and look behind the headboard, along seams of mattresses as well as furniture beside the bed, carpets and areas behind peeling wallpaper are some of the ways that many experts recommend to confirm the presence of bed bugs.

You May Also Like:

• How to check for bed bugs at home and in hotels
• How to identify bed bugs signs and symptoms
• See pictures of what bed bugs and their bites look like

Learn how to check for signs of bed bugs both at home as well as in a hotel room so you can sleep tight and not let the bed bugs bite at night.

What Are Bed Bugs, And Where Do They Come From?

Bed bugs are tiny parasites that burrow into mattresses and bedding and suck the blood of their victims while they sleep. They have evolved along with human beings, choosing us humans as their ideal source of food. Their bites while don’t spread disease can cause redness and intense itching.

No bigger than the size of apple seeds, bed bugs are experts at hiding and can hitch a ride back into one’s homes when one comes into contact with them. They have been known to plague hotel rooms, dormitories, offices, schools, theaters to clothing stores.

Entomologists says that the recent upsurge in the population of bed bugs are due to increased international and global travel as well as government restrictions on certain toxic pesticides that were once used to control and kill bed bugs.

How to Check For Bed Bugs At Home

If you suspect you or your family members have been bitten by bed bugs, a thorough inspection of your home or apartment is recommended. To check for bed bugs at home, the first area to begin searching is the bedroom and sleeping areas where bed bugs are most likely to be.

Before the inspection, it is recommended to clear away any unnecessary clutter in the room so as to make the inspection easier. An uncluttered room will also provide bed bugs with less places to hide.

Next, using a flashlight, you will want to inspect the seams, folds, edges and labels on mattresses as well as look at the bottom of the box spring and the back of the headboard. Another clue is to check the bedding and bed linens for any signs of dried blood or brown spots which may indicate the presence of bed bugs.

In addition, you may also want to check the closets, drawers, lampshades, nightstands or any upholstered furniture that is near the bed. If you have carpets in the room, you may also want to look underneath that as well. These are some of the common areas where bed bugs will hide other than the bed.

What if bed bugs are found at home? Take action quickly to remove them including vacuuming, applying pesticides and using heat treatment such as a mattress steamer. One can also encase the mattress with a bed bug proof mattress cover to protect against the bites of bed bugs. If the infestation is bad, the most efficient way is to contact a professional bed bug exterminator to get rid of the unwanted pests.

Also read about how to prevent bed bugs as well as using traps for detection and trapping of bed bugs in the house.

How To Identify Bed Bugs

How To Check For Bed Bugs In Hotels

For individuals or families who travel often, it is very important to know how to check for bed bugs when staying away from home. Before your next trip, first do a check at the Bed Bug Registry, a free public online database on hotels in the United States and Canada where travelers report incidences of bed bugs. This step alone will help you avoid and reduce the chances of any encounter with bed bugs.

Nevertheless, whether you’re staying in a a luxury hotel suite, a cabin, or a cheap motel that is reported bed bug free, it is still recommended that you always make a careful inspection of the room to protect yourself and reduces the chances of getting bitten by bed bugs.

To check for bed bugs in a hotel room, first keep your belongings and suitcases elevated off the floor and away from the beds, either on a luggage rack or the bathroom counter after you first check into the room.

Next, perform a preliminary check by pulling off the covers to inspect the mattress. Look for any signs of either the bugs, the bug skeletons or droppings. Check the seams of the mattress as they provide an excellent hiding spot for the pests.

Keep suitcases always away from the bed and zipped tight when not in use to reduces the chances of hitchhiking bed bugs coming home with you.

What if bed bugs are found in your hotel room? Don’t panic! It may be a brand new problem, brought about by the last guest who stayed in that particular room. Report it to the hotel management and request for a change of room. Check the new room for any signs of bed bugs as well.

Upon returning home from your hotel stay – whether bed bugs or no bed bugs – immediately bring your suitcase or backpacks to the bathroom and inspect it for any signs of the bugs. Have all your clothing launder and dry on the highest temperature settings to kill off any pests that may have hitchhike with you back home.

What do bed bug bites and the resulting skin rash look like? Do the bites transmit diseases? See pictures and get answers about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of bed bug bites and rash.

First Signs Of Bed Bug Bites

There are few scenarios more disconcerting than waking up in the morning to find rows and clusters of bites on your body. And it is even more chilling to think that you may be sleeping with the enemy that have feasted upon you all night, sucking their fill on your blood for three to five minutes at a time.

Initial signs of being bitten are usually the skin reaction to bed bug bites. To find out if you have been bitten, check if you have the following symptoms:

• Development of small to large red bumps that occur in a row, cluster or linear pattern. (Other insects like mosquitoes, fleas, ants or lice do not bite in a cluster or linear pattern; only bed bugs do which experts refer to as “breakfast, lunch, and dinner”, a sequential feeding pattern of bed bugs.)

• Repeatedly waking up each morning to find more similar bite marks patterns on same or other parts of the body (with no cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea been detected.)

• Unusual staining of brown spots (dried blood) or insect waste on the bed sheets.

Note: For some people, when bitten by bed bugs, the bites can develop into intense itching with an allergic response.

What Do Bed Bug Bites and Rash Look Like?

The appearance of bed bug bites depends upon the individual’s response to the bites. For some people, the reactions to the bites may be delayed from 5 to 14 days before any signs of the “welts” start to appear. Others who are more skin sensitive may also develop skin rash after being bitten.

Below are some photo references from victims on what bed bug bites and the resulting skin rash from the bites may look like:

• See more pictures of bed bug bites

Where Do The Bites Most Commonly Occur?

Bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale and our body heat which explains why they tend to attack at night, while we sleep. Any exposed areas of the bodies while we sleep are target spots for a bed bug to bite. The most common areas reported by victims include the face, neck, back, hands, arms and legs.

Do Bed Bug Bites Hurt? Do The Bites Itch?

Unless you have an allergic reaction to the bites (which is very rare), bed bug bites do not hurt as the bug releases an antiseptic ingredient that numbs the skin temporarily. For most people, the bites typically swell and itch within a few hours of being bitten and may develop into a rash. For others, the symptoms of the bites may take 5-10 days to show up.

Skin rashes from bed bug bites usually last for three days before fading. However, people who are extremely sensitive to the bites will display the rash symptoms for up to a week or more and may require professional medical attention to get the bite rash to dissipate entirely.

How To Tell The Difference Between Mosquito and Flea Bites vs Bed Bug Bites?

For many people, it can be difficult, if not impossible to spot the difference between bed bug bites from other arthropods such as fleas and mosquitoes due to the resemblance of the bites. Even for some doctors, they may not immediately recognize the dermatological reactions of the bites to be from bed bugs and often, mistook them to be from mosquitoes, ticks or scabies and in some real cases, even misdiagnose the bites as hives or an allergic skin rash.

To tell the difference between mosquitoes and flea bites vs bed bug bites, look for the following symptoms:

Flea bites are usually smaller and the swellings are hard to the touch. Fleas also tend to leave multiple bites in random pattern, especially around the ankles and legs. The bites can be itchy up to a week and when scratched, it can result in an open wound or infection. In most cases where the victims are bitten by fleas, they may have previously came into close contact with pets like dogs and cats or wildlife including rabbits, raccoons, squirrels and rats which may carry fleas that bite humans.

When bitten by mosquitoes, the bites flare up quickly and itch immediately, but commonly after a day or so, the itch and swelling usually disappear. The wheal of mosquitoes bites are also slightly raised, bigger and unevenly shaped. There are no definite bite patterns and the bites of mosquitoes also appear more isolated across different parts of the body and doesn’t appear in any cluster formation.

The characteristics of bed bug bites usually look like little red bumps that appear in groups or a cluster formation of 3 lined together (often nicknamed “breakfast, lunch, and dinner”). The reaction to the bites may differ from person to person and symptoms can take from a few minutes to more than 10 days to show up. For most individuals, the bites of bed bugs will itch severely and the discomfort may continue with each passing day. Some people may also develop an allergic response.

If one is still not sure about whether the bites come from bed bugs, fleas, mosquitoes or other insects, pest control experts recommend taking a few minutes to examine the bed sheets for any telltale bloodstains that bed bugs often leave behind after a blood meal. At the same time, inspect the seams, folds and edges of the mattress where you or the victim sleeps for any signs of the live bugs since bed bugs are nocturnal creatures and often hides around these areas of the mattress during the day.

Do Bed Bugs Transmit Disease? Are Their Bites Contagious?

Currently, there are no medical evidence to suggests that bed bugs or their bites transmit disease or are contagious.

Medical and scientific research concerning whether bed bugs carry infectious diseases are still ongoing, and while some studies detected the presence of Hepatitis B virus in the bugs after a blood meal, there are still no medical evidence to prove nor support that the viruses reproduce or spread any diseases in humans.

In very rare cases, people who have experienced an allergic reaction suffered anaphylaxis, a condition that may cause hives, shortness of breath and lowered blood pressure, according to a report from the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The psychological impact of an infestation can cause increased stress, anxiety, depression, paranoia and other mental and emotional issues. Even after a home is free of bugs, people may feel intense fear that a re-infestation will occur.

How Does One Treat Bed Bug Bites and the Rashes On The Skin?

Treatment for bed bug bites or the resulting skin rash typically involves the use of local antiseptic lotion, antibiotic cream or ointment. Go for corticosteroid creams and oral antihistamines to help reduce the itching, swelling or redness as well as treat any allergic reaction to the bitten areas.

If one does not have these antibiotic creams around the house, try using an icy compress or running lukewarm water on the welts to help temporarily relieve the discomfort and irritation. Avoid or limit scratching the affected areas. If there are any open wounds due to scratching, wash and keep the bite areas clean to prevent any secondary infection to the wound.

Depending on individual’s dermatological response to the bites, most bed bug bites as well as skin rash can take from a few hours to as long as two weeks to heal and resolve.

For those who experience severe allergic reaction, skin infection or pain due to bed bug bites, see your doctor right away.

How To Prevent Getting Bitten By Bed Bugs?

Since bed bugs, in most cases, attack their victims during the night while they sleep, the first line of defense would be to invest in quality bed bug proof covers to help encase the mattress protect against the bugs and aid in the prevention of the bites.

As a preventive measure, one can also add “Climbup Interceptor” to the legs of the bed that will prevent prevent bed bugs from climbing onto your bed. Alternatively, for beds without legs, a popular choice would be to stick double-sided tape around the bed.

Alternatively, one can also apply bed bug pesticides like Diatomaceous Earth to defend your perimeters around the area where one sleeps. Diatomaceous Earth helps dehydrates and kills the bed bugs upon contact.

If you suspect you have an infestation, the best piece of advice would be to call in a certified professional to inspect and treat the house.

For travelers: do a little bit of due diligence on the Bed Bug Registry to check for any complaints of bed bugs in the hotel you intend to stay and always, performing a quick check on the hotel mattress, sheets and headboard can help prevent any encounter with bed bugs and their bites.

Get Rid of Bed Bugs – Find Expert Exterminators In Your Local Area. Get FREE Quotes Here!

Learn how to get rid of bed bugs yourself with proven methods and natural remedies.
Bed bugs may seem to be relatively harmless; they don’t destroy furniture and their bites don’t spread disease. However, it is important to learn how to get rid of bed bugs otherwise you could be facing several serious consequences for your home and the health of your family. A severe infestation can happen in the blink of an eye so it is important to address problems with these pesky bugs before things get well and truly out of hand.

How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Yourself

Before you pick up the phone and call in the exterminators, there are a few ways that one can learn on how to get rid of bed bugs on your own.

• The first step in the process should be a thorough cleaning of your home. Bed bugs don’t just spend their time in your bed, despite what their name may claim. They spend time in other furniture items, curtains, and even crevices in the floor. A thorough cleaning and vacuuming of your home will help to reduce the number of places that they have to hide.

• Consider using a vacuum cleaner that either has bags you can immediately dispose of, or a filter and canister than can be run through a hot cycle in your dishwasher. This will help in the prevention and the killing of the bed bugs.

• Your clothes and shoes will also need to be treated; get them dry-cleaned or washed at temperatures that are over 120°F. Once cleaned, your clothing needs to be stored in sealed plastic bags temporarily until the rest of the infestation has been dealt with.

• Purchasing bed bug sprays can aid you with the task of getting rid of bed bugs in your home or apartment. Be sure to fully read the manufacturer’s instructions so that you are not misusing potentially harmful chemicals in your home.

• Consider getting a bed bug proof mattress and box spring covers that can help to prevent future infestations as well as kill off any existing bed bugs and their eggs that are hidden in your bed.

Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Naturally

Homeowners do not have to necessarily rely on potentially toxic chemicals when it comes to getting rid of bed bugs. There are several home remedies for extermination of bed bug infestations that can be used, instead.

• Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural substance that has proven effective in killing many types of insects and pests, including bed bugs. It works by piercing the exoskeleton of the bugs and effectively causing them to dehydrate and die. DE is also environmentally safe to use around pets and small children.

• Lavender and mint are two pleasant-smelling herbs that tend to naturally repel bed bugs. Sachets of lavender or mint in your closet can help to keep these pesky pests away. A lavender or mint oil spray, lightly misted on your furniture and curtains can also be effective.

• Heat and high temperatures are effective methods of treating bed bug infestations; when you are in the process of getting rid of bed bugs naturally, placing your mattress outside in a hot and sunny spot can be very effective, especially if you cover it with a large plastic sheet to help increase the internal temperature. Nevertheless, this method will only be most effective during the hottest parts of the summer months.

How To Get rid Of Bed Bugs In A Mattress

Despite what some may claim, you do not need to throw your mattress away if the infestation is minor or if you haven’t thoroughly get rid of the tiny bloodsuckers from the rest of your belongings since they can possibly re-infest your new mattress in no time.

To get rid of bed bugs in the mattress:

• Use a strong vacuum cleaner to help remove the bugs, their eggs, and their debris along the seams or around areas where you can spot them.

• Next, get a bed bug steamer to heat treat the mattress. The high temperature of the steam will penetrate deep into the mattress and quickly kill off any bed bugs and their eggs that are hidden deep in the mattress.

• Lightly misting your bed with lavender oil or mint oil will help to prevent bed bugs.

• Encase your box spring and mattress with bed bug covers that will help to trap and kill off any remaining bed bugs as well as also work as a means to prevent any new re-infestation in the mattress.

How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Bites & Rash

The bites and resulting rash from bed bugs can be itchy, painful, and unsightly. There are, thankfully, a few ways of getting rid of these bites.

• Run it under lukewarm and thoroughly clean the affected area with an antibacterial soap.

• If the bites are very itchy this is as the result of an allergic reaction, an over the counter oral antihistamine can help to reduce your allergic reaction to their bites.

• If you have scratched at the itchy bites, you should be sure to use an antibiotic cream on the areas in order to prevent an infection.

• A combination of antihistamine solutions and antibiotic creams can help you to reduce the itchy or painful effects of bed bug bites.

Proper education, awareness, and vigilance are a must if one wants to know how to get rid of bed bugs yourself. Total elimination of bed bugs often requires more than one treatment, and several months, to get rid of them but not impossible if done properly.

Exterminate Bed Bugs – Find Expert Exterminators In Your Local Area. Get FREE Quotes Here!

Having to worry about bed bugs can be frustrating especially considering that there are reports suggesting significant increases of infestation every year. Though the cause for the spread of these tiny bloodsucking insects is difficult to pinpoint, entomologists believes that the increase in world travel as well as the restrictions of certain bug pesticides, like DDT are possible contributing factors to the resurgence.

However if you are unlucky enough to have the slightest encounter with these creepy-crawlies, it would be wise to take steps to get rid of them, such as calling in a professional exterminator or using a variety of do-it-yourself bed bug extermination methods.

What Is The Process Of Working With A Professional Exterminator?

For professional bed bugs extermination services, usually licensed pest control companies will give a free quote on the extend of the services needed to rid the house or apartment of the pesky bloodsuckers. Typically, one should make inquires to different companies to get multiple quotes before making any decision.

Make sure whoever you choose is fully licensed and insured. Also check the Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no open complaints about your chosen exterminator of choice.

Next, the pest control company may send down a specialist to visually inspect the house to confirm the presence of bed bugs before giving you a final quote. Prices for professional bed bugs extermination may vary but homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,000 per room for the services.

Once you agree with the final cost of extermination, the experienced pest control experts will usually employ a variety of removal methods including: using trained canines to identify bed bugs hiding spots, vacuuming, setting of bed bug traps, high temperature steaming, and the use of insecticides to get rid of the infestations. The good ones will also schedule follow-ups treatment and recommend a course of action to prevent future infestations.

Do-It-Yourself Bed Bug Extermination Methods

Controlling and exterminating an entrenched bed bug infestation requires very detailed planning, careful inspections and often multiple treatments to get rid of them. The following are steps on how to prepare for a bed bug extermination for those who want a more hands-on approach:

• De-clutter the general area and bedroom to reduce the places for bed bugs to hide and make the inspection easier.

• Perform regular housekeeping such as cleaning and vacuuming around suspected bed bugs harborage sites like underneath carpets, behind peeling wallpapers or electrical switch plate.

• Furnishings like the bed frame, dress table, drawers, cupboard, couch as well as items like picture frame are potential hiding places for bed bugs so they should be regularly inspected, vacuumed, steam treated and sprinkled with diatomaceous earth.

• After each housekeeping, any trash or vacuum bags should be sealed and disposed of immediately outside of the house.

• Visible holes or cracks on the windows frame, doors, wall and floor should be caulked and sealed up.

• Have all linen and bedding washed in hot water and dry clean at temperatures above 120°F for at least 20 minutes.

• Box spring, mattress and pillows should be encased with bed bug proof covers for a year to prevent bed bug bites as well as kill off any existing bugs and their eggs that may be hidden.

• Use double side tape or add “Climbup Interceptor” to the legs of your bed to prevent bed bugs from climbing onto your bed.

• Any stuffed animals, soft toys or personal items should be bagged and removed or put in the dryer to be treated with heat.

• If possible, commercial grade bed bug steam cleaners should be use to treat items like the couch or large items that cannot be heat wash or dry clean.

• Apply non-toxic insecticides like diatomaceous earth powder to possible infested areas. It will kill bed bugs when the bugs come into contact with the powder.

These are just some quick, simple and effective bed bugs extermination techniques that one can employ to rid one’s home of the nuisance pest.

Always remember that once any symptoms of bed bugs are detected, take action quickly as bed bugs are insidious survivors and gifted hitchhikers, and can easily crawl from one room to another. Delaying the process of exterminating bed bugs can result in an infestation to grow out of control!

Similarly, if you rent an apartment or stay in multi-family homes, the best advice would be to speak with the neighbors and your landlord about the bed bug problem so a coordinated effort can be planned to exterminate the problem quickly.

Losing sleep over bed bugs? Learn about effective, natural and environmentally friendly ways of getting rid of bed bugs from our homes.
With the horrible epidemic of the rising population of bed bugs invading homes and apartments, waking up in the morning itching with bite marks on our face, arms and body may immediately brings to mind that there are bed bugs crawling in the mattress.

While it may be comforting to know that the tiny biting bugs do not transmit any diseases or pose any serious health issues, many people find them disgusting and their presence in our homes can be very distressing.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) warns that one should be careful about choosing chemicals for the application and extermination of the bugs. Some pesticides are toxic and harmful to us and our family’s health. The suggested approach is called Integrated Pest Management and the use of common sense, non-toxic methods and natural remedies to get rid of bed bugs.

Integrated Pest Management

Bed bugs can be very persistent and can hide in tiny spaces, avoiding our efforts to detect and kill them. They have very strong survival instinct and can live without food for many months, making the elimination of the bugs a tough but not impossible task if done correctly.

Effective exterminating of the bugs requires what is described as Integrated Pest Management approach. Part of Integrated Pest Management is to work in eliminating the pests in several stages with the most economical means without posing any hazard to the people, property and the environment.

Integrated Pest Management begins with detection, monitoring and identification of the pest, prevention, elimination and control (without poison).

If one suspect that one may be plagued by bed bugs, the first step is to confirm the presence of the bugs and not some other insects by inspecting the mattress and the bedroom. Look for any possible signs of bed bugs along the seams, edges and labels of the mattress as well as underneath the box spring and behind the baseboard. If bed bugs are detected, homeowners and tenants are encouraged to clean and eliminate unnecessary clutter around the room to limit possible hiding spaces for the bloodsucking pests.

Good integrated pest management also means using a variety of removal methods for the control and extermination of the bugs. While there are a number of chemicals available on the market that are advertised for eliminating bed bugs, EPA suggests that we carefully read the label to learn how to use them safely and to make sure that they are actually meant for the removal of bed bugs. Whenever possible, it is always better to use non-chemical and non-toxic methods, to avoid endangering our health.

Below are five suggested effective, natural and environmentally friendly methods for getting rid of bed bugs in our homes:

1. Vacuuming

Vacuuming with a powerful vacuum cleaner is one of the best and safest ways of getting rid of bed bugs out of their hiding spaces. We might not see them, but vacuum cleaner can suck them out of cracks in the baseboards, from the carpet, wallpaper and all other nooks and crannies where they hide between feedings. If one suspect that one has bed bugs in the house, daily vacuuming will be able to radically limit their number if not eliminate them completely.

2. Thermal steam treatment

Knowing bed bugs physiology and the fact that they cannot survive temperatures higher than 115°F give us a powerful tool for their natural and environmentally friendly termination. Using a bed bug steamer, the hot steam from the cleaner can ensure swift treatment for all furniture and mattress while killing all bed bugs and their eggs that are hidden deep in the cracks and crevices.

3. Non-Toxic Bed Bug Sprays

EPA has registered and approved about 200 natural bed bug treatment products that are safe and effective. Most are pyrethroids, organic compounds similar to pyrethrins, insecticide made from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids are safe to humans and the environment and are very effective insecticides. One of the most commercially used and popular bed bug spray is Steri-fab, which is a U.S EPA approved non-toxic bed bug killer. Steri-fab is water-based, fast drying and is safe for both children and pets.

4. Bed Bug Proof Mattress Cover

Special bed bug mattress covers are allergy proof covers made of very dense fabric, that keep mattresses protected from any bug or bacterial infestation. The covers not only prevent bed bugs from getting in your mattress, but will at the same time prevent existing bugs already hiding inside the mattress from getting out to feed on your blood. Once used, a bed bug mattress cover has to be sealed for at least a year to completely kill off all bugs and eggs, since bed bugs can survive for many months without feeding.

5. Diatomaceous Earth

A common pest control product, Diatomaceous Earth is very abrasive powder made of crushed fossilized shells of diatoms, tiny algae. The sharp particles of the powder cuts and dehydrates the waxy cuticle of any bugs that comes into contact with the powder, causing them to asphyxiate and die. The best way for preventing and getting rid of bed bugs is to apply diatomaceous earth under the bed or use them as barriers around the bed or room where possible bed bug activities are detected. Plus, diatomaceous earth lasts virtually forever if left untouched so it will provides continuous, long-term effective control against bed bugs.

Plagued by bed bugs? Learn proven removal methods on how to kill bed bugs yourself and protect your love ones.
When it comes to killing and getting rid of bed bugs, exterminators agree that there is no one pesticide or solution that works 100 percent. Many times, to eradicate the bloodsucking critters completely will require what is described as an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.

With that said, the success of the treatment will also depend on the clutter that exist in the house or apartment. The more clutter there is in the house or room, the tougher it will be to get rid of them and may take months to completely exterminate the hardy pests.

While bed bugs nor their bites transmit any diseases, their bites can often be unpleasant and the last thing you want is waking up the next day with a bunch of red itchy welts all over your body.

If you suspect your house or apartment has an infestation, look for possible signs of bed bugs to confirm their presence by inspecting the following common locations where the bugs are most likely to hide:

• Baseboards, bed frame, head board, box spring
• Along mattress seams
• Window casings, sills and frames
• Behind electrical switch plate
• Under night stands or lamps
• Inside and under storage drawers near the bed
• Sofas and carpets

Proven Methods To Kill Bed Bugs

After ascertaining or confirming the presence of these nocturnal critters, how does one kill bed bugs? Well, consider a wide variety of removal methods and products, including:

Vacuuming

You can kill bed bugs fast if you have already located their hiding spots and have a vacuum handy. Regularly inspecting and vacuuming your box spring and mattress is one effective method of reducing considerable populations.

However, do be aware that bed bugs can live inside your vacuum cleaner. For this reason, it’s recommended that after you have used a vacuum, have the content emptied into a disposable bag (rather than a filter) and clean the vacuum’s dust canister. Also, avoid using bristle or brush attachments, where the bugs can grab onto and hide. If you want to kill bed bugs, apply a little bit of Diatomaceous Earth before vacuuming to reduce the likelihood of their survival.

Bed Bugs Mattress Encasement

If you are unlucky enough to be bitten by bed bugs, do not throw away your mattress since bed bugs may also get into your new mattress if you have yet to completely eradicate the pest from your apartment or house. Instead, experts recommend getting a 100% bed bug proof mattress cover that can help you prevent the bites as well as kill off existing bugs that lay hidden deep within the mattress.

The idea behind a bed bug mattress encasement is that any bugs lurking inside your bed will be trapped and will eventually starve to death, while any new populations will be unable to penetrate the cover to get in to breed as well.

Heat Treatment

To kill bed bugs naturally, one can also make use of extreme heat. Normally, all bed bugs die at temperatures of 120°F or higher so washing and drying clothing in high temperatures can kill the tiny critters. However to kill bed bugs and their eggs in a room environment, most pest control experts recommend using heat treatment such as raising the room temperature to at least 200°F (or 90°C) to eliminate the problem.

If raising the room temperature is not possible, the next best alternative to kill bed bugs hidden deep into the mattress or sofas is with a steam cleaner.

Similarly, a quality bed bug steamer should be able to produce at least 200°F at the tip. You’ll want a dry vapor if you’re worried about damaging fabric or encouraging mold growth. Choose one that comes with several attachments to safely steam mattress, furniture, floors as well as hard to reach cracks and crevices. Also look for one with a wide nozzle with at least six inches and a large water capacity boiler to ensure seamless operation.

Bed Bug Insecticides and Sprays

In the war against bed bugs, another cost effective treatment to eliminate the biting critters and their eggs include using EPA-approved bed bug insecticide such as Steri-Fab.

To make the process of getting rid of bed bugs more effective, bed bug sprays should always be use together with other treatment methods such as vacuuming and steaming to completely eliminate the blood suckers.

Not only does a functional bed bug spray kills the bugs and their eggs, but also works as a convenient repellent to protect one against bed bugs while traveling.

However, be extremely careful about using bed bug sprays in your home, especially insecticides should never be applied to areas where you sleep. The CDC recommends calling in a certified bed bug exterminator who will offer an integrated approach to pest control that employs both chemical and non-chemical solutions.

• Find a local bed bug exterminator

Diatomaceous Earth

For long term results, one can use Diatomaceous Earth as a form of non-toxic residual bed bug killer. This naturally occurring mineral instantly kills bed bugs when they come into contact with it. Essentially, diatomaceous earth dehydrates and kills the bugs within an hour of contact and lasts virtually forever if left untouched as well as provides continuous, long-term control of insect pests.

To use, apply the powder around the perimeters of the bed, beneath the baseboards and moldings, under the bed, in cracks and crevices and along other hotspots where you suspect bed bugs may live and hide.

In Conclusion

Learning how to kill bed bugs oneself can be a long-winded and demanding task, but not impossible if done properly. In the event of a serious infestation, the smartest way to get rid of bed bugs is to get the help of professional pest exterminators who have the invested knowledge, training and equipment to guarantee the success of the operation.

• Kill Bed Bugs – Find Expert Exterminators In Your Local Area. Get FREE Quotes Here!

Bed Bug Extermination – Find Expert Exterminators In Your Local Area. Get FREE Quotes Here!

Bed bugs eradication can be extremely expensive! According to the NY Times, “Some bed-bug experts say it’s not unusual for an infested family to spend upwards of $5,000″ to get rid of their bug problem. A more practical starting point – if you have the time and the determination – is with do-it-yourself bed bug eradication methods. 3 of the most common methods include: employing bed bug mattress encasement, spraying insecticide and applying diatomaceous earth as well as using heat treatment to eliminate the bugs.

1. Bed Bug Mattress Encasement

If you have been unfortunate to be bitten by bed bugs, getting a bed bug proof mattress cover to encase your mattress is a good solution to prevent more bites and eradicate the bloodsucking critters populations that may be dwelling deep inside the mattress as well as deterring new bugs from infesting your bed. With the bed bug cover, you also don’t need to worry about replacing your existing mattress.

These specially designed bed bug encasement covers seal off the entire mattress completely, along with a tough zipper lock leaving no gap for the bed bugs to enter or escape through. At the same time, one should also get the same protective covers for the pillows and bolster as well.

To eliminate the bed bugs and for the covers to be effective, you will also need to:

• Keep the covers encased for at least a year to eventually kill off any bed bugs and their eggs that are trapped within.

• Isolate the bed away from the wall to prevent bed bugs from crawling from the wall onto the bed.

• Employ “Climbup Interceptor” to the legs of the bed frame or apply double-sided duct tape around the bottom of the bed frame to act as sticky barrier from the crawling bugs.

• Prevent any clothing, blanket, quilt or items to hang off the bed or touch the floor.

2. Bed Bug Insecticide

There are many safe insecticides out there that are created for bed beg eradication and they can be classified into either inorganic agents like silica powder or aerosol sprays.

Diatomaceous Earth

According to experts, silica powder like diatomaceous earth (DE) has been proven to be an effective bed bug killer for the home. Make from the fossilized remains of hard-shelled algae, this insecticide is both environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

So how does diatomaceous earth work for bed bug eradication? Bed bugs upon contact with diatomaceous earth, the fine silica powder dehydrates the waxy cuticle of the bugs that covers the exoskeleton, causing them to asphyxiate and die. Plus diatomaceous earth lasts virtually forever if left untouched so it will provides continuous, long-term control against the insect pests.

To use, sprinkle diatomaceous earth under the beds, along the wall, and in other places where bed bugs may hide. One can also rub it in the carpets after vacuuming to defend a perimeter as well as prevent an infestation.

Bed Bug Spray

To eradicate the bed bugs from your home, one can also make use of bed bug sprays. Like many insecticides, these sprays are usually contact killers and can be catergorised into residual and non-residual sprays.

The choice between choosing a residual and non-residual spray really depends on where are the locations that you would like to treat.

Most professional pest exterminators prefers using water-based non-residual sprays since they are non-toxic and safe for both children and pets. One popular industrial brand that is used professionally by hotels, cleaning professionals and pest control companies is Steri-Fab, a highly effective bed bug spray know for its ability to quickly kill bed bugs and their eggs without leaving any residual or chemical trace.

For best results, keep in mind to apply to a wide area surrounding the location of the possible infestation and spot treat to any furniture and walls where bed bugs may hide.

3. Heat Treatment

Another good old-fashioned, non-toxic bed bug eradication method include the use of heat. Bed bugs are very heat sensitive and cannot survive in extreme temperatures. The thermal death point for the common bed bug is 120 °F.

The following are some ways on how you can kill bed bugs with heat:

Washing bed linens and clothes in hot water and then setting them in the dryer for 20 minutes will generally kill all bed bugs. Similarly, the heat from the dryer can also be use to treat items such as soft toys, stuffed animals, backpacks and any items that can fit inside the dryer.

For big items such as mattress or couches, the use of hot steam from a professional grade bed bug steamer can be used effectively to kill both bed bugs and their eggs instantaneously even if they are hidden deep within the mattress. To be an effective bed bug killer, experts recommended that it should be a dry vapor steamer to prevent problems of mold or mildew and the steam coming out from the tip of the cleaner needs to be above 200 °F (as compared to 120 °F of heat that will only kill bed bugs on contact but not those that are hidden deep inside the mattress or sofa.)

Keep In Mind…

Bed bug eradication often takes more than one treatment and the process can be challenging but not impossible if done properly. In the event, if you feel that you are unable to take care of the problem yourself, remember that you can always count on the help of a professional licensed bed bug exterminator who has the experience, tools and expertise to help you do the job well.

Bed bugs are back. Learning how to prevent bed bugs while traveling or from infesting our home in the best defense against these relentless bloodsucking pests.
Whether you are rich and poor, living in a penthouse on in dilapidated, multifamily homes, you have to learn how to prevent bed bugs from infesting your home.

We managed to get rid of this unpleasant blood sucking parasite in the 20th century with the advent of powerful insecticides in most of modern world. But, with the increases in international travel and the restrictions of certain pesticides, like DDT, that were once used to treat these bloodsucking critters – bed bugs are back and spreading with a vengeance. With the resurgence, bed bugs can now be found everywhere, from fancy five-stars hotels, luxury high-rise condos, student dorms, apartment buildings, theaters to even clothing stores.

How Do Bed Bugs Get Into Our Homes?

Many people wonder where do bed bugs come from and how do they spread into homes. For a long time the prevalent myth was that bed bugs reside in poor tenements of questionable hygiene. We now know that they are equal opportunity pests and are perfectly happy in clean homes as in the dirty ones, as long as there is nice, warm human blood to feed on. They thrive in warm dark places and their preferred habitat is our bed and its surroundings.

Finding an entrenched bed bug infestation in your perfectly clean, new home is a scary experience. Many people are tempted to get rid of all their possessions and even to move. But, bed bugs could have hitchhike to your home with your kid who just returned from the summer camp, or with your daughter who came from university for a summer break, or even with that lovely antique furniture your paid a fortune for.

Our penchant, and means, for travel, domestic and foreign, is also probably another cause for one of the biggest reasons for the sudden recurrence of bed bugs in our lives. Bed bugs are insidious survivors who travel well and are perfectly capable of hitching rides from someone else suitcase or clothing to your own. You could also have picked them up during one of your travels, without realizing it until bite marks start showing up on your body.

In addition, we live very close to each other and the majority of people today live in large cities. The closer we live to each other, the easier it is for bed bugs to spread from one person to another, and from one apartment to another.

How To Prevent Bed Bugs?

While we cannot hide from the rest of the world and neither are we going to stop traveling because of bed bugs, there are preventive ways that we can do to make it more difficult for these tiny bloodsuckers move in with us. The following are some experts recommendations on how to prevent bed bugs while traveling as well as to prevent them from spreading and infesting your home or apartment.

How To Prevent Bed Bugs When Traveling

• Before you travel, check out Bed Bug Registry for any reported incidences of bed bugs at the hotels you intend to stay in.

• Upon checking in, inspect the mattress of your hotel room, looking carefully along the seams, folds, edges and labels for any telltale signs of bed bugs like dark spots or any brown exoskeleton skins that the critters shed as they grow – before unpacking your bags. If you see anything that may lead you to suspect bed bugs, request for a change of room.

• After returning from a trip, unload all your clothes into the washer or dryer, and wash them using the hottest setting allowed. At the same time, inspect your suitcases and bags for any unwanted hitchhikers. Look in the seams, buckles, zippers, nooks and crannies. Keep all luggages away from your bedroom.

How To Prevent Bed Bugs From Spreading At Home

• Bed bugs are experts at hiding so regularly up-keeping of your bedroom or apartment free of clutter will help to reduce the places where bed bugs can hide as well as making it easier to spot any signs of bed bugs early. Remember to vacuum regularly and check under the carpeting.

• Caulk up all the cracks in the wall and floor of your room as well as patch up any loose wallpaper since bed bugs can also hide under peeling paint or wallpaper. Apply bed bug pesticides like diatomaceous earth dust to protect and defend your perimeters.

• Wash all linen frequently at high temperatures and inspect it for traces of bed bugs infestation. If you are concerned, consider using climb-up interceptors and enclosing your mattress with special bed bug resistant mattress cover to prevent bed bugs from infesting your bed as well as their bites.

• If you acquire any second-hand or used furniture, have it thoroughly inspected especially inside drawers, cracks or screw holes before bringing it home.

While bed bugs are a horrible epidemic, it is very important to know that neither they nor their bites are dangerous to our health, since they do not transmit any diseases. The only nuisance are the bites of bed bugs that can be itchy and may develop into an allergic response like skin rashes for individuals who are highly allergic or have sensitive skin.

Therefore knowing how to prevent bed bugs from infesting your home is your best defense against these persistent and relentless pests in the first place. As Benjamin Franklin himself once said:

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Exterminate Bed Bugs – Find Expert Exterminators In Your Local Area. Get FREE Quotes Here!

Finding bed bugs treatment methods that work for you can sometimes prove to be a challenge. Bed bugs can be a formidable foe that even the professionals may struggle to effectively eliminate. However, finding the right bed bugs treatment at home can often require a combination of several forms of treatment.

Treatment Methods For Getting Rid of Bed Bug Infestation At Home

If you stay in a house or an apartment, there are several methods that you can incorporate in order to effectively get rid of bed bugs that have infested your home.

• Removing all of your bedding, clothing, shoes, and even stuffed animals is amongst the first steps in your bed bugs treatment protocol. These items should be placed in sealed bags for up to a month, or washed at a very high temperature and then sealed in airtight bins or bags until the infestation has been dealt with.

• A thorough cleaning of your home and reduction of clutter around the room can help to get rid of bed bugs as well as reduce the number of places where they can hide. Remember that while they do tend to prefer your bed as their primary home, bed bugs can also breed in other areas such as the sofa, armchair or even the dressing table; especially if their feeding host is just sleeping nearby.

• Steam and other heat treatment for bed bugs can be hugely effective. Hand-held steam devices can help you to blast steam into crevices and cracks that may otherwise prove difficult to treat. A steam treatment will also be an effective treatment for bed bug infestations on your mattresses and other household furniture.

• Using non-toxic insecticides such as Steri-fab can help one to get rid of bed bugs in your home; just be sure to carefully follow the suggested guidelines offered by the manufacturers.

• Special allergy proof mattress and box spring encasement products can be used to protect your bed from bed bug infestations. Sealing your mattress with a bed bug proof mattress encasement will help prevent bed bug bites and eventually kill any bed bugs and eggs that are trapped within.

• Natural remedy products like mint, lavender, and diatomaceous earth will offer you effective bed bugs treatment options. Strong smelling herbs will naturally repel bed bugs, while diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled around the room to act as defense barrier and will slice into the exoskeleton of the bugs; effectively dehydrating and killing them.

Professional Bed Bug Treatment & Cost

Calling in a professional pest exterminator can be very beneficial to your bed bugs treatment plans. Some may hesitate to call in the pros; however, there are a few good reasons why you should consider them.

• Professional pest control experts have vast experience with treatment for bed bug infestations.

• The bed bugs treatment products and equipments they use will help to quickly guarantee the success of every operation.

• Many professionals have the knowledge and know-how to treat the house or room with chemicals without causing any damage to the environment or your furniture.

• Since it often takes more than one treatment to completely eradicate a bed bug infestation, professionals will be able to set you on a schedule in order to help you remove the infestation and help to prevent future outbreaks.

• Bed bug treatments costs are not always unreasonably high, despite what some may believe. When you work with a professional exterminator, you will be able to find a treatment protocol that not only works for your home but also works for your available budget.

• A professional exterminator can also offer prevention tips so that you can work towards ensuring that your home is not invaded again by these terrible little pests.

By hiring an exterminator to treat your home every few months, and following a few basic methods of home treatment, you will be able to get rid of bed bugs and keep them out of your home.

Treatment For Bed Bugs – Find Expert Exterminators In Your Local Area. Get FREE Quotes Here!

Treatment For Bed Bug Bites & Rash On Skin

One of the first tell-tale signs of an infestation of bed bugs is going to be the bites and the resulting rash on your skin. Many people are allergic to bed bugs so their reactions might be somewhat more severe.

• Treatment for bed bug bites is very similar to other itchy bites on your skin, with the first step being to carefully clean the affected area with an antibacterial soap.

• Applying an antibiotic skin cream, available over the counter, can help to stave off a potential infection; especially if you accidentally scratched the bites.

• One of the most effective bed bugs rash treatment products is an over-the-counter antihistamine produce that will reduce swelling and itchiness.

• Topical antihistamine and antibacterial creams will also help with rashes on the skin.

Note: Before you go get treated for the bites, make sure you aren’t getting bitten by fleas or ticks. Check out photos of bed bugs, what their bites look like and how to identify telltale symptoms of bed bugs.