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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 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.
