A bed bug infestation is not something you want to deal with, but if you find yourself in this situation, you need to take the proper steps to eliminate this problem. While the process can be stressful and frustrating, it needs to be addressed so that these uninvited visitors do not take over your house.
Calling a pest control service is the best solution if you are dealing with a bed bug infestation, but there are also a few things you can do, and the following tips will help you eliminate bed bugs from your home:
Wash all of Your Fabrics
If you notice signs of bed bugs in your home, you need to start washing your fabrics in hot water because heat is effective in killing off bed bugs. Clothes, bedding, towels and stuffed animals all need to be washed, and anything that’s made from fabric should be placed in your washing machine at high heat. Once the washing cycle is complete, dry them in your dryer at the highest heat level possible.
Deep Clean Your Mattress
A bed is the most common place where you will find bed bugs, so your mattress will have to be cleaned thoroughly. Use a stiff brush to scrub at the seams because this will help their eggs and shells come loose, and then vacuum every side of your mattress, including the top, bottom and all its sides. Remember to place the contents of your vacuum cleaner in a plastic bag once you’re done with this step and seal it tightly. Your mattress should be placed in a tight, bed bug proof case where it should remain sealed for a year.
Fill in any Cracks You may have in Your Walls
Cracks in the plaster of your walls will make for excellent hiding spots for bed bugs, so you need to inspect your walls to see if there are any cracks. If you notice any, make sure you fill them in, regardless of how small the crack may be. Use plaster or caulk for this step.
Declutter
Any home can face a bed bug infestation, and cool areas that are dry are especially problematic because they make for great environments where bed bugs can breed. To prevent this from happening, eliminate boxes in your closets and under your bed and get rid of any items you don’t need. Decluttering is very important, so get rid of magazines, clothes, kitchen supplies and books you no longer need.
Steam Clean Regularly
Steamers are an effective tool in maintaining a bed bug free home as the heat from the steam will kill them off. The heat will kill their eggs as well, so use your steamer to spray each room and spend a little more time on this task when spraying your baseboards, window trims, closets and the carpet.
If you want to leave your bed bug problem to the professionals, Contact Pest Control can help! We will safely remove bed bugs from your home and will use all of the right tools and techniques. Give us a call today for more information!
Read More: How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Spreading to Other Rooms