How to get rid of bed bugs

The process of getting rid of bed bugs is by far not the easiest task that you would have ever need to do. It is indeed a lengthy and complex process with so many different options available out there. There is NO one simple method to get rid of them - if there were, we would not be faced with the problem until this very day. Yes, it is a long process to get eradicate them but NOT an impossible feat.Here are some ways you can use to control the bed bugs infestation:

• Cleaning

Suffice to say, if we keep our homes clean, we could be assured of a lower risk of infestation. Items such as bed covers, pillow covers, mattress covers, and comforters should be regularly checked for presence of them. These items should be removed and washed at the highest temperature setting possible as high heat setting is able to kill them. If you send your bedding items to a dry cleaner, do remember to warn the dry cleaner so that your items will be washed separately. Those ways you won't risk infest others' with bed bugs as well.

• Vacuuming

Make sure that you vacuum all crevices of your home, especially around the bed. This method does not get rid of them completely; but it will help with some prevention prior to using other treatments. While vacuuming, please remember to also use a scraper to scrape along your beds, carpets, and other hot spots for bed bugs. This will help dislodge any bed bug eggs from their breeding ground for you to vacuum them off. Empty the contents from the vacuuming, including the bed bugs and eggs, into a sealed plastic bag and throw them away. If the items are large, you should label it clearly so no one mistakenly takes them home or recycles them.

• Rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol contains approximately 70 percent by volume of pure, concentrated ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol). It is a flammable liquid so you should use it with caution. You can put some rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and apply them at places where they are prone to hide. You can follow up the application with the scraper treatment to dislodge any bed bug eggs along the way just like the vacuuming process mentioned above. The alcohol will kill these critters, including its eggs, on contact.

• Steam cleaning

This method is also used by most pest control companies and is by far the safest and natural means of killing them. You can choose to buy the steamer yourself as the steamer can also be used to sanitize other household equipment. Before buying the steamer, make sure that it can reach a temperature of exceeding 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Diatomaceous Earth

This is a powder which can be used to get rid of bed bugs. After a few days, you will be able to see it taking effect. It works by sticking onto these critters and dehydrating them. There are various categories of diatomaceous earth available - and some are toxic. Do look out for the food grade quality ones which are safer to use at home. When applying them, make sure you put on a face mask and gloves at a minimum. This is because some of these products could be dangerous to breathe in.

• Mattress Cover

Most people mistaken that this is only a preventive method. However, this can also be used to get rid of these critters as the bed bug mattress cover is able to seal in them and prevent them from getting out from your mattress. This way, they may be cut off from their food supply. If you decide to use the bed bug mattress cover, do remember to cover the box springs as well as the bed bugs could hide in the crevices there too.

• Pesticides

There are natural and off the store pesticides. Various natural remedies can be made yourself. Common off the store chemical pesticides have also been limited in their effectiveness these days as the bed bugs seem to have developed a resilience towards them.

For more details, go to How to get rid of bed bugs for answers to your questions on bed bugs.

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