Given the current discovery of bed bug in French public (and international) transportation as well as in cinema, cafés and other venues, I think it’s safe to ask if the medieval times are making a comeback! There are few things more unsettling than discovering you have a bed bug infestation in your home. These tiny, blood-sucking insects can quickly multiply and wreak havoc on your mattress, clothes, and living spaces. But fear not, because there are steps you can take to detect bed bugs and eradicate them from your home. In this blog post, we will provide you with a detailed guide on the best ways to detect and eliminate bed bugs in your home.
- Step 1: Know your enemy.
Before you can effectively deal with a bed bug infestation, it’s important to understand what you’re up against. Bed bugs are small, flat, and oval-shaped insects that are reddish-brown in color. They are nocturnal creatures that feed on human blood and can hide in various places, such as mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and cracks and crevices in furniture.
- Step 2: Avoiding is easier than treating
Bed bugs are travellers and jumpers, like their friends fleas. It’s not enough for you to not sit on the seat they’re occupying. You will have to avoid the space they’re in at all costs. So that bicycle you haven’t gotten around to using to go to work – well now is the time. You’re also going to want to avoid hospitals, libraries, cinemas. Any room that has a chair in fabric is OFF LIMITS!
- Step 3: Inspect everything!
Before you get into your house or even if you are in your house inspect your clothes, blankets, any large fabrics. Even if you you don’t fond anything place all these items into a large plastic bag that you can seal off. You will have to wash these items multiple times on at LEAST 60 degrees celsius.
- Step 4: Inspect your mattress.
Start your bed bug detection journey by thoroughly examining your mattress. Strip off all the bedding and look closely at the seams, folds, and tufts. You’re searching for any signs of bed bug activity, which may include dark spots (bed bug droppings), shed skins, or even the bugs themselves. Remember to check the box spring and bed frame as well. One of the best ways to do this is to utilise a credit card or any piece of firm plastic to scrape on the surfaces. This will remove the eggs. Don’t forget to check under the rims of the mattress! Bed bugs and their eggs hide in there too.
- Step 5: Check other areas where bed bugs hide.
While bed bugs are commonly found in mattresses, they can also hide in other areas of your home. Inspect upholstered furniture, curtains, and rugs for any signs of infestations. Look for tiny blood stains, dark spots, or live bugs crawling around. Be sure to inspect any cracks, crevices, or joints where bed bugs can hide, such as baseboards and electrical outlets.
- Step 5: Utilize bed bug monitoring tools.
To effectively detect bed bugs, you can use various monitoring tools. One popular option is bed bug interceptors, which are placed under the legs of your bed to trap and monitor any crawling bugs. You can also use bed bug detection traps, which emit carbon dioxide to attract the bugs.
- Step 6: Take immediate action.
If you have confirmed the presence of bed bugs, it’s essential to take immediate action to eliminate them. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove and launder infested bedding and clothing in hot water (at least 60 degrees celsius).
- Vacuum your mattress, bed frame, furniture, and any infested areas thoroughly. Dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag.
- Use a stiff brush to scrub mattress seams and crevices to dislodge any eggs.
- Consider using a bed bug-specific insecticide or natural bed bug spray to treat infested areas.
- Encase your mattress and box spring with bed bug-proof covers to prevent further infestations.
- Repair and seal any cracks or crevices in your bedroom to eliminate hiding spots.
- Step 7: Consult a professional.
If it get’s really bad you’ll have to bring out the big guns, the professionals. There’s 2 treatments you can go for. A chemical treatment or a heat treatment. Both are going to be on the pricey side but better that than living with flatmates that eat you!
Pest control experts have the knowledge, experience, and tools to effectively eliminate bed bugs from your home.
In conclusion, detecting and eradicating bed bugs from your mattress, clothes, and living spaces can be a challenging process. However, by following these detailed steps, you can improve your chances of successfully eliminating them. Remember to be thorough, persistent, and consider seeking professional assistance if needed. Good luck on your bed bug-free journey!
