What Bed Bug Remedies Work?
Bed bugs are nasty little creatures that no one wants to find in their home. These hitchhikers latch on to their hosts and can travel at great lengths to find a cozy place to settle down.
They can be found anywhere humans gather and are always looking for a easy meal. If you suspect that you may have a bed bug infestation, there are a few steps you can take to get rid of them. With a combination of home remedies and professional assistance, your home can be bed bug free.
Here are the top seven most popular bed bug remedies that truly work.
1. Diatomaceous Earth
A cheap, natural bug killer that is effective on many different pests is diatomaceous earth. This fine powder can be dusted between small cracks, crevices, and other hard to reach areas. It slowly kills bed bugs by removing the waxy protection on their exoskeleton.
The downside of using this method is that it can take up to ten days to work. Be sure to get the correct kind – high grade diatomaceous earth can be toxic. As the bugs die off, it’s important to vacuum immediately. While this method is effective, it won’t kill 100% of your bed bugs.
2. Heat Treatment
Stripping your bedding and liner then cleaning them can kill a good number of bed bugs. Throwing infested bed clothing in the wash and dryer is an effective way to eliminate any pests that may be crawling around your sheets.
Bed bugs cannot withstand extreme heat. For items that are not dryer friendly, another method you can try is sealing any infested items in bags and putting them out in a car or other area hit by direct sunlight in hot weather.
Though extreme heat is useful for part of the problem, it is only a temporary fix. To get rid of an infestation, you must find and kill the bed bugs at the source.
3. Cold Treatment
Much like heat treatment, using extreme cold can kill bed bugs. You can seal any infested items in bags and place them in a deep freezer for four days. After you remove them, vacuum the carcasses up and dispose of them. If you want to be sure, you can throw the items in the dryer for good measure.
While you can freeze these bugs, it does take a long time. It may work, but it may not be the most time efficient solution.
4. Vacuuming
This is a simple way to get rid of several household pests. Using a vacuum cleaner, you can suck up any possible bed bugs that may be hiding away in your carpets or furniture. Pinpoint any possible infested areas and run your vacuum often; be sure you are thorough.
Each time you finish, empty out the vacuum and remove the bag from your home.
If you want to be sure to kill them, you can use cold or hot treatment to be sure they are dead. A vacuum cleaner can remove all life cycles of the bed bug from the nymph to the dead shells. While this process can help, it will not get rid of the bugs hiding in your electrical outlets or burrowing in your bed posts.
5. Steam Cleaners
Steam cleaners are effective at getting through cracks and crevices to kill these tiny pests. This method can treat carpets, baseboards, bed frames, and all different kinds of furniture. When using a steam cleaner, the temperature must be at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit to work. Also, be sure to avoid using a blasting stream; this will cause the bugs to scatter.
6. EPA Registered Pesticides
If home remedies aren’t doing the trick, you can use pesticides to kill bed bugs. While not recommended for use by non-professionals, this method could be very effective when combined with other methods. Foggers and bug bombs can be used with caution. It should be noted that improper use could be harmful to humans and animals.
Misuse of these chemicals may have volatile results. Additionally, foggers aren’t 100% effective alone as they will not reach cracks and crevices.
7. Professional Pest Control
The most effective method is contacting a profession pest control expert. If you have an infestation, it may be more than just a few bed bugs nibbling at you during the night. If left unchecked, these pests can overrun your house. Pest control experts can employ different methods and ensure the pests are gone. It is their job to locate the source of the bed bugs and eradicate the infestation.
Not only can they dispose of your problem, they can prevent bed bugs from coming back with a few helpful tips. When all else fails, reach out the professionals.
You don’t have to face a bed bug infestation alone. With a combination of tried and true home remedies and professional guidance, you can enjoy a bug free night’s sleep. If you are unsure of the size of your bed bug problem, consider contacting a professional to safely and efficiently take care of the job. Stop the invasion and get rid of bed bugs today!
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