Here’s How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Nobody likes to think about bed bugs, but if you find them you better know what to do—and fast! They can burrow into bed frames and mattresses, nest inside upholstery, and can even travel around on your clothing. Bed bugs don’t need a dirty environment to thrive either: all they require is a warm place to hide. Here’s some pointers on how to get rid of bedbugs, along with some bed bug prevention and travel trips.

Checking for Bed Bugs

The first question to ask is “what do bed bugs look like?” A member of the Cimicidae family of flat-bodied insects, bed bugs are small and reddish-brown in colour. Bed bug eggs resemble tiny grains of rice. Hatchlings are about the size of a poppy seed, and adults look much like an apple seed. They are wingless, which is why they need to hitchhike on a host to help them move into your home. Here’s how to look for signs of a bed bug infestation:

• Smell the air for a sweet, musty odour 

• Check for rust-coloured spots on your bedding or mattress 

• Look into the bound edges of your mattress, or any seams where adult bed bugs might hide 

• Inspect your headboard, bed frame and the wall directly behind the bed 

• Look for bite marks on your face, neck, arms, or hands 

• Place bed bug traps around your bed to verify an infestation.

Cleaning Your Bedding & Clothes

Bedding and clothing in an infested room must be removed and cleaned. Put everything in garbage bags and seal them up before leaving the room. Empty the bags into your washing machine and wash on the hottest cycle the clothing can withstand. Set your dryer on high heat as well. For fabric articles that cannot be washed, the hot dryer alone will kill the bed bugs if you set it to run for 30 minutes.

Cleaning Other Household Items in the Room

Other small items in the room such as toys, bags, shoes, etc. can also be heat-treated in your dryer. Use the in-dryer rack if your model includes one and run the dryer at medium heat for about 20 minutes. Another option for hard-to-clean toys and books is to put them in sealable plastic bags and place them in the freezer for at least four days.

Cleaning the Rest of Your Room

Once your room is cleared, it is time to clean the bed, other furniture and rugs. Vacuum everything thoroughly, especially inside seams and crevices to dislodge any bed bugs and their eggs. Pay particular attention to the mattress top and the box spring. Seal the vacuum bag before putting in the trash or clean the dust collection tank outside.

Bed Bug Treatments

• Treat everything in the room with a bed bug-specific insecticide that includes IGRs (insect growth regulators) 

• You can use a spray bug treatment in places where bed bugs hide such as plank floors, furniture, carpets etc. 

• Powdered insecticides or diatomaceous earth work well on baseboards and other crevices 

• Open closet doors and dresser drawers and use bed bug fogger (be sure to air out the room once complete)

Hiring a Bed Bug Exterminator

Pest control services can handle the removal of bed bugs. The cost will depend on the severity of your bed bug infestation. Some exterminators charge a flat rate or hourly fee, while others quote based on square footage or number of rooms. You’ll need to do a bit of homework first.

How to Treat Bed Bug Bites

Although the idea of bed bug bites is distressing, but aside red marks and annoying itching they are usually harmless. Here are a few tips on treatment: 

• Start by washing the bite locations with soap and water 

• Apply an insect bite relief product or an anti-itch cream If the bites are really itchy, take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine 

• If your symptoms get worse or cause an allergic reaction you should see your doctor

How to Prevent Bed Bugs

Once you have sent the bed bugs packing, you don’t want them to come back. There are a few steps you can take to ensure they don’t: 

• Install bed bug monitoring devices underneath beds 

• Place insect interceptors under bed legs: the dish and channel design prevents the bugs from climbing up the legs 

• Move your furniture away from walls and windows to eliminate a path for bugs to get on the bed 

• Take care to prevent your bedding from touching the floor 

• Encase your mattress in a bed bug protector cover

Bed Bug Travel Tips

Places frequented by many people are more likely to have bed bugs. Unfortunately, that includes hotels. Here’s a few tips to prevent unwanted carry-ons. 

• Check the mattress, bedding, and furniture in your hotel room for any suspicious signs, and ask for a room change right away 

• Keep your luggage off the floor and away from the bed – you will often find a luggage rack in hotel rooms 

• Keep your clothing in your suitcase rather than in hotel closets If you’re returning from a trip, ensure that your luggage is clear of bugs before entering your home

Early detection is essential to getting rid of bed bugs. Keep an eye out for tell-tale signs, and take immediate measures to prevent a full blown bed bug infestation.