How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Since the banning of pesticides containing DDT, the U.S. bed bug population has exploded. Try not to panic if you find the pests in your home. You can usually rid yourself of bed bugs with some strenuous housecleaning.

Identify the problem

You may have a bed bug problem if you find specks of dried blood on your sheets. Sometimes people with bed bugs squash the nasty little pests as they roll in their sleep. Watch for flat, brownish bugs about 1/5 of an inch long. Look for bites on the body that occur in a straight line, often in a series of three or four. Bed bug bites resemble mosquito bites and are quite itchy.

Combat the infestation

You're probably pretty disgusted at this point, but remember, bed bugs are not attracted by dirty living conditions. They just hitched a ride to your house, and it's time to get rid of them.

Tackle the problem by dismantling your bed and vacuuming all parts thoroughly. Discard the mattress if feasible. If you can't get rid of the mattress, purchase a sealable mattress cover and entomb the critters. Bed bugs can live for a year without food, but they will eventually die.

Overturn all bedroom furniture and clean the undersides. Remove drawers from dressers, and clean them. Wash clothing at 120 degrees F, and dry in the dryer. Place fabric items that you can't wash in a black plastic bag, and leave for a day or two in a sunny location.

Use a steam cleaner to kill eggs and bed bugs in carpets. Concentrate on the area between the wall and floor. Vacuum all cracks and crevices in the bedroom, and seal any openings. Dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag. Empty the canister of a canister vacuum, and wash with hot water and soap.

Consult the experts

Sometimes, even after your best efforts, the bed bugs remain. At this point, it's time to call in a professional pest control company. They might apply sprays or even heat your house to 120 degrees F. They'll also recommend steps to prevent reinfestation.

You can usually rid yourself of bed bugs with some strenuous housecleaning