Bed bugs are ectoparasites that lay hundreds of eggs in their entire lifetime. They rely solely on warm human blood to survive and reach full adulthood. Normally, these tiny vampires consume blood when their host is sleeping. That is why they are considered nocturnal as they typically become more active during night time.
People usually take preliminary signs of bed bug infestation for granted. They only start to take action when the bugs have already spread and grown their population. One initial sign of a bed bug activity is having red super itchy bite marks in clusters on your body parts that are usually exposed when you sleep such as cheeks, neck, arms, legs, stomach, back, etc. Bed bug bites may not be necessarily life-threatening, they might get infected in the long run.
If there’s a line that best describes bed bugs, it would be “small but terrible.” Bed bugs may be just as tiny as an apple seed yet those who have encountered them can attest as to how challenging it is to totally eradicate them. Even after a treatment procedure, a re-infestation can very likely happen once there are remaining still remaining bugs and eggs left untreated.
Bed Bug Removal Techniques that Work
Pest control professionals can definitely provide you with expert suggestions on how to address your bed bug problem. On top of home bed bug remedies, bed bug removal experts have various tips on making your bed bug treatment work. Consider the following:
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Apply high heat when washing and drying your clothes and other washable items.
This method of killing bed bugs is proven effective as bed bugs can’t last long under extremely hot temperatures. Since bed bugs prefer fabric and typically hitchhike and hide in people’s clothes and other upholsteries, you must wash your garments, linens, beddings, and other fabric materials in hot water. After washing, putting them under high heat in the dryer for 20 to 30 minutes will guarantee that other remaining eggs and larvae are exterminated. This technique is advised especially when you’ve just returned from a trip or vacation.
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Freeze items for 24 hours.
The cold technique also work when eliminating bed bugs. If you have belongings that are non-washable, placing them inside the freezer for 2 hours will the trick. Besides extreme heat, bed bugs cannot also survival in an extremely cold environment.
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Do away with the clutter.
If your home has too much clutter and unnecessary stuff around, it will surely become a bed bug haven. Bed bugs prefer hiding themselves in dark tiny crevices, cracks, or holes and clutter—such as empty boxes, unused toys, and non-functional appliances— can provide them the extra hideouts they need to breed and thrive. Removing the clutter and other objects you no longer use at home will help reduce the bed bugs’ chances of further spreading. You either throw away, sell, or donate all those surplus stuff and give your home enough space to breathe.
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Consider bed bug heat treatment.
This bed bug removal method can only be done by pest control professionals. Heat treatment or heat remediation is recommended by experts when treating bed bugs because it does not involve chemical application, making it safe and environmentally friendly. Before your scheduled treatment, make sure to clean your entire surroundings at home. As the homeowner, you need to coordinate with the service technicians from the planning stage to the arranged D-day and follow their instructions. Bed bug heat treatment only requires a one-time session to eradicate the bugs.
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Allow the experts to inspect your home.
Besides your own visual check for the signs of bed bug infestation, letting the pros conduct an inspection of your home is a good way to ensure that you are properly dealing with the problem. Since they are experienced and qualified, pest control service providers can accurately determine the source and the extent of the infestation. Thus, they will know exactly what to do and what appropriate method to use to address the problem.
Seeing indications of bed bug activity is a basic step you can personally take as the homeowner. You must look for signs such as blood stains, exoskeletons, fecal spots, lingering musty odor, eggs, and live bugs to confirm. Once you are sure that you have bed bugs at home, you must start doing the tips listed above and successfully get rid of those pesky critters.
Also Read: 4 Amazing Tips You Can Adopt to Stay Healthy.
