3 Steps to Removing Bed Bugs from Your Home

3 Steps to Removing Bed Bugs from Your Home

Nature’s Toughest Critters!

These critters are so hard to get rid of, and can come from just about anywhere.  So, it’s hard to relax when you have these in your bed and on your mind…

Bed bugs, that’s what I am talking about.  Just referring to them makes me feel an itch!

For all of you who think you may have acquired these unwelcome residents, and are suffering from a bed bug infestation, the following are some ideas and tips as to how to deal with this pesky and (in appreciation to nature) very resourceful species of insect using safer or more natural methods that are effective, can save you money, and prevent any children or pets from getting too saturated in harsh chemicals.

But first… a brief bio on what bed bugs are and why they (at least to humans) are a problem:

“You must know your enemy in order to defeat him.” – Captain Gabriel Angelos of the Blood Ravens Space Marines

Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

A parasitic insect of the cimicid family , bed bugs are nocturnal by nature and feed exclusively on blood.  Although the common bed bug prefers to feed on human blood, they can feed on other animals such as bats or even pets like cats and dogs.  Found and spread worldwide, bed bugs can be in places such as hotels, apartments, condominiums, and houses (basically anywhere in which people reside).  They are spread by traveling from nearby infested dwellings with easy routes to new locations, infested apparel and items, furniture, beds and bedding, wild animals inadvertently transporting them, and even the hosts themselves.

National Geographic did a short clip on bed bugs: Don’t let the bed bugs bite!

Bed bugs spend only a short time of their lives actually feeding on their host (usually between the hours of 10:00pm and 6:00am) and then scurry away to a nearby location, usually the bed or nearby furniture, to congregate with others and their eggs.  These “harborage areas” are usually what a person will be looking for to know whether or not they are being bitten by bed bugs or another pest (such as fleas).  In a bad infestation, these harborages can become very large colonies of bugs.  A human being that is sleeping around such can be bitten over 500 times a night!

Adult bed bugs are light brown to reddish-brown, flattened, oval-shaped and have segmented abdomens with microscopic hairs that give them a banded appearance. Adults grow to 4–5 millimetres (0.16–0.20 in) long and 1.5–3 millimetres (0.059–0.118 in) wide. Newly hatched nymphs are lighter in color, and will darken as they molt and grow to maturity.

Although bed bugs are known to carry diseases in themselves, they are not known to transmit them.  Still, the bites themselves can cause many reactions other than just itching spots usually seen in a series or cluster together around a person’s arms, shoulders, back, and face.  Skin rashes, allergic symptoms, and effects on one’s psychology can occur from these critters. There is medication that can aid with the itching, however, removal of the pest is the only solution to eliminate all problems.

Ironically, bed bugs do actually have natural enemies that happen to frequently be considered pests by us humans, too.  Cockroaches, spiders, ants, centipedes, and mites are all bed bug killers; however, using them as a biological pest control method is not advised.

If one wishes to get rid of bed bugs, here are the best things you can do:

1)      Call pest control – unfortunately, the best method to manage and get rid of bed bugs in your home is a combination of physical removal and some chemical treatment.  Pest control companies will know how best to find, remove, and treat for bed bugs professionally reducing the length of infestation from the get go.  If you live in an apartment, it is possible that the management company of your location will pick up the fee, too. I know this is expensive (average house around $5,000 for treatment), but it may be worth it.

Here is a video on how to check for bed bugs: How to inspect for Bed Bugs

2)      Physical Removal – just because you have pest control working for you does not mean you can let down your efforts to get rid of them yourself.  Vacuuming, using high heat treatments, and washing/cleaning every surface in your home and furniture will go long ways in cutting down as many of these creatures as possible.  Remember, it only takes one pregnant female to restart a whole new infestation months later if she survives.  It may take weeks or even months, but the effort is necessary if you wish to remain bed bug free.

3)      Bed covers/chemicals – taking steps on your own to encase your bed in a bed bug mattress and box cover as well as spray natural bed bug killing chemicals around your home can help cut down on the cost.  Getting professional pest control is a big step in stemming an infestation in this part, but they can be expensive. You can do a lot as well.  Buying bottles of natural bed bug spray and treating your home on your own can save a bunch from having to rely solely on the professionals. As they say, no one knows your home as well as you! Getting appropriate covers for beds in the home right away will also stop many of these critters.  Finding good natural products to use to go around and clean your home routinely will not only help in getting rid of bed bugs you have, but prevent them from ever coming back.

Remember, it is not your fault that you have bed bugs!  Having bed bugs in an apartment or a home is not a matter of cleanliness.  Although it certainly helps to keep a home clean, bed bugs can come from so many places (from traveling on a person’s luggage to electrical wires running through apartment walls).  Bed bugs are on the rise worldwide for a reason, so do not feel that you are to blame yourself for your own infestation.  You just need to focus on the treatment.

With this knowledge, I hope those worried or suffering out there will have an idea of what to do to not have to wake up in the morning or during the night covered in bites or start itching from thinking about getting bitten from the inevitable (you have to sleep sometime ^-^) .  Assuredly, although this species of cimicid is no easy problem, it is possible to resolve.  With determination, effort, and smart methods, you can be well on your way to being bed bug free fairly soon.

And for the future, at least you will be ready…

Natural bed bug killers:

Bed Bugs.net has excellent resources for those looking for a complete kit of sprays and mattress covers.  Check it out here!

Bed Bug Control Guide is an eBook that can walk you through how to eradicate bed bugs yourself.  I highly recommend this as an alternative to expensive pesticide treatments.

Bed Bug Patrol – Killer spray is 100% environment, family, and pet friendly.  It has a satisfaction rating of 4/5.  This is a good starter for getting straight to killing these critters as quickly as you can.

 

Tell us about your bed bug story.  How did you resolve it (i.e. survive the swarm)?