Bed Bugs – How to get rid of them
There is a common misconception among people that bed bugs are no longer an issue or part of a child’s nursery rhyme. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The number of bed bug infestations is constantly rising, with major cities experiencing more bed bug issues than ever.
There are a few easy things that every person can do to avoid a bed bug infestation. First and foremost, good housekeeping is crucial. However, the most common cause of bed bug infestations in most buildings is second-hand furniture or rugs that were not well inspected before they were brought into a home. Regardless of whether a resident finds a piece of used furniture in an alley or an antique store, it is important to closely examine a piece of second-hand furniture for signs of a bed bug nest.
Few people realize just how frustrating a bed bug infestation is until they have dealt with these insects firsthand. There are some cheap and simple techniques to help with an infestation and many specialized products are available.
An easy method is to wrap tape which is folded lengthways around the feet of an infected bed to trap the bugs that are attempting to climb up the bed legs. This is known as the barrier strategy and is useful once the bed has been fully cleansed.
Products to exterminate bed bugs can be highly effective and exist in a variety of forms. There are insecticide sprays that are applied to infected areas and commonly have residual properties for up to a month. There are also dusting powders used in areas where liquid would not be practical. Also, there are insecticide fumigators which create a fog that can eliminate bed bugs from an entire room.
Bed bug-resistant mattress protectors are popular products to accompany insecticides as they immediately protect from bed bug entry, exit, and bites. Professionals are sometimes brought in and use similar products to those intended for amateur use.
Alongside the use of products are some basic codes of practice when tackling a bed bug infestation. In most cases, all dressers and closets in the infected rooms must be emptied with drawers set aside so that every crevice can be treated. All linens and clothing will have to be washed with hot water and stored in plastic bags until the treatment is complete. Severe infestations may require the disposal of rugs and certain items of furniture.
How can re-infestations be prevented? It is vitally important that all bedding is washed two or three times at a very high temperature to destroy any remaining eggs that may hatch. Keep a close eye out for any signs of a bed bug nest. Furniture, floorboards, and upholstery should be closely inspected. As always, however, keeping a clean and tidy home is the number one way to keep a home completely bed bug-free.
