It may come as a surprise, but bed bugs can be found in even the most immaculate homes and hotels. This is because their presence is not solely determined by cleanliness. While maintaining a high level of cleanliness and sanitation can help prevent infestations, it is not a guaranteed solution. Eliminating bed bugs can be a difficult task. That’s why many products are available in the market. However, the effectiveness of these products depends on how determined you are to get rid of them. To effectively eliminate bed bugs, it’s important to first identify any areas of infestation and nesting prior to using any insecticides or sprays.
Seek out any and all potential hiding places, such as dark and secluded areas. Carefully inspect areas such as footboards, wall posters, cracks and crevices, headboards, railings, switch plates, and mounted frames – any place that may serve as a hiding spot for the bugs.
Be sure to check for rips or open seams in your mattress, as these are common spots for bed bugs to reside.
Don’t forget to check other soft furnishings such as sofas, another favourite spot for the bugs.
With bed bugs becoming an increasingly common problem, a variety of products have been developed to address the issue. These products can be used in a variety of settings, including dormitories, barracks, and other shelters.
What Are Bed Bugs
Bed bugs, also known as scientifically Cimex lecturarius (Cimicidae), are wingless insects that were once parasites of birds and bats but have since adapted to human environments and now commonly invade homes. They feed solely on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Their bites can cause discomfort, allergies, and other skin conditions.
Adult bed bugs are flat, oval-shaped, and typically grow up to about a quarter of an inch in size. Newborn bed bugs, called nymphs, are less than a millimetre in length. They are generally deep brown in colour, but after feeding, they turn a darker red, almost black. They will typically seek out dark and hidden areas when disturbed.
What Are Bed Bug Products?
Bed bug products are products designed to kill and eliminate bed bugs. These products can be chemical or biological in nature. The most commonly used product is an insecticide spray. Biological sprays are generally considered safe to use, while chemical sprays can be harmful if not used properly. It is always crucial to read the labels and follow the instructions carefully when using any products to kill bed bugs.
Most bed bug bites will heal on their own within a week or two, but if certain skin conditions occur that may worsen, there are ways to relieve the symptoms. Topical creams and oral antihistamines can help alleviate itching. In more severe cases, such as skin infections, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.
In addition to using bed bug products, there are also natural methods for killing and eliminating bed bugs. One such method is washing clothes, curtains, pillowcases, bed sheets, and towels thoroughly in hot water. The washed items should then be dried on a high heat setting, ideally at a temperature of at least 120 °F but no higher than 160 °F. This helps to ensure that any bed bugs are killed and cannot survive.
You can also consider the following steps for eliminating bed bugs naturally:
Place delicate items that can’t be exposed to chemicals or subjected to dry-cleaning in a loosely packed but sealed plastic bag and leave them in direct sunlight for a minimum of 24 hours, longer if needed to ensure the bed bugs are killed completely. Make sure the items are completely dry before using them again.
If you live in an area that doesn’t experience a lot of sunlight, freezing can be an effective alternative. However, you should keep in mind that it may take 1 to 2 weeks for the bed bugs to die in freezing temperatures.
Heat is another effective option. However, to use this method successfully, you should bring in a professional since ordinary house heaters won’t cut it.
Doing some thorough vacuuming before treatment with insecticides is highly recommended as it helps to make the insecticides more effective. Vacuuming helps to dislodge eggs and disturb deeply hidden bed bugs, causing them to come out of hiding. When vacuuming, make sure to properly dispose of the vacuumed dirt and bugs by placing them in a tightly sealed bag and disposing of them properly. This will help to prevent the bugs from spreading.
In cases of severe infestation, some items may need to be discarded. To avoid the spread of bed bugs to other areas, it is best to have a professional pest controller handle the disposal of these items. They will be able to safely and effectively remove and dispose of infested items, minimizing the risk of further infestation.
Using a combination of bed bug products and the following measures will help to ensure that they are effectively eliminated:
- Integrated Pest Management techniques employed by bed bug control services, include implementing preventive measures, maintaining proper sanitation, and utilizing chemical treatments to effectively prevent infestation by bed bugs.
- Regular inspection and repair of any potential harborage areas on walls, floors, and ceilings, including filling in any cracks or other openings.
- Spot treatment is applied to hiding places like cracks and crevices with an insecticide (preferably pyrethroids) and repeated after two weeks from the initial treatment to kill eggs that may have hatched.
Using bed bug-specific products and using them properly and carefully is an effective way to prevent bed bug infestations. However, if the problem has already escalated, it is best to enlist the help of a professional, certified pest control team who has the knowledge and expertise to effectively eliminate the infestation.
