Bedbug Control

Bedbugs can be found lurking in the smallest of cracks. They are capable of stowing away in:

• furniture
• clothes
• luggage
• boxes
• pillows

As well as other belongings that are moved from home to home or hotel to hotel. Furniture that is pre-owned, especially mattresses and bed frames, are more likely to be hiding bedbugs and the eggs they lay. Because of this, you need to do a thorough inspection and look into the history of any furniture you buy used. Also, since bedbugs can live for months between feedings, they can be found in dwellings that are empty and visibly clean. Bedbugs can also easily travel from apartment to apartment through cracks and wholes in walls that are used for the passing of wires or pipes. There are several steps that you are going to want to take to ensure proper bedbug control.

Step One: The Investigation
Since bedbugs are hard to see, you are going to want to inspect each room with a magnifying glass and strong flashlight in hand. Not only will you be looking for the bedbugs, but also spots of reddish brown matter on materials and their unique smell. Due to their small size and flat shape, bedbugs are able to fit in small crevices. Without a deep inspection, bedbugs, larvae, eggs, and fecal deposits will not be seen. Nothing should go unturned and no space should be ignored. These parasites could be anywhere from wall scones to magazines on shelves. Areas close to where you sleep should be looked at the closest.

Step Two: Deep Cleaning
Whether you are trying to control bedbugs yourself or hire a professional, a deep cleaning of the entire area will have to be done. All beds should be stripped and the bedding, including sheets, comforters, blankets, shams, and covers, will need to laundered in water hotter than 120 degrees to ensure bedbugs are dead. Also, any soft toys, stuffed animals, or personal items should be laundered if possible, placed in plastic bags for at least 3 months, or thrown out. All items need to be taken off of the tops of furniture, side tables, and from under the beds. Don’t forget the clock radio, and even the phone. If the infestation is severe, or you just want to be extra careful, take all the clothing from closets and dressers to be laundered as well.

Use your vacuums crevices tool to get from hard to reach places like:

• Baseboards
• Carpet edges
• Switch plates
• Bed frames
• Interior of box springs
• Inside furniture
• Cracks in floors

Use the hand attachment with a brush to vacuum up even more bedbugs from the exterior of mattresses and box springs, paying close attention to all edges and seams. Also, all floors should be thoroughly vacuumed last. When all vacuuming is complete, take any bags and seal tightly in a plastic trash bag, and dispose outside immediately. If using a canister type vacuum, empty into outside trash and wash thoroughly with hot water when done.

Step 3: Physical Control Methods
These control methods are simple, yet effective ways to fight bedbug infestations:
Temporarily place bed legs in hot soapy water
Coat bed legs with double sided tape or petroleum jelly to catch them as they climb
Permanently place legs in glass jars since bedbugs cannot scale glass
Move beds away from walls and other furniture to limit spread of infestation
Be sure you bedding is not draping on the floor
Always wear pajamas that fully cover your body as well as socks to add an extra layer

Step 4: Controlling with Chemicals
There are several types of chemical control methods available to battle bedbugs:
Use regular insect repellents that you use against mosquitoes while sleeping
Apply insecticides that have a residual affects in crevices and cracks
Naturals sprays that contain pyrethrins
Powders containing pesticides, such as fumed silica, can be used in places that are hard to reach

You can use these chemical treatments alone or as a supplement to professional treatments. Just be sure to follow all the directions precisely. If you feel at all uneasy about using chemicals in your home by yourself, you can just let a professional handle it.

More posts like this one in Getting Rid of Bedbugs.