The process of getting
rid of bed bugs is by far not the easiest task that you would have ever
need to do. It is indeed a lengthy and complex process with so many different
options available out there. There is NO one simple method to get rid of them -
if there were, we would not be faced with the problem until this very day. Yes,
it is a long process to get eradicate them but NOT an impossible feat.Here are
some ways you can use to control the bed bugs infestation:
• Cleaning
Suffice to say, if we keep our homes
clean, we could be assured of a lower risk of infestation. Items such as bed
covers, pillow covers, mattress covers, and comforters should be regularly
checked for presence of them. These items should be removed and washed at the
highest temperature setting possible as high heat setting is able to kill them.
If you send your bedding items to a dry cleaner, do remember to warn the dry
cleaner so that your items will be washed separately. Those ways you won't risk
infest others' with bed bugs as well.
• Vacuuming
Make sure that you vacuum all
crevices of your home, especially around the bed. This method does not get rid
of them completely; but it will help with some prevention prior to using other
treatments. While vacuuming, please remember to also use a scraper to scrape
along your beds, carpets, and other hot spots for bed bugs. This will help
dislodge any bed bug eggs from their breeding ground for you to vacuum them
off. Empty the contents from the vacuuming, including the bed bugs and eggs,
into a sealed plastic bag and throw them away. If the items are large, you
should label it clearly so no one mistakenly takes them home or recycles them.
• Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol contains
approximately 70 percent by volume of pure, concentrated ethanol (ethyl
alcohol) or isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol). It is a flammable liquid so you
should use it with caution. You can put some rubbing alcohol into a spray
bottle and apply them at places where they are prone to hide. You can follow up
the application with the scraper treatment to dislodge any bed bug eggs along
the way just like the vacuuming process mentioned above. The alcohol will kill
these critters, including its eggs, on contact.
• Steam cleaning
This method is also used by most pest
control companies and is by far the safest and natural means of killing them.
You can choose to buy the steamer yourself as the steamer can also be used to
sanitize other household equipment. Before buying the steamer, make sure that
it can reach a temperature of exceeding 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Diatomaceous Earth
This is a powder which can be used to
get
rid of bed bugs. After a few days, you will be able to see it taking
effect. It works by sticking onto these critters and dehydrating them. There
are various categories of diatomaceous earth available - and some are toxic. Do
look out for the food grade quality ones which are safer to use at home. When
applying them, make sure you put on a face mask and gloves at a minimum. This
is because some of these products could be dangerous to breathe in.
• Mattress Cover
Most people mistaken that this is
only a preventive method. However, this can also be used to get rid of these
critters as the bed bug mattress cover is able to seal in them and prevent them
from getting out from your mattress. This way, they may be cut off from their
food supply. If you decide to use the bed bug mattress cover, do remember to
cover the box springs as well as the bed bugs could hide in the crevices there
too.
• Pesticides
There are natural and off the store
pesticides. Various natural remedies can be made yourself. Common off the store
chemical pesticides have also been limited in their effectiveness these days as
the bed bugs seem to have developed a resilience towards them.
