Banishing Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are a growing problem because they spread quickly, crawl from person to person, and are sometimes so small you can't even see them. There's been a rise in bed bugs in the past few months, and experts say the epidemic will only get worse.

Bed bugs are small, brownish and flattened insects that feed only on blood. It can be your blood if they've found a home inside your mattress, box spring or other furniture. The number one sign of bed bugs can be found on your sheets.

"There will be stains on the sheet, stains on the mattress and pillows," Steve from SDA Pest Control said. "Because they feed on your blood and basically dispose of it." One other sign is waking up with bites on your body. Although they are blood feeders, bed bugs have never been shown to spread or vector humane disease. Still, bed bugs are feared like the plague.

Prevention

Banishing bed bugs takes teamwork between the resident and the pest control professional. Bed bugs lay their eggs and hide in small crevices in headboards, bed frames and mattresses. Before bringing used furniture into the home, clean it as if it has the critters. With this pest, it's better to be safe than sorry.

• Dismantle bed frames, empty and remove drawers from night stands, bureaus and desks, and scrub all surfaces with a stiff brush to dislodge eggs.
• Use a powerful vacuum multiple times to remove bugs from cracks and crevices, corners and edges of the furniture, mattresses and box springs. Remove the vacuum bag, seal well in a plastic bag and discard.
• Remove all clutter from furniture and floor. Move furniture away from the walls. Clean walls and floors thoroughly, scrubbing and vacuuming baseboards.
• Remove all sheets, blankets, comforters, covers, pillows, shams and drapes and have dry-cleaned or wash in very hot water. Dry on the highest heat setting for at least 45 minutes.
• Wash clothing and towels in hot water and dry on high heat separately from bedding. Store laundered items in clear, seal-able plastic bags to isolate and prevent the spread of bugs.
• Personal items, such as stuffed animals and hats, that can't be laundered should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, then sealed and stored in a plastic bag for several weeks.
• Thoroughly clean all furniture where people sleep, such as sofas, cribs and reclining chairs.

Infestation

Bed bugs are widely considered to be the hardest pest to exterminate, so finding exactly where they live is crucial. In addition bed bugs are showing increasing resistance to insecticides currently used to control them. If you believe that you may have an infestation of bed bugs, it is imperative that you seek professional advice in the form of your local pest control company.

Article provided by SDA Pest Control