GETTING RID OF BED BUGS FOR GOOD
Posted by Admin
Bed bug infestations are on the rise. The mere thought of these invaders is enough to make many people's blood run cold.
WHAT ARE BED BUGS?
Bed bugs have been aggravating human hosts for millennia. The tiny, parasitic insect feeds on blood while its victim sleeps, retreating into a protected crevice with the morning.
Bed bugs are similar in size to an apple seed. If they have not eaten recently, then their bodies are flat, oval-shaped and brown. A meal makes the bed bug appear redder and inflated. Often accompanied by a musty, sweet smell, the bed bug is equipped with wings that it does not use to fly.
Considered a public health pest by the CDC and the EPA, bed bug infestations seem to be becoming more frequent because people are traveling more and because of a lack of awareness of how to prevent such infestations.
Moreover, evidence suggests that too many people are trying to eradicate bed bug infestations on their own without a professional exterminator. Unfortunately, the do-it-yourself approach will typically prove ineffective, causing the infestation to become larger and more intense.
Nevertheless, the following procedures can be taken by those who wish to attempt eliminating a bed bug presence on their own.
STEP 1: PERFORMING A BED BUG INSPECTION
It is always advisable to act quickly when a bed bug infestation is suspected. This is because an untreated infestation will grow, perhaps expanding to other rooms. Treating a smaller infestation is quicker, easier and more affordable.
The problem with catching bed bug infestations when they are new is that they can be difficult to detect. Bites are not necessarily the foremost telltale sign of an infestation because the bites may come from another pest.
Occasionally, a bed bug bite will incorrectly be ascribed to a rash or hives. This means that it is necessary to look for other signs of infestation.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
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STAINS
The presence of small red stains on mattresses or bed linens may be one of the most prevalent signs of an infestation. These marks are the result of bed bugs being crushed.
Similarly, a mattress or bed linens that are marred by small black dots with bleeding around the edges like an ink stain may be showing the signs of bed bugs. These spots are bed bug feces.
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SKINS
Bed bug nymphs shed their skins as they grow through their various stages to maturity. As such, tannish or yellow skins are often seen, indicating the presence of bed bugs.
WHERE TO LOOK
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LOCATIONS
Bed bugs try to hide as close to beds as possible. Accordingly, the seams, tags and straps on a mattress or box spring all are likely hiding places. The cracks in the footboard, headboard or bed frame also may be concealing bed bugs.
A good rule of thumb to recall is that bed bugs are similar in thickness to a credit card. If a credit card can be slipped into a space, then there is a good chance that a bed bug could hide there as well.
STEP 2: PREPARING FOR DO-IT-YOURSELF BED BUG CONTROL
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CONTAINMENT
Complicating the issue of effective bed bug eradication, is the likelihood that an infestation can spread to a neighbor's adjoining property or unit.
Installing door sweeps helps to isolate an infestation. Similarly, it is wise to caulk, cover or otherwise seal all cracks and holes to minimize the chances of an infestation spreading. It also may be advisable to seal around the edges of light fixtures, electrical outlets and light switches.
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CLEANING & LAUNDERING
Cleaning also may bring the infestation under control. It makes sense to launder all linens in the bedroom, including curtains and clothing, in hot water. Follow this with a cycle in the dryer on the highest heat setting. Anything that cannot be run through the washer, like shoes, will benefit from going through the dryer on a high-temperature setting for half an hour.
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PRE-TREATMENT & PREP WORK
Run a brush with stiff bristles around all seams on the mattress and box spring to dislodge bed bugs and their eggs. Then, vacuum the mattress and all surrounding areas. Immediately remove the vacuum cleaner bag, seal it in a plastic bag and place it in an outdoor trash can. Canisters on bagless vacuum cleaners should immediately be emptied and washed in hot, soapy water.
STEP 3: WAYS TO KILL BED BUGS
Both chemical and non-chemical treatments are available for bed bug eradication. Which treatment type is best to use often depends upon the size and complexity of the infestation.
NON-CHEMICAL BED BUG TREATMENT METHODS
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FREEZER
A home freezer can be used to kill bed bugs. To be a successful method for bed bug treatment, the freezer unit must be capable of reaching a sustained temperature of at least zero degrees Fahrenheit. Items must be left within the freezer for a period of four days.
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CO2/DRY ICE
The CO2/dry ice bed bug treatment method employs the use of CO2 or carbon dioxide that is dispensed through of a floor or hand-held unit that produced a snow-like covering that kills bed bugs by freezing them. The covering generated by this process can kill bed bugs on contact. It also has the ability to seep into cracks and crevices, and to penetrate certain objects.
Extreme caution must be used when utilizing this treatment type as high levels of CO2 are lethal to people.
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STEAM TREATMENT
A commercial-sized steam generation unit can be used to treat bed bugs. The steam produced by such units can reach operating temperatures of over 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is sufficient to kill any bed bugs on contact.
This treatment method also has the capability to reach into cracks and crevices, and to penetrate certain objects.
When operating such systems extreme caution must be used as serious burns can be sustained very quickly by such temperatures in only a second or two of contact.
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HEAT TREAMENT
Treating bed bugs with heat typically refers to creating lethal temperature levels within the interior of the entire structure. This process utilizes electric or propane heating units along with commercial-strength fans which work together create and disperse internal temperatures of 120-135 degrees Fahrenheit. This treatment has the capability to kill the presence of all bed bugs and their eggs that are present within the building during the treatment process, within as little as 3-4 hours or as long as 8-9 hours depending on the respective operating temperature and delivery method.
Make sure all of your windows and your screens are in good working order, and that there are no openings large enough for insects to get through.
CHEMICAL BED BUG TREATMENT METHODS
Chemical treatment typically involves the use of several types of insecticides.
• Pyrethrin-based insecticides are primarily for use on soft, upholstered furniture.
• Pyrethroid-based insecticides are used on mattresses and harder furniture.
• Pyrethroid-based insecticides are also used to treat cracks and crevices.
• Silicon dioxide-based products are used for the treatment of baseboards and electrical outlets.
CONCLUSION
DIY bed bug control requires considerable persistence, time and luck. Although such measures may begin to bring the infestation under control, the use of specialized products, equipment, and knowledge provided by an experienced pest control provider is usually required to properly treat a bed bug issue.
Speak with a certified bed bug control professional who can answer all of your questions.
