Those annoying little critters that come out at night can turn your bed into a living nightmare. Their bites have the potential to trigger allergic reactions in some people. The best option would be to hire professional bed bug extermination services. However, this is only sometimes feasible due to cost. The good news is that you don’t have to call an exterminator to eliminate bed bugs. This article discusses several do-it-yourself strategies for kicking these pests out of your bedroom.

Identify the Infested Areas

The first thing to do when dealing with a bed bug infestation is to locate their favorite hiding spots. Check your bed area’s mattress seams, bed frame, headboard, and any other gaps or crevices. The best way to find bed bugs is to use a spotlight because they are pretty good at concealing. Once you’ve pinpointed the problem regions, you can go forward.

Wash Bedding and Clothing

Remove the sheets, pillowcases, and blankets from your bed. Collect all garments that may have been in contact with the infected zone. These products should be washed with hot water (above 60°C/140°F) and dried using the highest possible heat setting. Bed bugs and their eggs won’t have a chance in such a hot environment.

Vacuum Thoroughly

Use a powerful vacuum to remove any bed bugs, their eggs, and their young. Look carefully at the joints, edges, and cracks where they might be hiding. When you’re done vacuuming, put the bag in a plastic bag and take it outside to throw away.

Steam Treatment

Killing bed bugs and their eggs with steam is a viable option. Use a steam cleaner with a narrow nozzle to eliminate the bed bugs in your mattress and bed frame. Ensure the steam reaches a temperature of at least 120 °C (250 °F) to kill these insects.

Diatomaceous Earth

Natural diatomaceous earth is poisonous to bed bugs but not humans or dogs. Food-grade diatomaceous earth should be sprinkled in cracks and crevices around the bed, as these are prime hiding spots for bed bugs. Diatomaceous earth’s sharp particles will puncture the insects’ exoskeletons, leading to dehydration and eventual death.

Encase Your Mattress and Box Spring

Purchase a high-quality mattress and box spring encasement to keep the bugs out. These protective covers will prevent bed bugs from infesting your mattress and make it easier to detect and destroy them in the future.

Use Essential Oils

Essential oils that repel insects include tea tree, lavender, and peppermint. Spray your bedroom and other bug-ridden rooms with a mixture of a few drops of these oils and water. They may not be as powerful as commercial insecticides, but they aid with bed bug prevention and population control.

Conclusion

If you discover these techniques are helpful but still can’t get rid of the bed bugs, it may be time to call in the pros. Tornado Pest Control LLC is a reputable company known for its expertise in pest extermination. Our qualified experts will inspect your home thoroughly, determine the full scope of the infestation, and then use proven methods to get rid of the bugs for good.