Steps to Eradicate a Bed Bug Infestation
It has been two years since the COVID-19 lockdowns began. For many, we are looking forward to a long-awaited vacation. With the pandemic on the rise this winter, many vacations were put on hold again. But now that spring has set in, and summer is coming, vacation plans are booming. And with vacations come hotel stays.
For those who will not be vacationing and for those who will and will be returning to their homes afterward, all are susceptible at some point to encountering bed bugs.
Bed bugs can infest quickly regardless of where you live or how clean your home is. These tiny bloodsuckers have become a real epidemic and have spread far beyond the low-end hotels and run-down apartment blocks with which they have long been associated.
Risk of a Bed Bug Infestation
It may not be a pleasant thought, but everyone is at risk of a bed bug infestation. When traveling, the luggage you sit down in your four-star hotel room could gain a few unwanted hitchhikers. Likewise, the bag you check at the airport could pick up a few bed bugs on the way home. But no matter how they got there, you want to send those bed bugs packing and back to where they came from.
If you suffer from a bed bug infestation, you must act fast. These insects may be tiny, but they are big-time breeders. These bloodsuckers could overrun your home if you fail to act fast, leaving you at their mercy. With that in mind, here is your 10-step bed bug eradication plan to start.
Steps To Eradicate Bed Bugs
- Strip all the covers from the bed, including sheets and pillowcases.
- Place the bedding in a plastic bag, then place that bag in a second plastic bag.
- Wash the bedding in hot water for at least half an hour. Then, move the washed bedding to the dryer and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes more.
- Discard the plastic bag that held the soiled bedding. Be sure to discard the bag outside your home.
- Thoroughly vacuum the entire bedroom, focusing on the mattress and the space underneath the bed frame.
- Take the vacuum cleaner outside and discard the bag. Place the sealed vacuum cleaner bag in a separate plastic bag.
- Spray an all-purpose natural cleaner on the entire bed frame. Ensure all surfaces, including the corners and underside, are fully coated. (please note that these cleaners may not eradicate them)
- Encase the entire mattress and box spring in a special bed bug eradication cover. These covers are impervious, and the encasement should kill any bed bugs in the mattress.
- Vacuum the entire home thoroughly to remove any remaining bed bug eggs. Dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag in a separate sealed plastic bag.
- Be alert for signs of a repeat infestation, and if you still need to get rid of them, it’s time to call in a professional bed bug removal company.
Bed bugs are everywhere these days. They have been found in the best resorts, the most expensive hotel rooms, and even in mattress stores. If you want to enjoy a good night’s sleep and wake up with peace of mind, you need to know the warning signs. And if you do spot the warning signs, you can use the ten steps outlined above as a start.
Contact a Bed Bug Removal Specialist To Eradicate Bed Bugs
However, with an infestation, it may be in your best interest to call in a bed bug removal specialist to eradicate the bed bugs once and for all.
As these ten steps can work, they may not work for all situations. The infestation can grow as you sit back and wait, causing more anxiety, stress, money and time. Contact Garfield Pest Control to get rid of your bed bug infestation now and for good.
