While DIY bed bug elimination is hard, it is not impossible. Several factors will influence your success rate. One of the most obvious variables is the extent of the infestation. The more serious it is, the more difficult eliminating it will be. Other factors that will influence the project are the site, the clutter, the cooperation of your neighbors and others within the infested area. The duration of the project will vary depending on these factors and more.

Steps To Eliminating Bed Bugs In Your Home

1. Wash, Wash, Wash

As soon as you suspect an infestation in your home, it is important that you wash your linens and garments thoroughly. You can’t use insecticides on some of these materials, so you need to use hot water to soak them. The water should be at least 120 degrees hot. Wash and sun them afterward. The heat will help kill the bugs.

2. Declutter

If you have stuffed animals, electronics, soft toys, blankets and other personal items in your home that aren’t useful, remove them from the infested room. As long as the items are not used permanently in that room, remove them. Note that the items you remove from an infested room can spread the infestation. So, put them in a plastic bag before you move them. After you have washed the liners and removed clutter, it is important that you clean the area. Use a stiff brush to scrub the area thoroughly. Be careful with the cleaning to avoid transferring the infestation.

3. Seal & Caulk

It is important that you seal all holes in your home. Make sure you check those holes that pipes and wires penetrate. This will help reduce their breeding ground.

4. Inspect

You need to confirm that the infestation is a bed bug infestation and not something else. The adult bed bug is either reddish-brown or pure brown. It is typically â…• to ⅝ inches long. Bed bugs like to stay in the dark, isolated cracks. Even if you don’t see the bed bugs, you will see their waste products.

5. Treatment

Hire a pest control specialist for properly treat you home or belongings.  Depending on the size of the infestation and the condition of your mattress you may be required to throw it away and buy a new one. You can treat the mattress thoroughly. The insecticides should be used to treat the mattress. There are many mattress safe products that you can use to eliminate bed bug infestation. You can cover your mattress with bed encasements if the holes are too much. This way, you’ll be able to use the mattress again after you have flushed it. The best way to get them all is to use the encasement, apply the insecticide and zip it up for as long as a year. This way, the remaining bed bugs or eggs will not have room to escape.

6. Consider Using Active Guard Liners

A good way to prevent future infestation and eliminate bed bugs is to use active guard liners as a permanent treatment option. They will eliminate the bugs and dust mites within 72 hours after they are installed. These fitted sheets come in different shapes and sizes. You can buy one that meets your needs.

Conclusion

All these steps should be followed judiciously and repeated at least three times. This especially applies to the flushing process. They can be repeated after ten days till the cycle is complete. This means the treatment should last for a month. You can use bed bug heaters and steamers if you are not comfortable with using chemicals to eliminate bed bugs. They will also kill bacteria, viruses, and germs in your home.

To prevent an infestation, always clean your home thoroughly after a long trip. Inspect your furniture after buying especially if it is used furniture. If you take these preventive and curative majors and you still have problems with bed bugs, call a professional. Bed bugs bite. They can deprive you of sleep, rest of mind and put you at health risk. Getting rid of them yourself is cost-effective, but if it doesn’t work, you should be willing to pay for the services of professionals.

Alliance Pest Services offers various bed bug control services, as well as prevention services.