Bed bugs are undoubtedly a nuisance. These creepy crawlers are very tiny – approximately the size of an apple seed. Their small size makes it hard to see them with the naked eye. These pests have incredible hiding abilities, survival tactics, and females can lay 500 eggs in their lifetime. It’s not just daunting to know these critters are living in your home; they can also leave you with unsightly and itchy bite marks. Thankfully, if you follow this handy step-by-step guide, you will be able to handle having bed bugs with ease!
Step 1: Confirm That You Have an Infestation
The first step in solving a problem is clearly identifying the problem. This may come as a surprise, but small infestations can be difficult to detect. You will want to confirm a bedbug infestation early so that you can exterminate them before they reproduce. You can either look for them yourself or hire a professional team of bed bug exterminators like Bed Bug Exterminator Pro.
As aforementioned, bedbugs have incredible hiding abilities. Carefully look for them around your house with a flashlight and magnifying glass in hiding spots like:
- The seams of your mattress, couch or any furniture made with fabric
- Curtain pleats
- Your mattress’ or box spring’s tags
- Any cracks in your bed frame or headboard
- Baseboards
- Under couch cushions
- Inside outlets
- Under wallpaper cracks or seams
- Underneath frames on the walls
You can tell you have a bedbug infestation by seeing the following signs:
- Any live bedbugs
- Tiny dark spots (bedbug droppings)
- Tiny reddish stains from dead bugs
- Tiny cream-coloured eggs, eggshells, as well as beige shed skin
If you find any live bedbugs, put them in a sealed jar with one teaspoon of rubbing alcohol. If you see a small, reddish-brown bug and are unsure whether or not it’s a bed bug, call a skillful bed bug extermination service like Bed Bug Exterminator Pro.
Step 2: Stop the Spread
After you’ve identified a bed bug infestation in your home, it’s crucial to stop the spread. One way to contain an infestation is to run a vacuum cleaner over any possible hiding spots like your bed, furniture and carpets. Once you’ve completed this task, immediately throw away the contents of your vacuum cleaner in a securely fastened plastic bag and thoroughly clean the device.
Next, take all of your affected bed linens, towels, clothing etc. and wash and dry them on the highest possible heat setting.
Step 3: Get Rid of Potential Hiding Spots
Remove everything that’s lying on your floor or under your bed. If possible, throw these items away. If you don’t feel comfortable throwing your belongings out, put them in tightly sealed bags but keep them in the same room as you don’t want the infestation to spread throughout your home. Using caulk or glue, seal open areas throughout your home, including loose wallpaper, cracks in furniture and baseboards. Cover electrical outlets with tape. Move your bed away from the wall.
Step 4: Ask for Help from an Experienced Bed Bug Extermination Service
We never recommend attempting to exterminate bed bugs in your home yourself. There are a few at-home methods such as putting affected items in extreme temperatures, using bedbug-proof covers, using bedbug interceptors or using dangerous insecticides. These home cleaning methods are usually only temporarily successful and will not wipe out your entire bedbug infestation, especially if it’s significant. Insecticides can be incredibly toxic if not appropriately used and additionally may not kill each and every bedbug in your home. Once you’ve followed the first three steps, it’s time to get professional help. A trusted bed bug exterminator is the only foolproof method for ensuring your home will be bedbug-free. Luckily, if you’ve carefully followed this step-by-step guide, your home will be prepared for bedbug treatment.
Bed Bug Exterminator Pro has several bedbug detection and treatment options, including K9 Bed Bug Detection, Conventional Bed Bug Treatment, Four-Step Bed Bug Extermination Process and Bed Bug Heat Treatment. Our team will curate a bed bug treatment option that works for you, your budget and your infestation. We are so confident in all bedbug extermination abilities that each of our treatment options comes with a 100% money-back guarantee! If you suspect you may be dealing with a bed bug infestation in your home, contact us today!