How to get rid of bed bugs?
If you have been getting itchy bites but do not know where you got them from, your house might be infested with bed bugs. The pest feeds on human blood, as a result, irritating their hosts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noted that bed bugs should be considered public health pests.
While bed bugs are not known to spread disease, it is essential to control them. Here are ways on how to get rid of bed bugs according to the US EPA.
Identify the problem
Collect a sample of the pest so you could show it to an extension agent for free. Apart from knowing your area, they are trained to control the pest. If you live in an apartment, inform your landlord if the agent confirms the pest to be bed bugs.
Usually, landlords are responsible for helping with the treatment. They should inspect all the areas and surrounding places.
See also: Naturally Repelling Mosquitoes | Here's How To Do It
Develop a strategy
Keep track of the dates and exact places where bed bugs are found. Do a check-up once a year to make sure all the pests are gone.
Prevent the spread of the infestation
Place infested items in a sealed plastic bag, then treat them. Seal away things that you should not treat in a plastic bag for up to one year to kill the bugs. Throw out vacuum bags after each use. Destroy infested furniture, so no one brings it home.
Prepare for treatment
Preparing for treatment allows for easy monitoring of bed bugs if they have been eliminated thoroughly.
See also: Carpenter Bees: Ways to Eliminate and Prevent Them
Kill the bed bugs
Non-chemical methods are available for killing bed bugs. You could try heat or cold treatment, or you could also use steam cleaners. For heat treatment, it would be wise to seek professionals' help because they provide a more effective way of removing the bugs.
If you opt to do the cold treatment, leave infested items in the freezer in a sealed bag for four days. Make sure that the temperature is set at zero degrees Fahrenheit. You could use wet or dry steam cleaners into cracks and fabrics.
Hire a pest management professional when needed. You could also use EPA-registered pesticides to eliminate bed bugs. Use bug bombs or foggers with extreme care because it could harm your well being.
After you have completed your control and cleanup process, make sure to check for any evidence of bed bugs every few days. You may need retreatment if you see any bugs or eggs that you have missed during the initial cleanup.
See also: How to Get Rid of Mice: 9 Ways to Eliminate Them Naturally
Sometimes, desiccants are effective at drying our pests, but be sure that what you are using is EPA-registered. Take note that desiccants may take many months to take effect.
Evaluate and prevent
Every seven days, you need to inspect if there are signs of leftover bed bugs.
