10 Tips on How to Stop Bed Bugs
Discovering bed bugs in your bedroom can be a horrible experience. Despite being somewhat common, beg bugs are a persistent pest that can become frustrating to control and get rid of completely.
However, we can show how, with the right approach, you can stop bed bugs in their tracks by yourself.
Here are ten effective tips that we recommend you apply to stop bed bug infestations in your house, ensuring it remains a bug-free zone.
#1 Identify the Problem
Ensure you're definitely dealing with bed bugs. Bites are often incorrectly attributed to mosquitos or allergies. Look for irritating, red bites or tell-tale, physical signs. These include small, reddish-brown spots (around 1mm wide) on bedding, blood smears or tiny white eggshells. You may also see the bugs themselves around the bed frame or mattress.
#2 Clean and Declutter
Reduce clutter from your bedroom to eliminate potential hiding spots for bed bugs. Vacuum regularly around the bed, on and around furniture, and floors. If in doubt, immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed rubbish bag.
#3 Wash Bedding and Clothing
Wash all your bedding, linens, curtains, and clothing at 60°C temperature. Then dry them on the highest dryer setting to kill bugs and eggs for 30 minutes. For items that can't be washed, dry them for 30 minutes at the highest temperature. Alternatively, you can dry clean everything or place everything into a sealed bag and leave it in the freezer for 3-5 days.
#4 Encase Mattresses and Pillows
Use protective sealable covers to encase your mattresses and pillows. These are great for trapping bed bugs and preventing them from moving around and biting. You may have to the covers on for a year to ensure all bugs and their eggs die.
#5 Seal Cracks and Opening
Seal cracks in walls and around skirting boards, especially in bedrooms. Tighten electrical faceplates and seal any openings where pipes or wires come into your home. This can prevent bed bugs from living and moving through wall voids.
#6 Use Heat Treatment
Bed bugs and their eggs are very sensitive to heat. Exposing infested items to temperatures over 50°C for 90 minutes can kill all stages of bed bugs. Consider professional heat treatment for larger or more pervasive infestations.
#7 Consider Insecticide Treatments
You may wish to use insecticides specifically designed for bed bugs. Apply as directed on labels and treat areas like bed frames, headboards, floors, and baseboards. Always take great care.
#8 Monitor and Trap
Set up bed bug monitors and traps under the legs of your bed to catch bed bugs and monitor infestations. These are useful to help you determine the effectiveness of your treatments.
#9 Maintain Vigilance
Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to keeping bed bugs away. Check your bedding and furniture regularly for signs of bed bugs. Be particularly careful after travelling, hosting guests, or purchasing second-hand furniture.
#10 Seek Professional Help
If you are unsure or unable to control the situation yourself, consult a professional pest control service. They have access to more potent insecticides and methods, like whole-room heat treatments.
Final Thoughts
Take action right away and follow these tips to eliminate the presence of bed bugs in your home. Remember, proactive measures and regular checking are key to keeping your home bed bug-free. Don't be afraid to call in the professionals.
We go to great lengths to ensure that all our DIY bed bug products are effective & easy-to-use. You may also find our expert guide useful if you want to learn more about getting rid of bed bugs in your home or workplace.
