Do I Need to Throw Away All My Furniture After Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs, those pesky little critters characterized by their brownish hue and penchant for human blood, lurk in all corners of the world. It can be hard to get rid of them once they’ve invaded your living space, leaving you with a fear-inducing question: do I need to discard my furniture when bed bugs move in? In this article, we will explore this question and provide you with some useful information on how to deal with bed bug infestations in your home.
How do Bed Bugs Move In?
Bed bugs are attracted to warmth and the carbon dioxide that humans exhale, making our beds and homes ideal places for them to live. Crafty hitchhikers, bed bugs move from one place to another by crawling on clothing, bags, or furniture. Bed bugs can live up to a year without feeding and can reproduce rapidly, causing a severe infestation in a short amount of time.
How to Identify Bed Bug Infestations
Bed bugs can sometimes be identified by their small, itchy bites on your skin; however, some individuals may not display any reactions to the bite. Other signs of infestation include rusty-colored stains on bedding or furniture, shed skins, and the presence of bed bugs themselves. Bed bugs are typically found in cracks and crevices near your bed, but they can also be found in other areas of your home, such as behind baseboards, in electrical outlets, or behind wallpaper.
Tips for When Bed Bugs Move In
To prevent bed bugs from infesting your home, be sure to inspect any used furniture or clothing before bringing it into your home. Keep clutter to a minimum and regularly vacuum and deep-clean your carpets and furniture. Use protective covers for your mattress and box spring to prevent bed bugs from entering or escaping.
The Difference Between Treating an Infestation and Throwing Away Furniture
Throwing away all your furniture is not necessary if you have a bed bug infestation. In fact, getting rid of furniture can be expensive and difficult, and it may not even solve the problem. Treating an infestation requires a comprehensive approach. Cleaning and disinfecting can help keep bed bugs at bay, but usually a professional pest control treatment is needed. Much of your furniture can be saved, but some may need to be discarded.
How to Clean and Disinfect all Surfaces After an Infestation
To clean and disinfect any infested area or furniture, start by vacuuming thoroughly and disposing of the vacuum bag immediately. Then, use very hot water and soap to scrub all surfaces, including floors, walls, and furniture. Use disinfectants that are labeled as effective against bed bugs, and follow the instructions carefully. Steam cleaning can be an effective way to clean after bed bug removal on soft surfaces.
What to Do With Your Furniture if You Find Bed Bugs in It
If you find bed bugs in your furniture, don’t panic. With professional treatment solutions, you can eliminate the pests and save your furniture. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to discard heavily infested furniture. Consult with a pest control professional to determine the best course of action to take.
Final Thoughts
It is not necessary to discard your furniture after a bed bug infestation. However, furniture should be carefully cleaned and disinfected, and in some cases discarded if heavily infested. If you find yourself dealing with a bed bug issue, the best course of action is to contact a professional pest control company for help. They will have the resources and tools to effectively eliminate the pests and help you avoid future infestations.
Bed Bug Barbeque
If you have experienced a bed bug infestation, don’t despair! Bed Bug Barbeque offers professional and comprehensive treatment services to eliminate bed bugs from your home. Our experienced technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to inspect and treat all surfaces impacted by bed bugs. Wanna learn more? Contact us today on our website or by calling (216) 221-1227 for a consultation!
