How to Remove Bed Bugs That Have Been Here for Years
No matter how diligently you clean your house, bed bugs can easily catch a ride into your home from infested furniture or luggage. These pesky bugs, which are the size of an apple seed, usually hide in mattress seams, nearby furniture, and inside various crevices in your home. Bed bugs can stay hidden and reproduce for months or even years. If you have a long-standing bed bug problem, it is important to take immediate action to eliminate them. Here are some expert tips on how to remove bed bugs that have been here for years.
Identify the Source of the Bed Bugs
The first step in eliminating bed bugs is to identify their source of entry. Bed bugs can come from a variety of places, including used furniture, clothing, luggage, or even other people. Check for signs of infestation in your bed sheets, mattress, and furniture. Look for small dots of reddish-brown fecal matter or tiny, pale yellow insect eggs. Identifying the source of bed bugs helps you to narrow down the area of infestation and prevent future occurrences.
Vacuum Regularly to Remove Bed Bugs
Regular vacuuming is an effective way to eliminate bed bugs, especially those hiding in carpets, rugs, and furniture. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to suck up adult bugs, nymphs, and eggs. After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and dispose of it immediately in an outside trash can. Be sure to vacuum thoroughly every week or more to prevent the spread of bed bugs.
Wash all Clothes and Bedding
Wash all the clothes, bedding, and linens in hot water and dry them in a hot dryer for at least 30 minutes. This helps to kill bed bugs at different stages of development. Bed bugs cannot survive in hot temperatures over 130 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have items that cannot be washed or dried, such as shoes or stuffed animals, put them in a sealed bag and place them in the freezer for two weeks or more if possible.
Seal any Cracks or Crevices
Bed bugs can live in cracks and crevices in walls, baseboards, and other surfaces. Use caulk or other gap fillers to seal cracks and crevices that can serve as hiding spots for bed bugs. Replace any torn wallpaper or tighten loose screws on electrical outlets. Patch up any holes or cracks in the ceiling, walls, or floors where bed bugs can enter your living spaces.
Call a Professional to Remove Bed Bugs
If you have tried these steps and still cannot get rid of bed bugs, it is time to call a professional pest control company. Pest control professionals have the knowledge and equipment to eliminate bed bugs from your home effectively. They use heat treatments and other methods to eradicate bed bugs and prevent re-infestation.
Final Thoughts
Bed bugs are not only frustrating to deal with in your home, but can also be a health hazard to your family and friends that come to visit. The longer you wait, the harder it is to remove them, so take action as soon as possible. Follow these expert tips to remove bed bugs that have been here for years. A bed bug-free home is not only good for your health but also for your peace of mind.
Call Bed Bug Barbeque Today!
If you are faced with a stubborn bed bug problem that has been around for years and have tried all the DIY approaches but still haven’t gotten rid of them, it’s time to call in the professionals. Bed Bug Barbeque provides top-notch professional bed bug eradication services to help you get rid of those pesky bugs once and for all. Contact us today on our website, or by giving us a call at (216) 221-1227 for a quote!
