Bed bugs are small pests that can make your life miserable. They bite, cause itching, and are very hard to remove once they infect your home. If you’re dealing with bed bugs, don’t worry! This guide will show you how to get rid of bed bugs using simple DIY methods.
Identify the Bed Bugs
What do bed bugs look like?
Bed bugs are tiny, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed, making them easy to miss. They have flat, oval-shaped bodies that swell and turn bright red after feeding on blood. Unlike other insects, bed bugs don’t have wings, so they can’t fly, but they crawl quickly using their six legs.
They have two short antennae on their heads. You might also spot their pale, shed skins or tiny dark spots on your mattress or furniture, which are their droppings. Despite their small size, these pests are good at hiding and can be found in the crevices of mattresses, bed frames, and furniture.
Why are bed bugs problematic?
- Health issues: Their bites cause itchy red welts and can lead to allergic reactions.
- Psychological impact: Knowing you have bed bugs can cause stress and make it hard to sleep.
- Difficult to eradicate: Bed bugs are very good at hiding and are known to survive for months without feeding.
Expert insights
According to Dr. Susan Jones, an entomologist, “Bed bugs are tough to eliminate because they can hide in tiny cracks and go without food for a long time. You need a combination of methods to get rid of them effectively.”
What does an early bed bug infestation look like?
In the initial stages of a bed bug infestation, you might notice small, reddish-brown bugs hiding in the seams of your mattress or the cracks of your bed frame. These bugs are about 5-7 mm long.
You may also find tiny dark spots on your sheets or mattress, which are bed bug droppings, or see pale, empty shells they’ve shed as they grow. Another sign could be small, red, itchy bites on your skin, often in clusters or lines. Bed bugs are excellent at hiding despite these signs, so an infestation might not be immediately obvious.
Dealing with Bed bugs: Tips & Advice
Inspect and clean:
- Look for bed bugs in mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture. Use a flashlight to see better.
- Vacuum your home thoroughly, focusing on beds and furniture. Immediately throw away the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag.
- Wash all your bedding, linens, and clothes in hot water and dry them in an extremely hot environment.
Declutter:
- Reduce waste and cloth heaps from your bedroom to limit hiding spots for bed bugs.
- Store items in plastic bins with tight lids to prevent bed bugs from getting in.
Use steam: Use a steamer on mattresses, furniture, and any infested areas. The heat kills bed bugs as well as their eggs.
Apply diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth is a powder that kills bed bugs by drying them out. Sprinkle it in cracks, crevices, and around the edges of rooms. Use food-grade diatomaceous earth to ensure safety.
Seal cracks: Seal any cracks and gaps in walls, baseboards, and furniture. This reduces places where bed bugs can hide.
DIY Bed Bug Spray Recipe
You can make a simple bed bug spray at home using natural ingredients. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- Two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol
- 20 drops of lavender oil
- 20 drops of tea tree oil
Steps:
- Gently pour 2 cups of water into a spray bottle.
- Then, add two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol to the bottle.
- Next, add 20 drops of lavender oil and 20 drops of tea tree oil.
- Shake the bottle well, ensuring that the ingredients are mixed well.
- Spray the mixture on mattresses, bed frames, and other areas where you see bed bugs. Be sure to spray in cracks and crevices, too.
This spray can help repel bed bugs and make your home smell nice!
Product Recommendations
Bed Bug Inhibitors: Place these under the legs of your bed. They are known to trap the bed bugs and reduce their numbers.
Mattress encasements: Use covers on your mattress and box spring to trap bed bugs inside and keep new ones out. Please make sure they are bed bug-proof with zipper seals.
Professional-grade insecticides: Products like Temprid SC and Bedlam Plus are effective against bed bugs. Follow the instructions on the pack carefully and apply them to areas with bed bug infestations.
Common mistakes to avoid:
Using over-the-counter bug bombs: These products are often ineffective against bed bugs and can actually make the problem worse by spreading the bugs to other areas of your home.
Ignoring follow-up treatments: Bed bug eggs can survive initial treatments and hatch later. It’s important to repeat treatments to ensure all bed bugs are eliminated.
Potential Risks:
Chemical exposure: When using insecticides, always follow the instructions carefully to avoid health risks. Incorrect use can be harmful to you, your family, and your pets.
Furniture disposal: If you need to throw away infested furniture, wrap it in plastic and clearly label it as infested. This prevents bed bugs from infesting other homes or areas during disposal.
Professional pest control: For severe infestations or if DIY methods are not working, it’s best to call in professional pest control services. Professionals have access to effective treatments and can ensure that bed bugs are entirely thrown out of your home. They also follow safety protocols to minimize health risks and prevent bed bug infestations.
