- Good Washing Habits
Clothing and bedding are the most likely places for bed bugs to hide. This can cause a lot of trouble because we spend a lot of time in our clothing and beds! Laundering bedding more frequently can help reduce the chances of a bed bug infestation or at least reduce the amount that is already there. Make sure to use the hottest setting on your washing machine if you suspect bed bugs. Sheets may have stains that appear to be small spots. Light colored sheets may be stained enough that they need to be bleached or discarded in severe cases.
- Keep Carpets Well Vacuumed
Vacuuming furniture, upholstery, your car, and all carpeting in your home, will reduce bed bugs. Of course vacuuming will not get rid of all the eggs that might be in your home so make sure to shampoo or wash your carpeting and upholstery at least once a year if possible using a steam cleaner.
- Disinfect All Household Surfaces If Bed Bugs Are Discovered
Any popular disinfectant will help kill bed bugs and their eggs. This is an inexpensive method that can also help prevent reinfestation. Some products may be specifically labeled to disinfect areas that are suspected to be contaminated with bugs that are hard to kill.
- Invest In A Steam Cleaner
Steam cleaners can be rented or purchased and will do wonders for killing bed bugs and their eggs. If you live in an area that has been dealing with a severe bed bug outbreak, this handy device is well worth the investment. With a steam cleaner it is a lot easier to treat box springs and mattresses that are the most common places for bed bugs to hide. Renting one is inexpensive but if you feel that you are going to need one often, it is best to buy one.
- Encase Beds
If you do not have bed bugs in your home you can do a lot to prevent them by using mattress and box spring encasements. These are essentially plastic lined sleeves that zip around your mattress and box springs. The encasement forms an impermeable barrier against bed bugs, other insects, and fluids. This is a low cost option that will also make your mattress last longer. Mattress encasement also prevents allergens such as dust mites and molds from finding a place to live in your home.
- Tea Tree Oil and Isopropyl Alcohol
Treating areas of bed bug contamination with tea tree oil or isopropyl alcohol will help eliminate bed bugs. Tea tree oil is a good solution for those that are sensitive to some chemicals. Spraying tea tree oil around your sleeping areas will help prevent bites while you are eliminating the bed bugs from your home. Isopropyl alcohol helps clean and kill bugs and their eggs but some people find the smell to be too much for them.
- Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a cheap and effective beg bug treatment. Diataomaceous earth is mined and sold in bags of varying sizes. Sprinkling this dust around your home will help eliminate all types of bugs from your home. It is harmless to pets, children, and allergy sensitive individuals. Some people use it as a very effective parasite preventative in animals and people. A local animal feed store or online retailer is a good source for this product. It is often found at health food stores as well. Sprinkling this powder around sleeping areas will prevent you from being the victim of bed bug bites.
- Dispose Of Heavily Infested Items
It is understandable to not want to throw away expensive carpeting and bedding. At the same time it is important to understand when it is better to throw it out. A second hand mattress that you have used for years might be better off at the garbage dump than remaining in your house. Items that have fell victim to heavy staining from bed bugs can sometimes be cleaned but some stains can remain.
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