Understanding Bed Bugs: What You Need to Know
Bed bugs are tiny, parasitic insects that feed on human blood and can be a nightmare in the home. From the fear of being bitten while you sleep to the extensive and expensive treatments needed to rid your home of these pests, bed bugs are definitely unwelcome guests.
They can be found in almost any type of environment and can travel from place to place, making them difficult to get rid of. Knowing the signs of bed bug infestations is key to preventing an infestation from getting out of control. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about bed bugs and how to get rid of them if you don’t have a lot of money.
Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?
Bed bug infestations occur when the pests hitch a ride into homes via luggage, clothing, furniture, or any other personal items brought inside from outside sources—hotels or rental properties are common culprits of infestation. Once inside, bed bugs find harborage in crevices such as cracks in walls or furniture joints and reproduce rapidly if left unchecked.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects that measure up to 1/4 inch long and range in color from brownish-red to light brown. They have six legs and two antennae, but unlike other insects they can’t fly or jump. Instead, they crawl quickly and silently around their host's body while they're asleep. Adult bed bugs have flat bodies but swell after feeding on human blood.
Can Bed Bugs Fly?
No—bed bugs cannot fly! As previously mentioned, adult bed bugs have six legs which allow them to crawl quickly from one location to another; however, they do not have wings like mosquitoes or fleas do so they cannot fly through the air. They also cannot jump like fleas either; instead they move by crawling along surfaces such as walls and floors until they reach their desired location.
What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?
Bed bug bites look like red welts that can be itchy and swollen. Unlike mosquito or flea bites, bed bug bites typically appear in clusters or lines rather than as individual spots. But not everyone reacts the same way to bed bug bites; some people may experience no symptoms while others may experience more severe reactions such as hives or blisters.
How Do You Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
Getting rid of bedbugs once an infestation has occurred is no easy task—it often requires professional extermination services using chemical treatments as well as non-chemical methods such as steaming and vacuuming. It’s best to contact a licensed pest control company for help with removing an infestation since improper treatment methods could actually make the problem worse. Additionally, it is important that all areas of your home where bedbugs may be harboring are treated or else the infestation will continue even if some areas have been cleared out successfully initially.
How Can You Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Without An Exterminator?
Bed Bug Treatment #1: Heat
One of the most effective ways to get rid of bed bugs is to use heat. Bed bugs are very sensitive to temperature, and they will die when exposed to temperatures that are above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. There are a few different ways that you can use heat to kill bed bugs, including using a clothes dryer, dishwasher, or a heating pad.
Bed Bug Treatment #2: Cold
Cold is also an effective way to kill bed bugs. Bed bugs will die when exposed to temperatures that are below freezing. You can use cold to kill bed bugs by placing infested items in a freezer, using an ice pack, or setting your home’s thermostat to a low temperature.
Bed Bug Treatment #3: Chemical Insecticides
If you want to use a chemical insecticide to kill bed bugs, there are a few different options available. Pyrethrin-based insecticides are considered to be the most effective at killing bed bugs, but they can also be harmful to humans and pets if used improperly. If you decide to use a chemical insecticide, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid exposure.
Bed Bug Treatment #4: Vacuuming
Vacuuming is another effective way to remove bed bugs from your home. When you vacuum, be sure to focus on areas where bedbugs are likely to hide, such as cracks and crevices in furniture, behind baseboards, and in mattresses and box springs. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag after each use so that the bedbugs cannot escape back into your home.
Bed Bug Treatment #5: Steaming
Steaming is another effective method for killing bedbugs. The high temperatures generated by steam will kill bedbugs and their eggs on contact. When using a steamer, be sure to focus on areas where bedbugs are likely to hide, such as cracks and crevices in furniture, behind baseboards, and in mattresses and box springs.
Bed Bug Treatment #6: Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of algae-like organisms called diatoms. The sharp edges of the diatomaceous earth particles cut through the exoskeletons of insects like bedbugs, causing them to dehydrate and die. Diatomaceous earth can be found in hardware stores or online.
How Can You Help Prevent Future Bed Bug Infestations?
Protect your sleep sanctuary against future intrusions with a mattress and box spring cover. Seal off all potential hiding spots, like cracks in baseboards or other areas where bed bugs could lurk, to safeguard the rest of your home from an infestation!
When you travel, give your garments and luggage a little extra attention! A few minutes spent washing your clothes in the washer and vacuuming out any unwelcome passengers can go a long way toward keeping you safe.
If you're looking to revamp your home, think twice before bringing secondhand furniture in. Bed bugs could be lingering and waiting for their chance at a new space - vacuuming and steaming items can help reduce the risk of introducing these critters into your sanctuary. Get organized too! Cutting back on clutter reduces hiding spots that bed bugs love, so tidying up can go along way towards keeping them out of sight (and mind!).
Bed bugs can be a real nightmare for homeowners who want nothing more than a good night’s rest free of worry about being bitten by these pests during their sleep hours! With a better awareness of bed bugs, you can sleep tight knowing that if any unwelcome pests decide to visit your home in the future, you're prepared! With an understanding of what they look like, where they come from and professional help to equip yourself with effective solutions - rest assured when it comes to managing infestations. With knowledge comes power! Arm yourself with this knowledge so that you can sleep soundly knowing that you’re ready for anything!