The first step in how to control bed bugs is to check if you are dealing with bed bugs and not another insect, such as fleas or ticks. Here we show you the most notable characteristics of a bedbug compared to other insects.
Evaluate your options
Although bed bugs are difficult insects to eliminate, it is not impossible to do so and requires using the right tools for the task. Explore the possibility of an IPM -Integrated Pest Management- an approach that can help you reduce the number of bed bugs by limiting the use of pesticides. If the use of a pesticide product is necessary, follow the instructions on the label or hire a professional.
Keep the house tidy – Bed bugs enjoy the nooks and crannies
Did you know that in a messier place, bed bugs are in their element and have a better chance of going unnoticed? Not only does it make it difficult for them to be located more quickly, but the treatments are more difficult. One of the favorite places for bed bugs is the mattress, due to its proximity to our bodies. You should consider purchasing a mattress protector to control the infestation.
Prefer heated wash cycles
Here’s a very good tip! Frequently wash in hot water and dry clothes and bedding that may have come into contact with the floor, since the floor may harbor bed bugs in the least expected places.
Heat as a method to eliminate bed bugs
Bed bugs exposed to 45º C (113°F) will die if they receive constant exposure to that temperature for 90 minutes or more. However, they will die within 20 minutes if exposed to 47ºC(118°F). Interestingly, bed bug eggs must be exposed to 118°F for 90 minutes to reach 100% mortality.
Heat treatments work by raising the temperature in your home, work space, hotel, or office to above 48.8ºC(120°F); preferably between 50ºC(125°F)- 60º(140°F). At this temperature, adult bed bugs and eggs can be eradicated quickly, provided the bed bugs and their eggs have direct exposure to the lethal temperatures.
Low temperatures
If you are considering using cold temperatures to combat bed bugs, think again. Did you know that these insects have an incredible resistance to low temperatures, and for a cold treatment to be effective, the temperature must be very low for long periods of time? Possibly the bed bug will win this round!
Avoid transmission to other people
If you find evidence of bed bugs in a mattress, don’t try to save it and donate it to others in need, even if it seems like a waste of a mattress. The most prudent and responsible thing to do is to completely dispose of these items as it is the only sure way to stop the spread of bed bugs.
Vacuum the floors and upholstered furniture like you are in the world cup of vacuuming
In addition to the obvious benefits of vacuuming our home, this activity helps control the proliferation of bedbugs. To be effective, it must be done in a more meticulous way that includes the carpet, the floor, upholstered furniture, the bed frame, under the bed, around the foot of the bed, and through all the cracks in the room. If the model of your vacuum cleaner comes with a bag, change it with each use and place the used bag inside a hermetically closed plastic bag and put it in the trash.
In the end, if all methods to control bed bugs has failed, seek the help of a professional exterminator
If the bed bug infestation persists despite your best efforts, call an exterminator like 1st Pest Control. Did you know that our bed bug detection team has a canine specifically trained for detection? The results are far superior to those of an inspector.
If you require information about how to eliminate bed bugs, contact us toll free at 1.844.737.8226 or email us at info@1stpestcontrol.ca
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