Top 10 Tips to Manage Bed Bugs

1. Check possible hiding places

Bed bugs don't just hide in beds. Look for them in:

• Seams, creases, tufts and folds of mattresses and box springs
• Cracks in bed frames and head boards
• Underneath chairs, couches, beds and dust covers
• Between the cushions of upholstered furniture
• Underneath area rugs and the edges of carpets
• Between the folds of drapery and curtains
• In the drawers of nightstands, dressers, etc.
• Behind baseboards
• Around doors and window casings
• Behind electrical switch plates
• Under loose wallpaper, paintings, posters, etc.
• In cracks in plaster
• In telephones, radios and clocks

2. Vacuum every day

Vacuuming is an effective way to not only remove bed bugs but to remove the dirt that offers them shelter. Vacuum each area thoroughly. Turn mattresses, box springs and furniture in all directions, covering the entire surface area. Pay special attention to creases, folds, seams and around tufts and buttons. Also vacuum furniture, floors, baseboards and wherever you find bed bugs. Empty your vacuum when you are done. You may place the vacuum bag in the freezer for at least 24 hours before disposing of it to kill the bugs.

3. Launder your bed linens

Bed bugs are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Wash your linens in hot water. If you are afraid that will ruin your linens, wash them in the hottest temperature possible and throw them into a hot dryer (140o F) for 20 minutes. This includes all linens, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, bed skirts and blankets. Steam cleaning is another method you can use if done properly. Any article of fabric can be saved with either extreme heat or extreme freezing. So don't be afraid to toss your favorite sweater in the freezer for a day.

4. Move the bed

Move your bed away from the walls and make sure nothing touches the floor. Bed bugs can only crawl so make it as difficult as possible for them to get to you. You can also use a mattress cover that zippers all around the mattress.

5. Seal up any holes

Inspect every aspect of your home and caulk up any crevices
you find, no matter how small. If you find damage to furniture you may want to consult with a furniture expert. Don't give a bed bug any possible place to live so seal up everything. Repair peeling wallpaper and tighten loose light switch plates.

6. Cover those pipes

Bed bugs travel along routes created by any kind of pipes or electrical conduits so it is important to seal any openings where pipes or wires enter your home.

7. Inspect new furniture

Before bringing furniture inside, inspect it carefully. Even if that sofa is new, it doesn't mean the truck it was on didn't have bed bugs.

8. Use your nose

When a room is infested with bed bugs it may have a pungent, sickly-sweet odor that smells a lot like raspberries.

9. Pesticides

There are many new, improved and less harmful pesticides on the market today, but it is best to consult with a pest control specialist to determine the best way to get rid of bed bugs.

10. Traveling
Even the best hotels can be breeding grounds for bed bugs. When traveling, check your room for signs of bed bugs such as blood stains on the pillows or linens. Inspect mattress seams, look behind headboards and pictures. If you don't see anything, you should be in the clear. If you suspect you may have brought bed bugs home, place infected items in the dryer or freezer.

Bed bugs are difficult to get rid and your best bet is to hire a pest control specialist. However, these tips can help increase your odds of winning the battle against bed bugs. Just remember to inspect, clean and use extreme temperatures.

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Need More Information?

If you have a bed bug problem and need help, contact Radical Solutions Bed Bug Detection Services by sending us an e-mail.