How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Image by The Home Depot via YouTube
Are you currently dealing with bed bugs or afraid that you might already have them at home? Infestation can happen quickly, so you need to take action and learn how to get rid of bed bugs right away before they spread out. Let The Home Depot teach you how to detect, treat, and prevent these insects with these steps.
Step 1 – Detection
Telltale signs of these insects include a sweet musky odor and rust-colored spots on mattresses or bedding. The bites are similar to a mosquito bite. To check the presence of bed bugs, get disposable bed bug traps that will attract these insects and trap them in about an hour. If they are present, place additional traps in other areas of your home to determine how widespread the infestation may be.
Step 2 – Preparation
Clear all clutter from the room, especially the things under and around your bed. Place them in a sealable plastic bag, while still in the infected room. If you are getting rid of them, dispose of the bags outside your home.
Do you have an item in cardboard? Place them in plastic boxes instead as they can hide inside cardboard.
Remove any bedding and clothing that have been exposed, seal in bags, and then wash with detergent specially formulated for killing bed bugs. Set your washing machine on its hot water cycle and dry the load at the hottest temperature.
The next thing you need to do is vacuum your room thoroughly, including the mattress box spring, baseboards, and even behind switch and outlet plates. Once done, immediately remove the vacuum bag or bagless container. Seal it in a plastic bag and dispose of it.
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Step 3 – Treatment
For larger areas, use a fogger. This will not only kill adult bed bugs but also their unhatched eggs. It can reach into rugs, window treatments, and all areas where they hide. Use only one fogger in a room and never put it in a confined area.
Before activating it, close all windows, and turn off the fan, and heating and cooling systems. If a closet is infested, leave the door open. Close all open flames, including pilot lights and unplug appliances that cycle on and off.
Place it in the center of the room and activate it. Leave the room immediately and close the door. Make sure not to enter the room until 2 hours after the treatment is completed. Immediately open the windows, and turn on ventilation systems. Allow the room to air out for two hours.
Use powder for tighter spaces. For smaller areas, use spray bottles.
Lay out new traps to confirm there are no bed bugs left.
Step 4 – Prevention
To prevent them from crawling up into your bed, place interceptors under each leg. Encase your box spring and mattress in a specially designed protective cover and make sure your headboard doesn’t touch the wall and no bedding touches the floor.
