How to Prevent & Get Rid of Bedbugs

Bedbugs are parasites that feed on humans, as well as other warm-blooded animals, including birds, rodents, bats and pets. They are brown to reddish-brown in color, oval-shaped, flattened and about 3/16 to 1/5 inch long. Bedbugs can first be found in tufts, seams and folds of mattresses, later spreading to crevices in the bedstead. While having bedbugs in your home is an unpleasant experience, there are ways to get rid of them and prevent them from coming again.

Instructions

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

• 1

  Wash and dry bedding and clothes at a high temperature to kill the bed bugs. Heat infested items to at least 113 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. If the temperature is higher, the time it takes to kill the bedbugs, at any life stage, will be shorter.

• 2

  Spray a pesticide that is proven to kill bedbugs on mattresses and other infested items. Mix only enough pesticide to complete the application. Wear appropriate clothing and safety equipment to avoid personal exposure. Refer to the pesticide label for instructions. Wash yourself thoroughly with soap and water after usage.

• 3

  Hire a pest management professional if you are not comfortable getting rid of the bed bugs yourself. The pest management professional will look over your home, take apart furniture if necessary and use vacuums, heat and pesticides to take care of the infestation.

Preventing Bed Bugs

• 4

  Use a light-colored protective cover that encases mattresses and box springs which reduces a lot hiding spots. The light color of the encasement makes bed bugs easier to spot. Buy a high quality encasement that will defend against tearing and check the encasement often for holes.

• 5

  Reduce clutter in your home. With less clutters, bedbugs have fewer places to hide and reproduce.

• 6

  Do not bring contaminated items into your home. Carefully inspect clothing and baggage of people that visit your home, being on the lookout for bed bugs.