How to Stop Bedbug Bites

Bedbugs are blood-sucking, parasitic insects that live in beds, furniture and walls. Bedbug bites cause different reactions for different people. In moderate to severe cases, the bites result in red welts, usually on the arms and legs. The bites are painful, but there is little risk other than infection. According to the New York City Housing Authority, bedbugs do not spread diseases. Getting rid of bedbugs is the key to stopping bedbug bites. Most household pesticides will not get rid of these pesky bugs.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Vinyl mattress bags
• Trash bags

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine whether or not you have bedbugs. Bedbugs are small, but visible. Telltale signs include blood spots on mattresses, brown fecal spots or bug husks on mattresses. Check the seams and the tags.

• 2

  Vacuum all carpeting and mop all flooring with hot water. Vacuum baseboards, as bedbugs can live in the cracks between the molding and the wall.

• 3

  Bag all clothing, pillows and bedding. Wash in hot water and dry at high temperatures. Put your shoes in a bag and leave them in the trunk of your car if it's a warm day. The heat will kill any bedbugs that are there.

• 4

  Hire a pest-control service to fumigate your home with industrial-strength pesticides. Professional pest-control services have access to chemicals that standard consumers do not. They often offer guarantees on their services. If you live in a rented or leased property, let your landlord know about bedbugs so you don't have to pay for services.