Tips on Killing Bed Bugs

Despite the name, bed bugs live in a lot of places other than the bed. Couch cushions, curtains and furniture seams are among the other favorite habitats of the bed bug. These insidious little insects can go for a year without food and can grow up to five times their original size during a single feeding. The best way to eliminate bed bugs is through a combination of integrated treatment efforts. As you use different methods, be sure to separate your treated items from your untreated items.

Wash in Hot Water

• Wash whatever you can. You should wash items like clothing, slip-covers and bedding two times either in a boiling soapy water on the stove or in your washing machine. The water must be at least 125 degrees Fahrenheit to be effective.

Freeze What You Can't Wash

• If you live somewhere with temperatures below zero, haul mattresses and box springs outside. You can also hang your clothes on a clothes line. Your items must be outside for at least four consecutive days at temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit to ensure bed bug elimination.

Fumigate

• Hire a fumigation company to treat your home. Be sure to find a company with bed bug experience as they are a notoriously resilient pest.

Purge

• Throw away any items that you can live without, particularly furniture and old blankets; it's best to just seal the items in a plastic bag and toss them at the dump. Be sure to clearly indicate somewhere on the plastic that the item is infested with bedbugs so you don't subject someone else to the same ordeal.