How to Treat a Bed Bug Infestation

Bed bugs are small, (1/2 centimeter long) wingless insects that feed off human blood. They sleep during the day and become active at night. Bed bugs typically embed themselves in mattresses where they can easily access their food source, but they can also hide in walls, floors, carpet, curtains and furniture. Bed bugs are impossible to see with the naked eye, but you can recognize the signs of an infestation if bites are present on several of your family members, and if small blood stains are present (from crushed bugs) on your sheets or mattress.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Surface insecticide

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash bedding, clothing and infected fabrics in hot water. Dry all fabrics in the drier using the hottest setting that your machine allows.

• 2

  Vacuum both carpets and mattresses to get rid of bed bugs and their eggs. Allow your covered mattress (in plastic) to sit outside in the sun for several hours.

• 3

  Clean all of the carpets in your home with a steam cleaner. Steam clean all fabric furniture.

• 4

  Use a surface insecticide registered to eliminate bed bugs. Follow packaging directions and spray corners and hiding spots to control infestations.