How to Get Rid of Bedbug Infestation

Once thought to have been eradicated 50 years ago, bedbugs are making a comeback. These tiny insects feed on the blood of humans and animals. Bedbugs were all but wiped out by the pesticide DDT. Unfortunately, DDT was dangerous to humans and many animals.. After it was banned in the U.S. in 1972, other pesticides came under scrutiny. Many other pesticides which were effective against bedbugs have been banned or restricted. There are steps you can take to get rid of bedbugs, both "green" solutions as well as chemical methods.

Things You'll Need

• Washer and dryer
• Vacuum cleaner
• Mattress and pillow bags
• Caulk
• Commercial dry steam cleaner
• Infrared thermometer
• Tea tree oil
• Borax or silica gel
• 4 flat-bottomed dishes to fit under bed legs

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Instructions

Start by Washing

• 1

  Remove all linens from affected beds. Bedbugs love beds and upholstered furniture. Wash linens in water 140 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter. Dry thoroughly in a hot dryer for at least 20 to 30 minutes. A hot dryer will dry out any bugs or eggs that survived the wash. Pillows can be taken outside if weather is hot, as a few hours of bright sun can also help eliminate bedbugs.

• 2

  Break out the vacuum. Upholstered cushions that can't be washed should be thoroughly vacuumed. Be sure to vacuum all crevices under cushions on chairs and sofas using a narrow nozzle attachment. Sofas, chairs, curtains and mattresses should be treated with a professional dry steamer after vacuuming. Use an infrared thermometer to ensure that steamed areas are at least 176 degrees Fahrenheit. High temperatures are required to kill bedbugs.

• 3

  Clean up clutter. Bedbugs love nooks and crannies to hide in. The more furniture and clutter in a room, the more hiding places. Also consider removing carpeting, and minimize use of throw rugs.

• 4

  Seal cracks with caulk. Using the applicator, run a solid, smooth bead of caulk over cracks and gaps in walls and around windows and baseboards. These make great hiding places for the eggs. Insect dust such as Borax or silica powder can be sprinkled along baseboards. They work by rubbing the shell off the bedbugs and drying the bug out.

• 5

  Smother the bedbugs. Mattress and pillow bags smother existing infestations and prevent new ones from occurring. Should tears develop in the bags, tape over them with wide heavy duty tape to ensure there are no leaks. Bags must be left in place for several months in order to suffocate the bugs. Once bugs are gone, leave bags in place to prevent future infestations.

• 6

  Eliminate access to your bed. Pull bed away from wall, and be sure that linens do not touch the floor. Bed frame legs can be placed in dishes of tea tree oil to prevent access via the bed legs.

• 7

  Call a professional if an infestation is severe or has spread to more than one area. While there are products approved for home use, stronger chemicals are available only to professionals trained in their safe use. Home methods used by the consumer are best used at the first sign of infestation.

• 8

  Prevent an infestation. Use caution when buying used furniture or mattresses. If they already harbor bugs, you are giving them passage into your home. Bedbugs can also enter your home on clothing worn by people who have been around infestations. They can also enter on items such as boxes and baggage.