A Quick Guide for Successful Bed Bug Elimination
Bed bugs are a nuisance, and finding them in the home panics homeowners. Detecting these unwanted pests is hard, and not taking proper steps to manage the issue only prolongs the elimination process. These harmless-looking flat and tiny creatures feed on human blood and leave itchy red bumps on the body. If not taken care of on time, bed bugs reproduce quickly to take over the home, and it takes a lot of time and effort to get rid of them.
How long does it take to eliminate bed bugs?
The elimination process is lengthy. It may take anywhere between four and six weeks, and even more, depending on the infestation severity. Let's consider the steps homeowners can take to eliminate bed bugs from their homes successfully.
Watch out for the signs of infestations
The first step is to know the signs and identify the infested areas. Most people usually do not know about the infestation till they find tiny red bite marks on the body in a zigzag pattern or brown-red spots on their bedsheets. A musky odor in the rooms may indicate a severe infestation.
Wash all the fabrics
Once it is clear that the home has bed bug infestation, it is time to take the necessary steps for their elimination. Heat works well as an effective bed bug killer. Wash all the bed sheets, blankets, clothes, rugs, towels, stuffed toys, and other fabrics in hot water, followed by a thorough drying at a high heat level.
Deep clean
Deep clean the items that cannot go in the washing machine, like the mattress, couch, and other furniture pieces. Use a brush with stiff bristles to clean the corners and seams to remove eggs. Vacuum everything after cleaning, including walls, bed frame, and wallpaper. Purchase a sealed plastic bag to cover the vacuum cleaner and other objects. Use the heat from the steam cleaner, keeping the airflow at a lower setting to effectively kill bed bugs and their eggs.
Fix cracks
Bed bugs tend to hide and build their nests in the cracks in the wall plaster or floors. Inspect the walls of every room for damage or possible bed bugs hiding spots. Fill the crevices and seal any lifting edges of the wallpaper properly to eliminate the sheltering places.
Declutter
Cluttered spaces make for the perfect breeding grounds for bed bugs and make it hard to locate them. Take out some time and declutter everything like books, boxes, and other objects.
Seal things that are tough to clean
Use bug-proof bags to seal objects like books, chairs, and tables that are tough to wash, dry, scrub, or vacuum. It contains the bed bugs and suffocates them.
Hire a pest control company
The best way to eradicate a bed bug infestation is to hire a reliable and experienced pest control service. Professionals can apply multiple treatment methods to ensure bed bugs are destroyed and suggest preventive measures to avoid future infestations.
Schedule regular inspections
The final step for successful bed bug elimination is to schedule regular inspections by a pest control company. Staying proactive can save homeowners from several hassles down the line. Ongoing maintenance is vital for permanent bed bug elimination.
Do not panic. Follow the steps mentioned above if you suspect bed bug infestation. The eradication process may take some time, but it is sure to offer efficient results.
Bed Bugs Arizona offers a free, in-home bed bug inspection and a one-year warranty on all bed bug services. No obligation. We specialize in apartment communities. Our fast, certified technicians provide the Pro-Treat Plus method of bed bug removal to Phoenix and surrounding cities in a 100-mile plus radius including Flagstaff, Globe, and Casa Grande. Veteran and senior discounts. Call now at (602) 962-8806.