Even the thought of bed bugs seem to haunt us, isn’t it? In the first place, the very identification of the presence of bed bugs is difficult. Once infested by bed bugs, it gets really difficult to get rid of those little creatures. Hence, it is important that we adopt preventive measures in the first place.
When it comes to getting rid of bed bugs, we must first determine the extent of the infestation. When less in number, bed bug infestation can be got rid of with natural remedies. But this may not be effective in case the infestation is extensive, so one must go for chemical pest control.
Pest control chemicals are easily available in drug stores these days, but even if this doesn’t help, you might need to seek professional help. This resistance is possible because of the immunity developed by the bugs over the years of usage of these methods.
In this article:
Natural Measures to Get Rid of Bed Bugs- Some Useful Home Remedies
Prevention Methods
Myths Related to Bed Bugs
Natural Measures to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Before you begin to ponder over the remedies of bed bugs, it’s crucial to determine the presence of bed bugs in the first place. Bed bugs usually can’t be seen, as they quickly hide in the mattress. Their small size (maximum of about 5mm) is another reason they’re difficult to spot. Blood spots may appear on the bedsheet and you may experience itching on your skin.
Here are a few natural methods through which you can get rid of the bedbugs in your bed.
- Prevention – The very first step is to try to prevent the spreading of bedbugs. For this, you need to remove your mattress and place it away in some isolated space.
- Hot Water Treatment- What you can do next is wash your bedding in hot water and then dry them at high temperatures.
- Ensure that they Don’t Spread – Make sure you don’t dry other clothing with your bedding because the bugs might spread to other clothing as well.
- Pesticides – In the end, you can also try some pesticides so as to kill the rest of the bugs.
Another thing you can try is encasing your bedding in a trapper, which will prevent the bugs from spreading. Zippers these days are available in stores and also on-line.
- Sticky Pads- You can also try sticky pads! The most feasible and very effective way of trapping these bugs. The bugs will stick to these pads.
- Heat – Heat is another very effective formula for treating bed bugs. The bugs can’t survive too much heat. So, if you wash your bedding in hot water, possibilities are, that many of the bugs are going to die.
- Cold Temperatures- The bugs can also be treated with low temperatures. But it will take almost freezing temperatures for the chill to actually disturb the bugs and its eggs.
Chemicals You Can Use at Home
- Available in Hardware Stores- Chemicals these days are easily available in hardware stores, but proper care must be taken when considering chemical methods for treating bed bugs, especially if there are kids at your home. Some may even damage your skin, so stay safe.
- Biochemicals– The best option would be the use of biochemicals, especially those that contain neem oil or other been components.
- Boric Acid- It is helpful in killing bed bugs.
- Insect Growth Regulators- They can also help cease the growth of bed bugs any further. These will also kill the eggs of bedbugs.
- Chrysanthemum Flower Extracts– These are often incorporated in such chemical products. These are really helpful when it comes to killing those bedbugs that have been bothering you.
- Neonicotinoids– Synthetic form of nicotine like neonicotinoids can even ruin the nervous system of bedbugs.
- Silicon Gel- One very useful home remedy is that of using silicon gel to get rid of bedbugs.
If you are looking for some chemicals to relieve yourself from the bed bug bites, you can try reaching out to The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) where you can find the best way to get rid of bedbugs!
Pest Control- Finding a Professional
Getting rid of those bedbugs in your mattress can sometimes become a really hard nut to crack. Taking help from professionals is a wonderful option in such situations. There can not be a better alternative to this. But before you hire a professional, make sure you are well aware of the costs involved. When you have decided to seek professional help, ask them about the sessions of treatment because one session is never enough for treating bed bugs.
There are various levels of the treatment method professionals follow- from heat treatment to using chemicals, and many more. Details of companies providing such services are easily available on the internet these days. All you need to do is verify their credentials before you seek help.
Prevention Methods
As the very famous proverb goes, “prevention is better than cure”. So is it with bed bugs as well. Before they enter your room, close all ways. The first step to doing is keeping all your bedding and clothing covered and sealed. Also, if you have pets, it is important you check them regularly for any presence of bed bugs. Many suggest that vacuuming the floor can also help prevent bed bug infestation.
Myths Related to Bed Bugs
Bedbugs are very common. Although the general idea is that bedbugs are found mostly in rural areas, this is absolutely a misconception. Rather, bedbugs are even more common in urban areas.
Amongst the most popular myths is that of bedbugs spreading diseases and the presence of bedbugs does not in any way mean that the environment is unclean. Bedbugs are not visible to the naked eye! So trying to catch yourself is a bad idea.
Conclusion
Bed bugs may not spread diseases, unlike the popular beliefs of people, but they do take away your mental peace, don’t they? So why let bed bugs bother you? Once they enter your squares, it might get difficult to get rid of them. But you can prevent your bedding and clothing from getting infested by bedbugs just by following the simple steps mentioned above.
References
https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/getting-rid-bed-bugs
https://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/bed-bugs.htm
