How To Prevent And Get Rid Of Bed Bugs

Traci Grossi | January 19, 2023 | Health and Wellness, Lifestyle | No Comments

Oh No! So you found bed bugs, now what do you do? This post may shed some light on how to prevent and get rid of bed bugs once these buggers present themselves.

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that are most active at night feeding on the blood of sleeping humans and animals. Depending on the size they can look like a cross between a Tic and a Beetle.

Beds, couches, and lampshades are where they are commonly found. Most are known to be under the sheets on the actual bed in the stitching or crevasses. They can be transported by belongings, and pets but do not transmit diseases.

Once they have infested an area they are difficult to eliminate. disease. An exterminator is the best way to get rid of the infestation.

What is the lifespan of a Bedbug?

The lifespan of a bed bug commonly is around 10 months however, several factors, including temperature, humidity, and access to a blood meal can impact its life. High temps, low humidity, and pesticide are usually factors that eliminate them although they can survive a wide range of conditions which is why they are not easy pests to control alone.

The bed bug goes through several stages of development, including egg, nymph, and adult. The egg stage is the first stage, and it takes about 6-10 days for the eggs to hatch. The nymph stage is the next stage, and it takes about 5-7 weeks for the nymphs to develop into adults.

During the nymph stage, the bed bugs must molt several times, shedding their exoskeleton in order to grow. The nymphs must feed on a blood meal before each molt. Adult bed bugs can live for several months without a blood meal, but they will usually feed every 5-10 days if a host is available.

How do you know when bedbugs have infested?

What to look for if you suspect that there are bedbugs present?

Look for any tiny reddish-brown bugs and possibly eggs in all the bedding, mattress, and boxspring
Check couches, chairs, and carpets, for any bed bugs.
Vacuum your home thoroughly, paying special attention to areas where bed bugs have been found. Dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag.
All bedding, clothing, and curtains should be washed and dried on the highest setting
Resolve the problem before removing items such as furniture or personal belongings from an infested area.
Contact a pest control professional who specializes in bed bug treatment. They can properly inspect your home and determine the best course of action.

Pest control may use multiple treatments as bedbugs are not easy to eliminate.

Do bedbugs bite?

“Night, Night, Sleep tight, and don’t let the bedbugs bite”

Yup, bed bugs sure do bite. If you wake to find little red bumps or bites with possible hives and itching you were most likely bitten while you slept. The bites can show up in clusters or in a line usually on exposed areas on the skin while asleep. Some people can have allergic reactions to the bites needing an antihistamine.

When a bedbug bites, they pierce the skin and can suck out blood for up to 10 minutes. They are attracted by the carbon dioxide from breathing and the warmth of body heat/sweat.

They can survive 5-10 without feeding.

How did I get Bedbugs?

Bed bugs are most often found in sleeping areas of hotels, and hostels and brought into private homes by many sources., including:

Travel: Hitch a ride on clothing, luggage, and other belongings.
Secondhand furniture: Bed bugs can live in used furniture, such as beds, couches, and chairs.
Visits to infested areas: Bugs can also travel through common areas, shared walls, and cracks.
Through vehicles, buses, trains, and other forms of transportation.

How to prevent and get rid of Bedbugs

To prevent bed bugs from infesting your home, you can take the following steps:

Use bug-proof encasements for mattresses, pillows, and boxsprings to prevent a bed bug infestation.
Seal any cracks or crevices in walls, floors, or furniture to prevent bed bugs from spreading.
Inspect all second-hand items brought into your home.
Vacuum regularly including mattresses, couches, and carpets
Dry bedding on high heat before making beds or storing them in closets.
Keep clothing etc off the floor and free of all clutter.
Be mindful when traveling, and inspect hotel rooms before retiring to bed.

Can home remedies work for bedbugs?

Home remedies and products can be used to help eliminate bed bugs, but it’s important to note that they may not be as effective with removing eggs. Professional pest control treatment is recommended.