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How to get rid of bed bugs at home

Waking up with red, itchy spots all over your skin? Spot bloodstains on your bedsheets and linen?

You might have a bedbug infestation at home. Tiny and difficult to detect, bedbugs are common household pests. And while they don’t spread any disease, having them around can be quite the nuisance.

Not sure how to get rid of bed bugs at home? Read on to find out.

What are bed bugs?

(image credit: Wikipedia) Bedbugs are small, brownish and somewhat round and flat in appearance. 

Bedbugs can be described as small, brownish insects that have a flat, somewhat round appearance.

These bloodsucking critters typically invade homes by clinging onto luggage, clothing, used beds and couches.

Bedbugs also reproduce very quickly, with females able to lay hundreds of eggs at a time. The eggs, and shed bedbug skin, are known to cause allergies.

What are the signs of bedbug infestation?

(image credit: Real Homes) The first sign of bedbug infestation? Painless bites that gradually swell. 

The first sign of a bedbug infestation usually comes in the form of bedbug bites.

These bites are painless at first, but gradually swell into itchy welts.

Unlike other pests like fleas or ticks, bedbug bites are not concentrated at any part of the body, but tend to be dispersed across areas of exposed skin while sleeping.

Other signs of bedbug infestation can include:

  • Bloodstains on bedsheets or pillowcases
  • Dark spots of bedbug excrement on sheets, mattresses, sleepwear
  • Strong, foul odour from bedbugs’ scent glands

5 tips for How to get rid of beg bugs at home

1. Declutter your sleeping area

(image credit: Cascade Maids) A messy bedroom is an easy breeding ground for bedbugs 

A messy room often acts as an excellent breeding ground for bedbugs (and a whole host of other pests too).

Start by removing all items that are unnecessary and do not belong in your room.

When doing so, place them in sealed bags to avoid accidentally transferring bedbugs to other parts of your home.

Also, pick up any items strewn on the floor. Books, magazines, clothes and other items all make perfect spots for bedbugs to hide in and breed.

Also read: Already Tried the KonMari Method? Try these Techniques if you Want to Declutter. 

2. Clean and disinfect bedding, linens and clothing in hot water

(image credit: Slumbr) Disinfect bedding, linen and clothing by washing them in hot water first. 

The best way to go about cleaning and disinfecting infested bedding, linen and clothing is to wash them in hot water for at least half an hour.

If you have a dryer, you can place the washed clothes in the dryer at the highest heat setting for half an hour too.

While chemical agents can also be effective, it is recommended to minimise their use unless you’re absolutely sure that using them:

  • Does not damage bedding and linen
  • Or harm your family’s health

3. Can’t disinfect? Get rid of infested items instead

(image credit: Pinterest) Sometimes it’s better to simply dispose of infested items. 

Sometimes, bedbug infestations may be so severe that it’s best to simply get rid of infested items altogether.

If you suspect that an item has been infested but can’t be treated in the washer or dryer, place them in a sealed bag and dispose of them.

The same goes for infested furniture, especially for mattresses.

4. Vacuum over hiding places

(image credit: Electrodry) Don’t forget to give bedbug hotspots a thorough vacuum. 

After decluttering your room and getting rid of infested items, you should give these hiding spots a thorough vacuum.

Typical areas that require a comprehensive vacuum include:

  • Your bed
  • Your dresser
  • Carpets

After vacuuming, seal up the vacuumed contents into a sealed bag and dispose of it immediately. Be sure to also clearly label the bag to avoid accidentally transferring the bedbugs to someone else.

5. Call pest control for long-term assurance

(image credit: Commons Marker) If all else fails, seek help from pest control professionals without delay. 

Bedbugs are extremely hardy creatures, and it’s not uncommon to still find them crawling around after months of trying to wipe them out.

If you’ve exhausted all options, do not hesitate to seek help from pest control professionals.

Take note: it’s unlikely you’ll see immediate progress even with professional pest control. For bedbugs, expect at least 2 to 3 visits before seeing any results.

Also read: Benefits of a daily housekeeping service 

Keep your home bedbug-free with us

Hardy and difficult to spot, bedbugs are troublesome to deal with.

But what’s even more troublesome is trying to get rid of them. Months of hard work will not guarantee a home free from bedbugs.

Protect yourself and your loved ones effortlessly with Housekeeping’s professional house cleaning services.

With a comprehensive range of cleaning, vacuuming, and disinfecting services, bedbugs will have no place to hide.

Specialised chemical cleaning also ensures bedbugs won’t have a chance to breed or re-infest your home anytime soon.

Come home to a goodnight’s rest together with us. Reach out to us for a consultation today.

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