There are two main ways to treat those annoying bedbugs you have in your home – Chemical and non-chemical.
Non-chemical Bed Bug Treatments
- Wash and dry all of your bedding and clothing at high temperatures. However, just washing bedding or clothing is generally not enough to kill the bugs. Drying at high temperatures is the key.
- Heat the infested items to at least 118 °F for 1 hour. The higher the temperature, the less time is required to kill the bugs.
- Cold treatments below 0°F for at least five days (or 120 hours) can eliminate some infestations. The colder the temperature, the less time required to kill the bedbug infestation. However, your home freezer is generally not cold enough to effectively kill them.
Chemical Treatments
There are dozens of chemical products on the market that are registered with the EPA to kill or repel the bugs. Unfortunately, many of the over-the-counter products simply do not work. Therefore, many homeowners unknowingly waste time and money trying to treat their homes without professional assistance. DIY homeowners also either over-apply or misapply the chemicals they purchase.
Contact the manufacturer of each product directly because most local pest control professionals will not be able to consult you on which DIY chemical they'd recommend for your situation.
How to Keep Bedbugs Out of Your Home
A key reason for the success of bedbugs at spreading from location to location is their ability to survive extended periods time without feeding. Some bugs can survive up to12 months without eating.
Preventive tips
There are a few basic precautions that can help keep your home safe from an infestation:
- Use protective covers to encase mattresses, box springs, and furniture to eliminate hiding spots.
- Remove clutter from your home that might be prone to hiding places• Avoid bringing used furniture into your home without a comprehensive inspection.
- Perform a thorough search of your hotel room for signs of bugs
- Use luggage racks for suitcases and reduce the contact between your Clothing and the bed or carpet
- Perform a thorough inspection of your luggage and clothing when you return home and limit the contact between travel clothing and mattresses, box springs and furniture
Bed bugs aren't fun, but if you are knowledgeable about what to look for and consult with a pest solutions technician to find the best solution, you can beat bed bugs.
About the Author
Debbie Caldwell
When you first meet Debbie Harris-Caldwell, you are immediately drawn to her charming Welsh accent and the twinkle in her eye. The well-traveled transplant from Wales is quick to set you at ease and time spent with her promises to be time well spent.
Debbie has been a real estate agent for 40 years and takes great pride in her customer service skills. "I make myself available to my customers when they need me, whether it's on a Sunday Evening or after their long day at work. I make my schedule fit theirs. I also keep my customers updated on everything happening with their listings or purchase, I am their conduit for information." She has built a business following her key principles of clear communication, attention to detail, client advocacy, and comprehensive knowledge of the area. Debbie comes to every new transaction with positive energy, determination, a strong understanding of the currents driving the market, and the expertise that comes from a lifetime of experience. She knows the importance of marketing and whether a home is for sale for $200,000 or for $2 million, she always has professional photography done and creates a listing presentation that best shows off her customer's home.