A recent resurgence of bed bug infestations in the United States has made bed bug prevention and eradication a hot topic. These small blood-sucking insects became virtually non-existent during the 1960s, but globalization and a reduced use of pesticides have led to a 70% increase in bed bug infestations in homes and hotels in certain areas of the country. If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home, try a few simple trips and tricks to help you sleep easier:
- Vacuuming and cleaning are simple tasks that can lead to big results. Simply keeping the home clean helps keep bed bugs away. Pay special attention to the cleanliness of bedrooms, as bed bugs tend to nest in these areas by nature.
- If vacuuming and cleaning isn’t deterring the bed bugs, you may want to try steam cleaning. The extreme heat produced by steam cleaning will kill bed bugs and their eggs quickly and effectively.
- Leave your mattress and other infested items outside to face extreme cold or heat, which will kill the bed bugs or drive them to seek more temperate environments elsewhere.
- Using a mattress cover is a great way to make sure the bed bugs don’t bite! Though bed bugs can live up to one year without blood, the mattress cover acts as a barrier between you and these tiny parasites.
- If you are looking for a more natural approach, sprinkle diatomaceous soil on the mattress and around infested items. This specific type of soil is comprised of tiny jagged edges that kill off insects, but does not hard humans or pets.
- To prevent bed bugs from crawling onto the bed from other areas in your home, move the bed away from the wall, making sure that no sheets or blankets are coming in contact with the floor. Place the legs of the bed into dishes of mineral oil to deter the bed bugs from crawling onto the mattress.
- Signs of an infestation include dead bed bugs, blood spots, and cast bug skins. If you detect any of these indications, and have tried several home remedies, you may want to dispose of the mattress.
These home remedies are effective in helping many decrease the bed bugs in their home. Every home is different and the size of bed bug infestation may vary, so try several of these remedies before giving up on a good night’s sleep.
Bed Bugs Are the Ultimate Nightmare
Bed bug infestations can sometimes go unnoticed for months and even years because these small parasites are particularly adept at hiding and burrowing deep within mattresses. The bugs emerge at night to feed on the host, leaving small, red sores that may become infected.
Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite!
- Bed bug bites can cause itchiness, redness, and sores
- Bed bugs suck a host’s blood for five minutes at a time
- Bed bugs can live up to a year without a blood meal
- Female bed bugs lay up to twelve eggs every day