How to Properly Clean and Disinfect Your Home After Bedbugs Infestation? You may have bed bugs if you notice red, itchy bites on your face, neck, shoulders, and limbs, primarily upon waking up. To learn how to remove them, please read on! It’s important to remember that having a bed bug infestation doesn’t mean your home is dirty or that it is your fault.
Bed bugs are small, brown, and flat insects that thrive in cracks and crevices around beds. They come out at night to feed on human blood, attracted by body heat and exhaled carbon dioxide. While they do not spread diseases, their bites can cause skin reactions in some people. Even though the edges are not harmful, the thought of these insects in your home can be unsettling.
These pests can easily enter your home and reproduce quickly after being brought in through luggage or pre-used furniture.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
To prevent a bed bug infestation, take immediate action if you suspect they are present in your home. Please get in touch with your local council or a professional pest control company for effective treatment options, as they can access specialized insecticides and equipment.
DIY Guide to Getting Rid of Bed Bugs Fast
It is advisable to seek professional assistance in eliminating bed bugs as they can be difficult to eradicate, and an infestation may recur if eggs are left behind. However, if you wish to attempt DIY pest control, these measures can be taken:
1. Spot the Infestation
Remove all bedding, pajamas, and soft toys from your bed and wash them in water at least 50°C – 60°C, if possible. Tumble dry the items on the highest setting for 30 minutes to kill any remaining bed bugs and their eggs. Alternatively, you can place the bagged laundry in the freezer for three days to kill the pests.
2. Clean the Mattress
You should clean your mattress every three months to prolong its lifespan and check for bed bugs. They recommend vacuuming pocket-sprung mattresses and sweeping foam styles like memory foam to avoid damage.
3. Inspect the Surrounding Area and Vacuum
To thoroughly inspect for bed bugs, dismantle your bed and check it, your mattresses, and other hiding places around the bed, such as behind bedside tables, carpets, and cracks in walls.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a plastic aperture to remove the bed bugs, including their larvae, eggs, and droppings. Discard the vacuum cleaner bag and its contents in a sealed bin liner immediately. If the mattress is heavily infested, it should be disposed of safely and replaced with a new one.
4. Regularly Air Bedding
According to mattress experts, bed bugs prefer dirty environments over clean ones, so it’s recommended to pull back your bedding and let your mattress air out once a week. This helps the mattress retain its shape and evaporates excess moisture, which can attract bed bugs. Also, wash your bedding and sheets at least once a week to avoid bacteria buildup.
5. Declutter Your Home
Less clutter can make it difficult for bed bugs to find hiding places and make your home easier to clean. A spokesperson suggests that the more items you own, the more opportunities bed bugs have to hide. Additionally, clutter can make it harder to eliminate bed bugs once they have been established.
6. Avoid Cardboard Storage Solutions
According to mattress experts, bed bugs can hide in cardboard, so it’s essential to unpack boxes quickly after moving and avoid using cardboard boxes for storage. Instead, use plastic containers for storage. If you are worried about bed bugs returning, it’s essential to regularly check for signs of infestation and treat any infested areas. If the problem continues, please feel free to call in professional help.
Bed bugs are:
- Tiny and elusive pests.
- Measuring around 6mm across, their eggs and larvae are even smaller.
- Making them hard to detect.
How to Properly Clean and Disinfect Your Home After Bedbugs Infestation? – Conclusion
They crawl quickly and are experts at hiding. To detect them, inspect your mattress, bed frame, and surrounding sleeping area for signs of clusters of brown spots (their droppings), discarded larvae shells, blood spots on bedding, and a musty scent that adult bed bugs give off.
When traveling, please look over hotel beds and headboards and store your luggage on a luggage rack to avoid bed bugs from climbing on board. When shopping for second-hand furniture, always check for bed bugs before bringing it into your home.