There are many corners in a house where all kinds of little critters can hide and even breed. But many probably shouldn’t expect that the bed is also a favorable environment for the proliferation of these unwanted insects, and yet it is so.
Insects that can quickly become problematic
Bed bugs are small creatures that can live with us without us realizing their presence, of course they are harmful and can clearly infest a place if they find a perfect place there for their installation and reproduction.
But how do you know if you are infected? In fact, there are signs of the presence of these insects that you should pay attention to, even if you haven’t seen any live bed bugs in your home yet:
- Rust-colored stains on mattresses or sheets. They are caused by the crushing of bed bugs.
- Spots the size and shape of a small black dot, these are bed bug droppings.
- Pale yellow eggs, shells and skins left by nymphs as they grow.
What to know about bed bugs
The steps to follow to get rid of it once and for all
- Don’t hesitate to inspect everything.
Keep in mind that the best way to eliminate the presence of these unwanted creatures is to know where they are hiding. So bring a mirror and a flashlight before you head out hunting for undesirables.
- Remove by hand those that are visible
Take them out of any cavities and cracks there may be, even with objects like a map, for example. You can also squish them in a tissue, vacuum them up, or trap them with tape. Therefore, you can proceed as you wish, just avoid insecticides.
- Wash your bedding
Wash everything that has to do with the bed and that can be washed, do it hot because bed bugs and their eggs cannot withstand high temperatures.
- Freezing is also a solution
Since some items are impossible to wash, they should be bagged and stored in the freezer. Extreme temperatures are known to kill bed bugs.
- Suck everything you can suck
Target absolutely every part of your sleeping area and its surroundings. Do this every day until the bed bugs are gone. Also be careful to tightly seal the bag containing the sucked insects and immediately dispose of it outside the house.
- Essential oils
Know that certain essential oils such as cedar oil, tea tree oil or orange oil are absolutely harmful to these creatures. Feel free to mix a little with water and use a spray bottle to spray all the places that may harbor them.
- diatomaceous earth
We are talking about a natural and very powerful insecticide that bed bugs will not resist at all. Spray bed frames, mattresses, and even carpet if necessary. Remove excess with a vacuum cleaner if necessary.
- finish the mess
The more clutter there is, the more potential bed bugs will have hiding places where they can spend quiet days. So make sure your bed environment is free of clutter.
- Prevention is paramount
To limit the risk of infestation, do not hesitate to opt for a waterproof bed specially designed to not attract mites, bedbugs, fleas, etc.
Use caulk to fill any gaps in beds or bed frames.
You can also place bed bug traps under the foot of your bed, it is simple and economical, and it also allows you to detect any possible presence of bed bugs and prevent any invasion.