Bed bugs feed on human and animal blood, their only food source. Therefore, they usually make beds in their homes, and their rapid multiplication can make life miserable for people under attack. Even the cleanest homes can have bed bugs. The fact is that not filth but only human blood attracts bed bugs and is the reason for its widespread infestations in beds and sofas beside public transport seats like trains and buses. Bed bugs can live in any environment, dirty or clean, as long as they can feed on human blood. As bed bugs are crawling insects, they prefer staying close to food sources and cling to the mattresses and cushions of sofas and carpets, besides finding haven in the wooden joints of beds.
-
Bed bugs make their presence felt
Although bed bugs might not always be visible, the sharp bite of the tiny insects can soon become unbearable. Having sleepless nights is common for people affected by bed bugs as they keep turning and tossing in bed with every bite of numerous attackers. The edge causes small swellings or bumps at the affected places resulting in itching and irritation. Continuous biting cause enormous discomfort, and getting rid of the tormenting insects is a priority. Spectrum Pest Control has a good track record in eradicating bed bugs from homes and offices.
Bed bug control involves a three-step process of identification of infested areas, containment, and eradication.
-
Identification of the infested areas
Bed bugs love to hide in different places on beds and sofas and are mostly found along the seams of mattresses and cracks between the headboard and bed frame. They also reside along the seams of cushions on sofas and between cushions. The place where carpets meet the wall and the seam of carpets are also the favorite places of bed bugs. You might find bed bugs in the joints of furniture, especially chairs, couches, and sofas. Check carefully for the signs of bed bugs, even if you do not see the insects. Use a flashlight and thoroughly check the possible places for bed bug infestation. If you find dark-colored droppings, small pale yellow eggs, or bed bugs, act immediately to eradicate the insects.
-
Prevent spreading
Thorough vacuuming of mattresses, especially at the vulnerable places mentioned above and where you have found the signs of infestation, can drive away bed bugs. Soon on confirming the presence of bed bugs, you must prevent them from spreading. After vacuuming, wash all clothing, linens, and other textiles in hot water and dry them thoroughly. After vacuuming, seal the bag containing the contaminants and throw it away.
-
Killing bed bugs
Washing the bedding and clothing in hot water for 30 minutes can effectively remove bed bugs. Steaming is also effective in eliminating bed bugs permanently.
To kill bed bugs, spray some low-toxicity insecticides, like pyrethroids and pyrethrins. Some bed bugs might be resistant to these chemicals, so you should use pyrroles like neonicotinoids or chlorfenapyr. Desiccants can slowly kill bed bugs, and bug bombs are also effective.