How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Executive summary about bed bugs in single mattress by Madeline Lauria

There are several methods possible for getting rid of bed bugs in a single mattress. However, if there are bed bugs in a mattress, chances are that they are other places as well--including the box spring, actual bed posts, headboard, baseboards, carpets, bed linens, clothing, and any other small spaces that a bed bug might be able to hide. The bugs also live in the bed itself as well as cracks and crevices surrounding your bed. They can also hide in couches, chairs and anywhere else a bed bug might find an opportunity to feed.

Things you'll need:

1. Flashlight

2. Washer and dryer

3. Pesticides

4. Exterminator

5. Steam cleaner

6. Bed bug traps

Instructions:

1. Find the bugs:

a. Find and observe the bugs.

b. Remove all of your bedding.

c. Spray the bugs on contact.

d. Wash all of your bed linen and any surrounding clothing on the hottest settings.Temperatures reaching at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit will definitely kill the bugs.

2. De-bugging the mattress:

a. Sprinkling bed bug powder on your bed should eradicate your bed bug problem if it is small. You can also purchase a steam cleaner to combine high heat and the pesticide to kill the bugs.

b. Apply steam to all bugs and they will die. As previously stated, high temperatures will kill the bugs. You can purchase a steam cleaner from the Bed Bug Powder Website.

c. Hire a professional. The exterminator will know how to get rid of the bed bugs and will use the proper chemicals. Make sure that the exterminator uses any of the following chemicals: ULD BP-300 or BP-50 (Permethium), Pyrenone 50 (Pyrethium), Tempo (Cyfluthrin) and Suspend (Deltamethrin). Not all of these chemicals will kill bed bug eggs, so discuss your options with your exterminator.

d. Purchasing vinyl mattress and pillow cases at any bedding store is another option. Bed Bath & Beyond carries them for all sizes of mattresses. These covers will not necessarily kill the bugs on their own, but if used in conjunction with pesticides, the covers will trap the bugs and hopefully suffocate them with the poison.

e. Purchase bed bug traps. Some traps have been developed to both detect and eliminate bed bugs. You can purchase a NightWatch bed bug trap, but the trap will not be totally effective without thorough extermination.

Bed bugs are extremely resilient, can travel and feed on your pets, but they much rather prefer human blood.