subject: Reliable Methods For Killing Bed Bugs [print this page] Bed bugs are nasty little parasites that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals including humans and their common name comes from their love of nesting in places where people sleep. An infestation is something that nobody wants to live with and the truth is, finding an effective way to kill bed bugs can be difficult at best.
They are accomplished at hiding out in very small places like cracks in the bed frame thanks to an oval-shaped, body that is flat and very flexible. They are visible, however, if you know what to look for. One sign that you may have an infestation is the presence of small dark spots on the bed linens.
The infested area will need to be thoroughly cleaned. Remove the bedding, clothes and throw rugs from the room and clean them as usual. Use hot water and put the dryer setting at the highest level.
While the linens are being cleaned, vacuum the mattress on all sides. Wrap the mattress in plastic and place it out in the direct sunlight for as long as possible. Give the carpets and drapes a good steam cleaning. Run the vacuum along the perimeter of the rug and along the edges of all the furniture. Scrub all hard surfaces with a stiff brush to dislodge any eggs. Seal the vacuum bag in plastic and discard it immediately.
You will want to find an insecticide that is designed specifically for this pest. Read all included directions and spray the baseboards around the perimeter of the infested room. The pesticide should not be sprayed on the mattress or anywhere else that is likely to come in contact with human skin.
Use a pesticide that has been specifically developed to deal with this pest. Carefully read the instructions and spray it around the edges of the room especially in the crease between the baseboard and the carpet. Do not let the spray get on anything that has a chance of making contact with the skin.
Caulk around any holes drilled for wires or pipes and any cracks that you find on the baseboards and moldings.
In some cases, you may do all of these things and discover that the pesky little bugs just will not go away. If so, you will need to contact a professional for help. A qualified exterminator will have the expertise to use stronger pesticides that will likely do the trick. If the infestation is severe, more than one treatment may be needed.
