Waking up with itchy, red bites is never a pleasant way to start the day. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for countless people dealing with the unwanted houseguests known as bed bugs. These tiny, elusive pests can quickly take over a home, leaving you feeling frustrated, exhausted, and frankly.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this battle. Bed bugs may be sneaky, but there are plenty of effective ways to kick them to the curb for good. In this article, we’ll dive into 16 proven strategies to get rid of bed bugs and reclaim your sleeping sanctuary.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep. About the size of an apple seed, these pesky critters are experts at hiding in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas.
Their reddish-brown bodies become swollen and more reddish after they’ve fed, making them easier to spot.
These pests reproduce quickly; a female can lay hundreds of eggs over her lifetime. Bed bug eggs are tiny, about the size of a speck of dust, making them hard to see without magnification.
Once hatched, the nymphs grow by molting multiple times before reaching adulthood. Due to their elusive nature and rapid breeding cycle, tackling a bed bug infestation early is crucial for effective bed bug control.
16 Ways to Get Rid of Bed Bugs at Home
Here are 16 proven strategies to get rid of bed bugs and reclaim your sleeping sanctuary.
1. Identify the Culprits
The first step in tackling a bed bug infestation is to make sure that’s actually what you’re dealing with. Bed bug bites can sometimes be mistaken for other insect or skin issues, so it’s important to do a thorough inspection.
Look for small, reddish-brown bugs about the size of an apple seed, often hiding in cracks and crevices around your bed, furniture, or baseboards. You may also spot small blood spots on your sheets or mattress where the bugs have been feeding.
If you’re still unsure, consider calling in a professional pest control expert to confirm the presence of bed bugs and assess the extent of the infestation.
This will help you develop the most effective plan of attack. A professional inspection can also identify any high-risk areas or hot spots where the bed bugs may be concentrated, allowing you to target those areas more effectively.
2. Declutter and Vacuum Thoroughly
Bed bugs love to hide in cluttered spaces, so the more stuff you have around your home, the more places they can find to nest. Take some time to thoroughly declutter and deep clean your living areas, especially your bedroom.
You can remove all bedding, clothing, and other items from your bed and surrounding furniture. Vacuum the mattress, box spring, and bed frame, paying close attention to seams, tufts, and crevices where bed bugs may be lurking.
Don’t forget to vacuum under the bed, along baseboards, in between couch cushions, and in any other nooks and crannies throughout the room. The powerful suction of a vacuum can suck up and remove any live bed bugs and their eggs.
Once you’ve finished vacuuming, be sure to immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or contents in a sealed plastic bag to prevent any escapees from reinfesting your home.
3. Wash and Dry Everything on High Heat
Once you’ve done your initial decluttering and vacuuming, it’s time to wash and dry all of your bedding, clothing, and other washable fabrics in the hottest settings. The high heat will kill any bed bugs and their eggs that may be present.
Be sure to wash and dry everything, even items that don’t seem dirty. Bed bugs can easily hide in the seams and folds of fabrics, so it’s important to treat everything. When possible, use the highest heat setting on your washer and dryer, as temperatures above 120°F (49°C) are lethal for bed bugs and their eggs.
If you have any items that can’t be washed, like stuffed animals or hard-to-clean furniture, you can try sealing them in a plastic bag and placing them in the freezer for at least 4 days. The cold temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below will also eliminate any bed bugs.
4. Encase Your Mattress and Box Spring
Investing in specially designed bedbug-proof mattresses and box spring encasements is an excellent way to contain and eventually eliminate an infestation. These durable, zippered covers physically block bed bugs from getting in or out of your mattress.
Once the encasements are in place, any bed bugs trapped inside will eventually die off, and new ones won’t be able to get in. Just make sure to leave the encasements on for at least a year to ensure complete eradication. This gives the bed bugs trapped inside time to die off naturally, while also preventing any new infestations from taking hold.
5. Apply Diatomaceous
Earth Diatomaceous earth is a powdery, natural substance made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. When bed bugs come into contact with it, the sharp edges cut their exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.
Sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth in areas where you’ve spotted bed bugs or suspect they may be hiding, such as along baseboards, in cracks and crevices, and underneath and around your bed. Reapply as needed, as the powder can lose its effectiveness over time.
Be sure to wear a dust mask when applying diatomaceous earth, as the fine powder can be irritating to breathe in. You’ll also want to avoid inhaling or ingesting the substance yourself, as it can be harmful in large quantities.
6. Use Essential Oils
Certain essential oils have powerful insect-repelling properties that can help drive bed bugs away. Oils like peppermint, lavender, tea tree, and lemongrass are all effective natural bed bug deterrents.
Try mixing a few drops of these oils with a carrier oil, like fractionated coconut or jojoba oil, and applying the mixture to areas where you’ve seen bed bugs. You can also add a few drops to a diffuser and let the aroma fill the room.
Just be sure to test any essential oil blends on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they don’t stain or damage surfaces. Some essential oils can be harsh on certain materials, so it’s best to do a spot check before widespread application.
7. Hire a Professional Exterminator
If you’re dealing with a significant bed bug infestation that seems to be spreading throughout your home, it may be time to call in the professionals. Experienced pest control experts have access to powerful, targeted treatments that can eliminate bed bugs more effectively than DIY methods.
They’ll typically start with a thorough inspection to identify all the affected areas, then develop a customized treatment plan using a combination of techniques, such as heat treatments, chemical sprays, and targeted dust. This comprehensive approach can help ensure the pests are completely eradicated.
8. Use Bed Bug Traps and Monitors
Setting up discreet bed bug traps and monitors around your home can help you track the extent of an infestation and catch any stragglers that manage to evade your other control efforts.
Look for products like interceptor traps that fit under your bed legs or furniture, or sticky monitors that you can place in strategic locations. These tools work by luring in bed bugs with pheromones or heat, then trapping them so you can easily identify and remove them.
Monitoring the traps can also give you insight into whether your eradication efforts are working, allowing you to adjust your approach as needed. This can be especially helpful in larger homes or buildings, where bed bugs may be scattered throughout multiple rooms or units.
9. Apply Insecticide Sprays Carefully
While it’s generally best to avoid harsh chemical insecticides if possible, some effective, targeted sprays can be used to supplement other bed bug control methods.
Look for insecticides that contain active ingredients like pyrethrins, permethrin, or diatomaceous earth. Apply them carefully to cracks, crevices, and other known bed bug hiding spots, following the product instructions closely.
Be sure to wear gloves and avoid spraying directly on your skin or bedding. Keep in mind that insecticides may only kill adult bed bugs, so you’ll likely need to reapply them periodically to target any emerging nymphs or newly hatched eggs.
When using chemical sprays, be sure to ventilate the treated area thoroughly and avoid prolonged exposure. Carefully dispose of any leftover or used insecticide containers according to the product’s guidelines.
10. Try a Heat Treatment
Exposing bed bugs and their eggs to high temperatures is one of the most effective ways to eliminate an infestation. Professional pest control companies often use specialized heating equipment to raise the temperature in an infested room or entire home to a level that’s lethal for bed bugs.
If you’re tackling the problem yourself, you can try placing infested items in a clothes dryer set to high heat for at least 30 minutes. You can also try sealing mattresses, box springs, and other furniture in black plastic bags and leaving them out in direct sunlight on a hot day.
Just be sure to monitor the temperature carefully, as bed bugs can survive in some hotter environments. Consulting a professional is usually the safest bet for a whole-home heat treatment, as they’ll have the proper equipment and expertise to ensure the job is done right.
11. Freezing for the Kill
In addition to heat, extreme cold can also be an effective bed bug killer. Placing infested items in a deep freezer set to 0°F (-18°C) or below for at least 4 days can eliminate both adult bed bugs and their eggs.
This method works well for small, hardy items like electronics, décor, and children’s toys that can’t be washed or treated with insecticides. Just be sure to seal the items in airtight plastic bags or containers before freezing to prevent any survivors from escaping.
Keep in mind that larger items or entire pieces of furniture may be too big to fit in a standard freezer. In these cases, you may need to explore other options, such as hiring a professional pest control company that offers specialized freezing services.
12. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
Maintaining a clean, decluttered home is not only better for your overall health and well-being, but it can also make it much harder for bed bugs to thrive. These pests love to hide in cluttered spaces, so the less stuff you have lying around, the fewer places they have to take up residence.
Make a habit of regularly vacuuming, dusting, and thoroughly cleaning all areas of your home, especially your bedroom. Keep surfaces clear, store items in sealed containers, and minimize the number of places bed bugs can hide.
A tidy, well-maintained living space makes it much easier to spot and address any potential bed bug infestations before they have a chance to get out of control. It also reduces the number of hiding spots and breeding grounds available to the pests.
13. Inspect Secondhand Furniture and Clothing
Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers, and they often find their way into homes by latching onto used furniture, clothing, or other secondhand items. That’s why it’s crucial to carefully inspect any pre-owned pieces before bringing them into your space.
Carefully examine seams, crevices, and other potential hiding spots for any signs of bed bugs or their eggs. If you spot anything suspicious, it’s best to leave the item behind and find an alternative.
When shopping for secondhand goods, consider the source and condition of the items. Reputable thrift stores or antique dealers are less likely to harbor bed bug infestations than random online listings or garage sales. Avoid purchasing any used mattresses, box springs, or upholstered furniture, as these are common hot spots for bed bug infestations.
14. Educate Yourself and Your Household
Arming yourself and your family with knowledge about bed bugs can go a long way in preventing and managing infestations. Understand how these pests thrive, how to identify the signs of an infestation, and what steps to take if you suspect you have a problem.
Teach your children to be vigilant about checking for bed bugs, especially when traveling or staying in hotels. Encourage everyone in your household to report any suspicious findings immediately so you can address the issue quickly.
The more informed and proactive you are, the better equipped you’ll be to nip any potential bed bug problems in the bud before they have a chance to spread.
15. Maintain Vigilance When Traveling
Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers, and they often tag along with unsuspecting travelers in hotels, vacation rentals, or even on public transportation. That’s why it’s crucial to be extra cautious when you’re away from home.
Before unpacking in a hotel room, thoroughly inspect the mattress, box spring, and furniture for any signs of bed bugs. Keep your luggage off the bed and up on a hard, elevated surface. And be mindful of where you set down your belongings, avoiding upholstered chairs or sofas.
When you return home, unpack your luggage in the laundry room and immediately wash and dry everything in the hottest settings. Carefully inspect your own belongings and living space for any unwelcome stowaways.
You can also consider investing in a portable bed bug detection kit or monitor to use when traveling. These small, discreet devices can help you quickly identify any infestations in your hotel room or rental property, allowing you to take immediate action.
16. Stay Positive and Persistent
Dealing with a bed bug infestation can be emotionally draining, but it’s important to stay positive and persistent in your efforts to eliminate them. These pests can be incredibly resilient, and it may take multiple rounds of treatments and vigilant monitoring to get them under control.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Stick to a consistent, comprehensive plan, and be prepared to repeat certain steps as needed. With patience and diligence, you can regain control of your home and your peace of mind.
When to contact a professional pest control company?
If DIY methods have not effectively eradicated the bed bug infestation after consistent and thorough attempts, it is time to engage a professional pest control company.
Once you notice that the infestation persists despite your efforts or if the problem seems to be worsening, seeking expert help becomes essential.
Professional exterminators can accurately assess the severity of the situation and provide comprehensive treatment plans.
FAQs
1. Can I handle a bed bug infestation on my own?
Yes, with do-it-yourself bed bug control methods such as applying heat or using a bed bug interceptor under each leg of the bed, you can kill bugs on contact and monitor for new ones.
2. Are there certain places within my bedroom where these insects tend to hide?
Bedbugs can hide in tiny spaces, like cracks in your furnishing or between joints in your entire bed structure — always check thoroughly if you suspect an issue.
3. After treatment, how can we guarantee that all the bugs and eggs are gone from our space?
Continue inspecting for signs of residual activity regularly even after treatment is over; specially trained dogs provided by some inspectors offer peace of mind confirming that all traces have been removed.
