Bed Bug Treatment: Eradication And Mitigation
Home is where the heart is—not where the bed bugs should be. From mitigating the conditions that allow bed bugs to get into your home to eradicate any bed bugs that under your roof, here's a quick guide to help you prevent and eliminate a bed bug infestation.
Mitigation
An adult bed bug can range from 1/4–3/16 of an inch in length. On the larger end, you can easily spot them with the naked eye, but, on the smaller end, they can be virtually invisible. Due to their size, bed bugs can get into your home by stowing away in many different ways. Once they get in, they need safe places to incubate and reproduce. It's ideal to know some common areas where you can find and mitigate bed bugs.
1. Electronics and Power Outlets: Most electronic equipment has empty spaces inside them that are dry, warm, and perfect for bed bugs. Before you bring a used item of electronic equipment into your home, you should thoroughly spray it with an anti-flea/bed bug insecticide and let it sit outside your home for at least 24 hours. Another way that bed bugs can proliferate in your home is by building colonies inside of your electrical outlets. Since these areas can't safely be spray with insecticides or vacuumed thoroughly, it's always a good idea to cover any unused outlets. Baby-safe electrical outlet plugs are perfect for this task.
2. Blankets and Vacuum Backing: Moving blankets, sheets washed at a laundromat, or quilts used for picnicking can be magnets for bed bugs. Once you transport them into your home, they can move from the blankets to your mattress, couch, floors, and carpets. Thus, it's always a good idea to spray any blanket coming into your home with an insecticide. If possible also put these blankets in your drier as well. In addition to spraying and drying your blankets, vacuum sealing any clothing you plan on storing is also a great way to prevent bed bugs from spreading.
Eradication
Even when you take every precaution, bed bugs can still find their way into your home. The best way to eradicate them is by calling a bed bug control service. To make sure the bed bug treatments are effective, you should also consult your veterinarian about prescribing your pet(s) with an anti-flea, tick, and bed bug treatment. Lastly, sealing the cracks or tears in your baseboards, floorboards, window casings, screens doors, and countertops can ensure that bed bugs have few places to hide.
For more information, contact local bed bug control companies.
