Bed Bug Removal Techniques

Bed bugs have been a problem in homes and hotel rooms for a long time. They spread easily and can be difficult to get rid of. Even though they do not spread disease, bed bugs are still considered a pest by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC). If there are any signs of these pests in a home or business, it is imperative that property owners begin bed bug removal as soon as possible.

Identifying Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are tiny, about 3/16” to 1/4” long, and sometimes can be difficult to spot. In some cases, individuals suspect a bed bug infestation when they notice bites or an unidentified rash on their bodies. Not all people develop skin irritation from bed bug bites, though.

More commonly, bed bugs are identified in a space by what they leave behind. Telltale signs of a bed bug problem include:

• Small blood stains on bed mattress or sheets

• Tiny dark spots on fabric

• Bed bug eggs and empty eggshells, though these are very small and can be hard to see

Typically, bed bugs tend to gather in the cracks and crevasses around the bed. They can often be found in the seams of the mattress, between the mattress and the box spring and/or in cracks of the bed frame or headboard.

If a bed bug infestation is particularly serious, bugs may be found living in furniture, drawers, around electrical sockets, in the cracks of the doorframe, in curtains, and even under loose corners of wallpaper.

If left unaddressed, these pests will continue to multiply and spread. Immediate bed bug removal is essential.

DIY Bed Bug Removal

There are a few things that individuals can do in order to reduce the severity of a bed bug infestation, but in most cases a professional bed bug removal service will need to be called in.

1) Isolate the problem items. For example, if bed bugs are in the curtains, remove the curtains and place in a sealed bag.

2) Vacuum the affected area and empty the vacuum into a sealed bag.

3) Freeze sealed bags for four days to kill the bugs

4) Use a steam cleaner to treat carpets and beds

While these steps may help to reduce the number of bed bugs in an area, they generally do not eliminate the problem completely. These steps will need to be repeated until all signs of bugs are gone.

Professional Bed Bug Removal Techniques

Professional bed bug removal companies generally use either a pesticide to eliminate bed bugs or a specialized heat treatment. If pesticides are used, the area must be prepared and instructions from the extermination company followed closely. Since the pesticide spray is toxic, special steps will be taken to keep those who live in the space safe. In some cases, chemical treatments must be repeated two or three times before all bugs have been eliminated.

A better choice for bed bug removal is heat treatment. Companies that use heat as a method of removing bed bugs first protect any sensitive items like electronics with heat shielding blankets. They then seal off the room and use a special heat machine to increase the temperature in the space. High temperatures kill bed bugs as well as any other pests that may be living there undetected. The heat treatment will also neutralize any mold issues that may be lurking behind the walls.

Heat treatment is safe and effective. It treats furniture, bedding, carpets, walls, and anywhere a tiny bed bug could hide. Generally, heat treatments solve the bed bug problem after one treatment.

Hiring the Right Professional

While DIY bed bug removal techniques may help to reduce the spread of bed bugs, infestations usually require a professional treatment. For the safest and most effective solution, property owners should look for a pest removal company that is experienced using heat treatment techniques.

Working with a company with a great reputation, high online ratings, and many happy customers is key. Before beginning, property owners should make sure that they have a clear quote and information about the bed bug removal will be done.

Acting promptly and working with a company that specializes in heat treatment are the two most important steps in bed bug removal.