The worst disaster to strike any property is the infestation of bed bugs. Seemingly small and harmless, bed bugs are external parasites that rely on blood from living organisms. These insects are called bed bugs because they are commonly found in human settlements, especially in the bed and sofas. Although these bugs are not lethal, they can create allergic reactions and bruises. Therefore, it is better to get rid of bed bugs in case of infestation.
Here we have listed different methods and tips on how to get rid of bed bugs.
How to Identify Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bugs are smaller in size, almost 5 mm, roughly the size of an apple seed. Therefore, it is difficult to identify these bugs with the naked eye.
Here are some other ways to identify the bed bug infestation in your home.
- Bug’s skins or black droppings in the house.
- Visible welts, bumps or bites in the skin after getting out of bed.
- A decaying odour in the bed and living room.
- Blood stains on the bed sheet, pillowcase or on couch.
Any of the aforementioned symptoms in your house indicates the bed bug infestation in the house. You can follow these steps to prevent bed bug infestation.
Ways to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Let’s find out how to remove bed bugs from home.
Encasement
The encasement is a method of isolating the infested mattress or sofa from the rest of the house. There are different types of covers available in the market for encasement. However, you can also use plastic wrap and duct tape for this purpose.
Place the infested item in the open air, like a garden or garage, for encasement. Wrap the plastic sheet around it and secure the openings with the help of duct tape. Leave the item for a few days and then unwrap it. After unwrapping, deep clean it to remove any remaining bugs from it.
Traps
Interceptor traps are used to keep bedbugs away from the bed and other furniture pieces. These traps work similarly to the traps used to get rid of flies from home. Commercial interceptors are available in the market, but you can also build your own trap.
For building a bedbug trap at home, you will need two clean plastic containers (one small and one large), masking tape and talcum powder. First, mask the tape around the larger container and place the smaller container inside the large one. Now sprinkle some talcum powder on the base of both containers. Place the container under the bed and other places from where bed bugs can climb. Wait for a few days, and empty the container when it has enough bedbugs.
Steam Cleaner
Steam cleaners (wet or dry) can penetrate into hard-to-reach areas like furniture cracks or carpets’ threads. The temperature of the steam cleaner should be 55℃ with mild airflow. Extreme air flow can scatter bed bugs, which will result in more infestation.
You can also use a vacuum cleaner if you do not have a steam cleaner. Make sure to clean the vacuum in an open environment and close all the dirt and debris from the cleaner into a plastic bag before dumping it. You can browse through these used vacuums and floor care appliances for sale in the UAE to properly clean your bed and sofa.
Stripping Mattress
Stripping the mattress is the most effective way of getting rid of bed bugs. Spread a plastic sheet or old bed sheet around the bed. Strip the bedding and wash it in hot water (50 to 60℃) for at least 30 minutes. Sun dry the bedding and use it again.
Hot and Cold Treatment
Bed bugs are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Therefore, the hot and cold treatment can be used to kill the bugs. For the hot treatment, you can simply wash the beddings and other washable materials in hot water.
Whereas, for cold treatment, you might need a freezer. Strip the bedding and covers over the mattress or sofa. Place all the covers carefully in a plastic bag and store them in the freezer. Leave it there for three to four days, and wash it properly after removing it.
Another method is by using dry ice. Place dry ice in a container and submerge the bedding in it. Leave it for four days, then remove and wash it properly.
Tips to Avoid Bed Bug Infestation
Here are some tips and tricks on how to avoid bed bug infestation in your home.
Clean the Clutter
Cluttering of excessive items in the home provides a perfect hiding and breeding ground for the bugs. Therefore, it is necessary to declutter your home and avoid keeping excessive items in the house.
You can start decluttering your house from a junk drawer filled with items that are not used frequently. Gradually move forward and declutter every storage space in the house. This will also help you in making your room look bigger.
Regularly Wash your Bedding
Beddings are the perfect hiding place for bedbugs. In fact, they have even been named bedbugs because these insects are often found in the bed. To avoid bedbug infestation, you must wash your beddings regularly, it as an essential tip to keep your house clean. If not, then at least washing beddings once per week is necessary.
Avoid Storing Stuff Under the Bed
The items stored under the bed can become a bedbug colony because they are near to the mattress, where they breed and feed. It is suggested not to store any items under the bed; if you are storing these, they must be in sealed plastic bags.
Use Plastic Containers for Storage
It is difficult for bed bugs to crawl over smooth surfaces like plastic and glass. Therefore, plastic containers are ideal for storing additional stuff in the house. These plastic containers are smooth and sealed, which can contribute to avoiding an infestation.
Regular Vacuuming is Must
Apart from bedding and sofas, carpets also serve as a hiding space for bugs. The large carpet threads make it almost impossible to identify and remove bugs. Vacuuming all the carpets and rugs in your home twice a week can aid in reducing and avoiding bedbug infestation. If you find it difficult to clean it regularly, opt for carpet cleaning companies in Dubai and other Emirates for professional assistance.
Avoid Picking Furniture from Dumpster
The furniture in the dumpster is often roughly used and can contribute to the infestation. Therefore, it is suggested to avoid picking up furniture from the dumpsters. Rather, if you want to purchase furniture at an affordable price, visit the used furniture stores in Dubai and other Emirates to purchase furniture pieces without infestation.
These were different ways to get rid of bed bugs. Bed bug infestation is a common problem, but if you are regularly facing this issue, this must be a sign of some major issues. Therefore, in case of regular infestation issues, it is better to browse through these apartments for rent in the UAE and move into a new apartment.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top property blog for more tips on how to get rid of bed bugs naturally and fast.
