Fighting Bed Bugs? Learn What To Do!
Bed bugs are small insects that can infest homes in large numbers. Coming across them is not complicated or uncommon. In Merriam, you can easily see them in different places. They do not solely infest homes but can also be found in hotels and apartments.
Their bodies are flat and are reddish brown in color. The young ones are not so easy to spot and will require more attention to spot them. You can use both chemical and nonchemical methods to get rid of them.
However, in some cases, nothing works out. In such cases, it is recommended that you seek help from a professional in your area. Contacting pest control in Merriam can help you with that. Furthermore, bed bugs are known to feed on human blood, and their bite can leave a red mark behind.
The affected area can also get itchy, but sometimes, people mistake bedbug bites for a mosquito or flea bite. Thus, having basic knowledge about their appearance and behavior is crucial when dealing with them. It is because you might end up using methods that are somewhat effective for some other pest.
What are the different steps to get rid of bed bugs?
If your home is infested by bedbugs, then it is essential that you get rid of them as soon as you can. Let us look at various steps that you can follow to get them all out:
Infested areas need to be identified
You might think that if there is an infestation, it will be easier to deal with it. However, that is not really true; instead, it will make it even more difficult for you to detect the infestation in the first place. You are also likely to notice the bites before you even come across them.
Their size is smaller than the eraser that you use. Their reproduction is relatively fast, and a single female can lay about five hundred eggs in their entire lifetime. Since bed bugs have smaller bodies, it makes it easier for them to get through those tiny holes.
Infestation needs to be contained
Now that you have an idea that you have bed bugs at your property, the next step is to get them all in one place. Do not disrupt them, as they might spread and seek spaces where they can hide. If you want to contain them, you can use a vacuum to get rid of them.
You need to vacuum all the possible hidden spaces around your home. All carpets and bedding need to be checked. Once you are done vacuuming, gather everything in a plastic bag and then throw it away. Once done, the vacuum will have to be cleaned the right way, too.
High heat is needed in order to reach those small spaces and crevices. Affected clothes will have to be put in a bag too and seal it completely. Then wash them, and when using the dryer, put them on the highest heat level. Leave your clothes in the dryer for at least thirty minutes.
Then begin the treatment
A little prep can be done before you finally start with the treatment. All the books and other objects should be picked up from the floor. Even if there is anything that can be thrown away, do that. Whatever items you have in the infested room, do not move them to any other place or to a different room.
The wallpaper should be glued appropriately, too. Caulk can be used to seal the cracks. Then, finally, kill those bugs by using high heat. One hundred fifteen degrees Fahrenheit is what is required to kill them.
Did nothing work out? Seek professional help!
Even after you have done everything, if you notice the infestation is still persisting, then it is time you seek help from a professional. Exterminators have years of dealing with even the most stubborn pests. They can locate the site of infestation and use safer methods. They will also ensure that your family and pets remain safe during the treatment.
