Can you get rid of bed bugs on your own? Treating bed bugs is complex and can take weeks to months, depending on the extent of the infestation. Your likelihood of success depends on many factors, including how many bed bugs you have, how much clutter is
available for hiding places, whether your neighbors have bed bugs, and whether all residents of a house of building will participate To be successful, everyone in the home will need to cooperate and do their part The following steps will help you begin:
You may have to follow these steps more than once to kill all the bugs and their eggs. Identify the Problem
Develop a Plan
Keep the Infestation from Spreading
Prepare for TreatmentPreparing for treatment is very important; it will make it easier to monitor for bed bugs that haven't been eliminated. This preparation should be completed whether you are doing the treatment yourself or hiring a professional. Learn more about preparing for treatment Learn about treatment options (PDF).(4 pp, 480 K, About PDF) Kill the Bed Bugs
If needed, hire a pest management professional or use pesticides carefully according to the label directions:
Carefully look for any evidence of bed bugs every few days after you complete your initial cleanup and control processes. If you see bed bugs, either the initial cleanup missed some bugs or eggs have hatched. Retreatment may be needed.; Consider using different types of pesticides if repeated treatments are needed.
Bed bug interceptor traps can be placed under the legs of furniture to catch bed bugs and keep them from climbing the legs. Both commercial and do-it-yourself interceptors are options. Follow the directions below to create your interceptor traps. Bed bug interceptors (place under furniture legs to catch bed bugs)
Evaluate and Prevent
Bed bugs — National Pesticide Information Center Bed bugs: Do-it-yourself control options -- Texas A & M AgriLife Extension Bed Bug Control in Residences -- University of Minnesota Bed Bugs Integrated Pest Management in and Around the Home -- University of California Can you ever fully get rid of bed bugs?It can be difficult to eliminate bed bugs, but it's not impossible. Don't throw out all of your things because most of them can be treated and saved. Throwing stuff out is expensive, may spread the bed bugs to other people's homes and could cause more stress.
What kills bed bugs instantly and permanently?Steam – Bed bugs and their eggs die at 122°F (50°C). The high temperature of steam 212°F (100°C) immediately kills bed bugs. Apply steam slowly to the folds and tufts of mattresses, along with sofa seams, bed frames, and corners or edges where bed bugs may be hiding.
How do I make sure bed bugs are gone?Wash bedding and clothes in hot water for 30 minutes. Then put them in a dryer on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes. Use a steamer on mattresses, couches, and other places where bedbugs hide. Pack up infested items in black bags and leave them outside on a hot day that reaches 95°F (35°C) or in a closed car.
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