I used to think my home would be immune to a bed bug infestation since I’m a clean freak, but one of my clean freak co-workers ended up with an infestation her upstairs neighbor shared. It took her weeks to resolve, and now I’m worried I’ll get them. If that does happen, here are her suggestions for how to get rid of bed bugs.
First, know if you have an infestation. Live bed bugs are tiny and reddish-brown, and they measure less than 1/4-inch long. They feed on blood usually only at night and hide in furniture, flooring, cracks, crevices and fabrics during the day. You’ll know you have an infestation if you see live bugs, red, itchy bites on your body or small black specks of poop on your bedding or furniture.
Your next step is to clean out any clutter in your home. Destroy any infested mattresses, furniture or curtains and remove piles of books, clothes or other clutter from around the infested area.
Next, wash your bedding in hot water. Replace anything you can’t wash, including your mattress, and cover it in a sturdy, bug-proof cover.
You’ll want to treat your home next. DIY freezing or heating is effective, but you need the right equipment and prolonged low (3 degrees F) or high (113 degrees F) temperatures. An exterminator is a more effective option.
Vacuuming daily also removes bed bugs. You’ll have to be vigilant and vacuum the mattresses, bed frames, floors, baseboards, curtains, other furniture and any cracks or crevices. Change the bag after you vacuum, too.
So far, I’ve been spared from a bed bug infestation, but I want to be prepared in case it happens. If you have firsthand experience, share your suggestions so we all know how to get rid of them!
