Can you get rid of Bed Bugs on your own? The short answer is yes. With a comprehensive treatment plan, bed bugs can soon be an afterthought. However, success depends on factors such as infestation size and consistent cooperation from all residents. Let’s break down the bed bug treatment process step by step so you know how to get rid of bed bugs.
How To Get Rid Bed Bugs Yourself In 7 Steps
We have outlined 7 steps below to assist you in controlling & killing bed bugs yourself. If after learning how to get rid of bed bugs yourself you feel it might be too much, we always recommend calling a pest control company who is experienced is bed bug extermination.
Identify The Issue
First order of business to identify which species of bug has entered your home. Collect a sample and send it to a local agent, who can identify the pest for no cost. Make sure you inspect every area of your home to grasp the full scope of the infestation. Also, if you rent a home, inform your landlord and seek assistance. Landlords may have a legal obligation to participate in treatment. Lastly, review housing codes and laws in your area.
Construct A Plan
Like anything in life, preparation and proper planning lead to success. So, it’s important to create a schedule to keep yourself organized. Consider your personal plans, such as vacations, and allocate enough time for each step. Keep detailed records throughout the process, including the dates and locations where bed bugs are found. Proper documentation will ensure no bed bugs are left behind. After the treatment is completed, continue to check for bed bugs for at least a year to ensure a full and successful extermination.
Keep The Bed Bugs Contained
Bed bugs get out of hand when the issue spreads to other areas of one’s home. So, start by sealing small hiding areas with silicone caulk. Next, remove all infested items and treat them or place them in sealed bags or containers for up to a year. Invest in protective covers for your mattress and box springs to trap bed bugs inside. Make sure to vacuum regularly and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately. If furniture can’t be safely treated, consider discarding it responsibly by having it picked up by your local trash collection agency. On the other hand, if the furniture can be treated, take the necessary steps to safely eliminate the bed bugs from it.
Prepare For Treatment
Regardless as to who is responsible for completing the Bed Bug treatment, make sure all members in the household are aware of the upcoming treatment. To keep your family safe, all members of the family including dogs and cats should be removed from the home when the bed bug treatment begins.
The EPA has a great article on how to get better prepared for bed bug treatment, click here to read more. “Preparing for Bed Bug Treatment”.
Eliminate The Bed Bugs
For those doing the bed bug treatment themselves, avoid treatments that aren’t proven to work like rubbing alcohol and sticky traps. You should consider using non-chemical methods such as heat treatment, cold treatment, and steam cleaning. However, these methods might not be enough to get rid of the bed bug infestation entirely. That is why it is best to hire a pest control professional (exterminator) or use EPA-registered pesticides. Be sure to check for any evidence of bed bugs regularly and use different types of pesticides as needed. Desiccants and bed bug interceptor traps are also options to consider. Always follow label directions and be mindful of the potential dangers of using foggers or increasing indoor temperature.
EPA Recommended: DIY Bed Bug Interceptor Traps
Bed Bug interceptor Traps can be placed under furniture legs to catch falling bed bugs. To create this trap, place a small container inside a larger one and wrap masking tape around the outside of the larger container to allow bed bugs to easily climb into it. Glue or tape the two containers together and sprinkle talcum powder into both containers to keep the bed bugs trapped. Place the interceptor traps under each leg of the infested furniture. Make sure to move the furniture a few inches from walls and keep all linens off the floor. Check and clean the interceptors every week, reapplying talcum powder as needed. Dispose of captured bed bugs in a sealable bag.
Evaluate and prevent
After bed bug treatment, continue to monitor the interceptor traps. Your thorough investigation should continue as long as needed. The EPA recommends checking every 7 days to ensure no bed bug eggs were left behind, YUCK!
Best Way How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs – Call Priority Pest
Here at Priority Pest and Mosquito Solutions, we strive not only for safe homes and buildings, but for a community that is able to help everyone become better as a whole. Learning how to get rid of bed bugs and getting rid of bed bugs is tricky and time consuming. One of our pest control specialties is killing bed bugs and we have eliminated bed bugs across many homes, hotels, & other businesses in & around Oklahoma City. Bed bugs can be a big problem and although this guide will help to contain the problem, it is best to have a bed bug exterminator come out and properly destroy the bed bugs you are dealing with. We take pride in our personable pest control services and are proven that we can eliminate the bed bugs and other pests in your home or business..
Feel free to explore our website, and learn about our different pest control services such as exterminating bed bugs, cockroaches, fleas & ticks, and gopher control. Call our OKC exterminators today and we’ll ensure that all your questions and concerns are answered as well as your bed bugs & other pests removed.