Bed bugs are on the rise in the U.S. as well as other nations around the globe. In fact, Europe, Australia, and North American’s bed-bug infestations are now considered epidemics. This trend will likely continue unless people start to understand more about the pests and take precautionary measures to keep the bugs from spreading. Education, preventative measures such as mattress protection, and pest-control-eradication practices can come together to curtail this pesky problem.
Education
Knowledge is power, so the first step in saying bye-bye to bed bugs is to learn about them and their habits. Here are some things to know about these insects:
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What they look like: These tiny bugs are flat and oval shaped. They are commonly a reddish brown color, but can also be tan, orange, or white. Their bodies are approximately ¼ of an inch long.
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How they get into your home: Bed bugs attach themselves to your belongings, such as suitcases, computers, clothing, or bedding, and then travel along wherever these items end up.
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What they like and don’t like: Bed bugs like warmth, but they don’t like excessive heat or cold.
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What they do: Although bed bugs are creepy and can cause allergic reactions and discomfort in their victims, they aren’t poisonous.
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They don’t like mattress covers: Covering your mattress with a bug-proof cover can prevent the infestation from moving into your bed.
Prevention Through Mattress Covers
A natural method of keeping your bed safe from a bed-bug invasion is to cover your mattress. This method can keep the pests from burrowing into your bedding, and doesn’t involve chemical treatments. Look for covers with the following qualities:
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Waterproof: Covers that are made from waterproof materials and linings such as polyurethane and vinyl can effectively protect your mattress.
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Bite-proof: Fabric that is designated as bite-proof or bug-proof will keep pests from eating through the material.
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Airtight zippers: Make sure there’s no space around the zipper pull or teeth, because even the tiniest opening is a welcome mat for bed bugs.
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Large enough for box spring and mattress: You need to contain both the box spring and mattress if you are to sleep in a bug-free bed.
Pest Control Tactics
If you think you have bed bugs, it’s important to take steps to get rid of them. For example:
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Wash items in hot water and dry them in clothes dryer on the high-heat setting.
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Seal items in a black plastic bag and leave in your car in the sun for several days.
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Vacuum carpets and throw away vacuum-bag in outside receptacle.
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Get rid of infested furniture that can’t be cleaned, but be sure to mark items as “bed-bug infested” before you toss them out.
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Call in a professional exterminator to take care of the problem. Pest-control specialists can use heat treatments, chemicals, and other techniques to permanently rid your home of these pesky critters.
Once you’ve gotten rid of your bed bugs, be sure to take preventative steps to keep another onslaught of the pests from creeping in. Mattress covers can seal your box spring and mattress, so bugs can’t take up residence in the foam, wood, and springs, which will allow you to slumber away in peace.
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