Monthly Archives: December 2013

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Anything that is discarded should be placed in a sealed garbage bag located within that room. Bags should be discarded outside of the home.

Do not spread the bed bugs within your home or to the homes of others by disposing of infested items not sealed in bags. Infested mattresses or box springs that are going to be discarded should be completely wrapped in plastic prior to removal from the room and should be marked "do not reuse."

Small cracks where wires and pipes come in are bed bug highways. Seal them up with caulk. While you're at it, seal up the cracks behind your baseboards and molding after you've vacuumed them.

If you vacuum up bugs and eggs you can run the risk of infesting your vacuum cleaner and spreading the infestation. Be sure all the contents of the vacuum are sealed in a bag before you dispose of it. Also make sure the hose, bristles, and attachments are cleaned and free of bugs and eggs before storing or reusing your vacuum. Don't forget to treat the wheels of the vacuum.

Do not vacate your home in order to starve the bed bugs to death. Bed bugs can live for six months or more without a meal. And do not use a bug bomb or fogger since these products only kill a few bugs and disperse the others throughout your home.

Pull the bed away from the wall, and make sure that your bedspread and blankets don't touch the floor. Seal your mattress and box springs in bed bug proof encasements; this will kill any bed bugs that are trapped inside.

Do not switch your sleeping arrangements to another bed or sofa since the bed bugs will spread even more as they will follow you to your new sleeping location.

If you have detected early signs of bed bugs, it's possible to exterminate them on your own. It isn't easy though. Depending upon the size and extent of your bed bug infestation, it can take 6 weeks or more. Be patient and diligent.

The first thing you are going to want to do is gather up all suspected infested items such as bedding, clothing, towels and the like. Place them all into the dryer for a 15 minutes. It only takes five minutes at 113 F to kill all stages of bed bugs and their eggs.

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healthsection Health Topics A-Z Healthy Living Featured Conditions eHow Now eHow Health Bites & Stings Bed Bug Bites How to Protect Yourself from Bed Bugs

Many of us may have grown up hearing the expression, "sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite." While this old expression was given with only good thoughts, there is nothing good about bed bugs.

These nasty pests are back making a resurgence and they show no prejudice. Bed bugs can be found anywhere from the humblest dwelling to some of the nicest hotels. Learn how to protect yourself from bed bugs at home and while traveling.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BED BUGS AT HOME - Check at home for bed bugs. If you've ever woken with itchy, red bumps that resemble mosquito bites or noticed tiny dark brown, black or even red spots on your bedding, you should check for bed bugs.

Strip the bedding from the bed and take a good look near all mattress edging seams and the box springs (including under the bed). Check behind those plastic corner protectors on your mattress and pay close attention to the headboard and bed frame. Look closely as bed bugs are tiny, flat and brown without wings; they look similar to a tick.

If you do suspect bed bugs, either call in a professional pest control person or tackle the job yourself. Don't start cleaning if you want to hire a professional as they'll need to know exactly how bad the infestation, or if you actually do have bed bugs.

GET RID OF BED BUGS - Wash all bedding in HOT water and dry on high heat. Remove bed pillows and the dust cover from underneath the box springs. Place pillows and dust cover in heavy duty plastic garbage bags and throw away.

Take mattress and box springs outside if the weather is nice. Steam and vacuum clean every section on the mattress and box springs. Let set in sun to dry well.

Vacuum headboard, footboard and/or metal bed frame. Fill a bucket with hot water and Murphy's Wood Oil soap and wipe down entire bed frame, headboard and footboard.

Vacuum and clean bedroom well, including vacuuming walls if they are wallpapered and also any draperies in the bedroom.

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How to Protect Yourself from Bed Bugs | eHow