Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bed Bugs – Buzzle

Bed bugs are tiny, parasitic insects that belong to the Cimicidae family. They can easily squeeze into the smallest of spaces due to their flattened bodies. Folds or seams of mattresses, bed frames, box springs, and cracks or crevices in the walls are some of the most common hiding places of these blood-sucking insects. Bed bugs are active at night. They crawl out of their hiding places at night for getting a blood meal. They are attracted to the body's warmth and the carbon dioxide that is exhaled by us at night.

Signs of an Infestation Bed bugs are tiny which is why spotting them can be a difficult task. However, there are certain signs that hint towards a bed bug infestation. Blood smears or rust-colored spots, molted exoskeletons, or dried excrement on the bed sheets are some of the common signs of an infestation. Though bed bugs are not considered to be transmitters of disease, their bite can cause the skin to become itchy. Scratching over the site of bite can also put the affected individual at a risk of developing a secondary infection. Some people may develop a mild or severe allergic reaction to bed bug bites.

Eliminating Bed Bugs The task of eliminating these parasitic insects will be easier if the signs of an infestation are identified at an early stage. The first step is to find out the exact place of infestation. While home remedies can be followed for eliminating them, certain precautionary measures must also be followed to prevent an infestation in the future. If you find spots on the bed sheets, mattresses, and pillow cases, you may follow these measures.

Wash the bed sheets, cushions, pillow covers, rugs, and comforters in very hot water. It will certainly help kill bed bugs.

Since bed bugs may find a way into the pillow covers or seams of mattresses, it would be a good idea to seal them with a zipped cover.

Thoroughly vacuum or steam clean the mattresses. Run the vacuum over the areas that are most likely to get infested. Make sure that you vacuum under the bed. Clean the bed stands, foot mats, and carpets. Look in every nook and corner.

If you are planning to buy used furniture or rent furniture, inspect it thoroughly for bed bugs. Don't bring infested items to your home.

Keep your home clean. Reducing clutter will certainly help to minimize the chances of an infestation. Remove unnecessary items from the bedrooms.

If you spot bed bugs or their eggs on your furniture, use a piece of duct tape to lift them. Place them in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and dispose it off as soon as possible.

Wash the floors with a bleaching agent. It may help kill bed bugs. You can also spray rubbing alcohol over their hiding places.

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Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bed Bugs - Buzzle