How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs at Home (with Pictures) – wikiHow

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Three Parts:Containing the InfestationCleaning UpTreating Your HouseCommunity Q&A

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of warm-blooded creatures, and particularly humans. These bugs are often found living on mattresses, box springs, bed sheets, and baseboards, as well as suitcases, shoes, and backpacks. Calling a professional exterminator is the quickest and most effective way to get rid of bed bugs at home, but you can tackle minor infestations on your own. To treat bed bugs yourself, the best course of action is thorough cleaning and a combination of treatments that include heat, cold, and pesticides.

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How can I disinfect the things I can't wash or spray with steam?

wikiHow Contributor

A hairdryer should provide enough heat to kill them, or you can seal it up in bags and leave it in direct sunlight on a hot day. This will produce enough heat to kill them.

What is the best w aye to prepare for an exterminator?

wikiHow Contributor

Remove and or reduce clutter. Vacuum everything thoroughly (floors, baseboards, framing, mattresses, anything you can reach). Small crevice tool suggested and ensure you clean tip often as eggs can stick to it and be transferred to a new room. Remove all pillows, clothing, bedding, curtains, and other fabric/plush items in plastic bags (double bag). Wash and dry all items you have removed on high heat and place in clean plastic bags or totes and store. Do not bring back in home until it has been treated. Do not move any items out of rooms unless sealed properly, to avoid transferring to other rooms. If disposing of items, destroy them or mark them, so that people won't take them to reuse.

Will bed bugs bite my pets?

wikiHow Contributor

Typically, no, because their bodies aren't made to move through hair follicles the same as fleas. However, there are also things called bat bugs which are almost exactly the same thing with two minor differences physically. You get them from having bats in your home and need to remove bats before you can get rid of the bugs. They prefer to feed on bats but will bite other hosts in the absence. Those (as well as bed bugs though) can hitch rides on your pets possibly and spread to other areas you might spend long periods of time sitting still, like a couch.

What is the best spray to use on bedbugs, and where can I buy some?

wikiHow Contributor

You could use just plain rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and leave the room for 5 to ten minutes to avoid inhaling it too much. But if you're not fond of that idea, Eco Defense Bedbug Killer is available on Amazon.

Where can I get a bed bug mattress cover?

wikiHow Contributor

Any mattress store should carry bed bug covers. Places like Linen's & Things, HomeSense, Home Outfitters, and Bed Bath & Beyond should all carry them. Prices for a Queen size can range from $60-$120 depending on the quality.

Why do I keep getting bed bugs? Does it mean my house is dirty?

wikiHow Contributor

Not necessarily. Bedbugs are "hitchhikers" -- you can bring them home from hotels and other places. Your bedbug infestations may have nothing to do with the cleanliness of your house.

How do I get rid of bugs from old pictures with paper backs?

wikiHow Contributor

If possible, seal them in bags and leave it in direct sunlight on a hot day, or use a hairdryer for heat to kill them.

Does washing laundry with bleach kill bed bugs?

wikiHow Contributor

It's actually heat that does the trick. Very hot water and an extra-long high-heat drying cycle is what you should use. If what you're washing can't handle that, then you could try a dry cleaner.

If someone in my home is hepatitis C positive and they get bit by a bed bug, can it be transferred to someone else in the home if the same bug bites another family member?

wikiHow Contributor

There is no evidence that bedbugs can transfer diseases like Hep C or HIV.

After two treatments by pest control I still see bedbugs active in my house, what should I do?

wikiHow Contributor

Try using diatomaceous earth powder. It prevents bedbugs, and if the bedbugs are exposed to it, the powder will literally suck the moisture out of them. The food grade powder is 100% nontoxic.

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How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs at Home (with Pictures) - wikiHow