One of the most prevalent pests in America today if not the world is the bed bug. It’s been around for ever it seems but was reduced to just a cliche after centuries of tormenting mankind. There are so many different treatments now for this new surge and everyone claims to have the edge over the other. We have freeze guns, heat treatments, sprays, powders, specialty vacuums and the list grows with everyday the infestations spread.
There is a couple sure fire methods that any do it yourself pest controller can use and I’m surprised that not more do. Ok, it won’t rid you of every bug in the room so you should expect to treat for them. This recipe however uses very little chemical and should allow you to sleep in your bed without getting bitten.
#1- Inspect and treat your bed
Now I did say ‘very little chemical’ and if you have bed bugs but your goal is a good nights sleep your gonna have to do your best to kill or remove all the bugs that are already on your bed. Using a strong flashlight you’re gonna need to tear that bed apart. Missing only a few or even just one will be disheartening to say the least. Any comforters should be washed (more than once) as bed bugs often live inside. There are dry cleaning methods but make sure they guarantee the job. (it’s a lot of work-even for just the bed) Using a product such as Bedlam aerosol should do nicely and a powerful vacuum cleaner with crack and crevice attachments will be a big help. Don’t miss an inch or they will be back.
#2- Make your bed an island
You only need to get the bed away from the wall and anything like curtains or a night stand by a couple of inches. Bed bugs can’t fly or jump but they readily climb up whatever they can to feed on their sleeping victims. Even hanging blankets provide a bridge or robes hung on the bed post. Next you need to block them from using the legs or bed posts since they contact the floor. There is a neat new product available that can help. Bed bug interceptors help create your ‘island’ because the surface of the cups don’t allow the bug to climb up the posts. You can also use things like a pie tin filled with soapy water but that does make a mess and rust or bed damage could be an issue. Create an island of sorts that bed bugs can’t access.
#3- Cover that mattress
Most, if not all companies require you to either throw away your current mattress or encase it with a bed bug proof covering in order to guarantee their work. Because you can’t get to the inner workings of a mattress it is impossible to treat 100% and bed bugs will simply move further in to avoid the spray. Don’t forget the pillows and box spring and you should be all set. By encasing what you can’t treat you lock bugs out of course but you will also seal bed bugs in and they will die in short order without feeding.
Now I have heard that bed bugs will climb a wall and fall from the ceiling to get to their prey but in most cases it is a severe infestation. If you decide to buy the covers make sure you get good ones and not cheap knock offs as I’m sure you will be SOREly disappointed. The 3 best I’ve found are available above. Of course you will want to treat the rest of the house where this pest is but hopefully now you can get a good nights sleep.
