Have you been concerned about bed bugs recently? If you’ve noticed little bite marks, or noticed little flat bugs around your mattress, you may have reason to be concerned. That’s because you may have a mild bed bug problem. Bed bugs can enter our lives and our homes in many different ways, but if you think you may have a bed bug problem, there are many options for you.
- Determining you if have a problem
Bed bugs got their name because they can primarily be found on and around the bed. If you’ve seen them, or been bitten by them, you may have an infestation. If it’s not super noticeable, meaning you have to search for the little buggers, the problem may be mild. That’s probably not that reassuring, but there are still a few things you can do.
- How to Treat a Mild Bed Bug Problem
1. Powder
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to get rid of bed bugs is to use a special powder intended to kill bed bugs. First, treat the problem by applying powder to the bedding and furniture in your house. Remove all bedding and wash all sheets and blankets in warm, soapy water. If you can’t do laundry right away, seal your bedding in a plastic bag until it can be washed. Next, take the powder and cover your bed, as well as any furniture left in the house. Make sure to get in all the little nooks and crannies, and don’t forget the bed spring under your mattress. Pull your bed out a few inches from the wall, and make sure no bedding touches the ground. Vacuum often and empty the vacuum after each use, sealing the bag and throwing it away in your outside garbage can.
Discard any furniture you can’t eliminate the bugs from. Destroy the furniture so that no one else wants to claim it as their own. To do this, you can remove all the stuffing from the cushions, or rip them up completely. Arrange to have the furniture picked up and sent to the dump as soon as possible.
2. Traps
Traps can be made from Vaseline or double-sided tape. Apply the Vaseline or tape around the legs of your bedposts. This can be effective for most areas, but applying Vaseline or tape to your mattress can get quite messy.
3. Encasements
Another, more expensive option, is to buy encasements that seal your box spring, mattress, and even your pillows to protect against bed bug infiltrations. You will have to keep these encasements on for over a year, as bed bugs can survive for that long without a meal.
4. When it’s time to call a professional
While DIY exterminations can be effective for some mild bed bug problems, they can just as easily take more time, money, and cause more problems than just calling us, the professionals, the first time. We have many solutions to dealing with mild and severe bed bug problems that will probably save you time and money over doing the DIY route.
