Bed Bugs Symptoms
Do it yourself or call in the cavalry This article will offer you tips about what to do in each situation.
The purpose of this article is to give you some simple DIY techniques to help treat these loathsome creatures.
There are some things you can do yourself to truly make a difference. There is definitely a time to call in a professional too.
Well discuss each option and talk about when you can do some things yourself and when to call in a professional.
Assuming you want to try the do-it-yourself approach, heres the 3 simple steps:
1. Inspection
2. Brushing
3. Vacuuming
If you start with these three steps and do them properly, you can start making a difference in the problem right away.
Lets get started…
Inspection
In the pest control industry any professional will tell you that no matter what pest youre facing the first step is ALWAYS inspection.
Until you do a thorough inspection, you dont know exactly what youre up against. You dont know how bad it is or where the pests are living, breeding and hiding out.
This is especially true when dealing with bed bugs. Inspection, inspection, inspection.
You can read my other articles for a full description of how to properly inspect, but heres the basics:
- Remove the bedspread, sheets, pillows and pillow cases
- Look for any bed bugs signs while removing bedding
- Carefully inspect all seams of mattress
- Remove “cheese cloth” cover of box springs and look under seams
- Inspect all cracks and crevices of bed frame and bed board
- Carefully examine every drawer and other parts of nightstands and furniture
Now, on to step 2…
Brushing
As you complete each part of the inspection you should be using a stiff brush to knock loose any eggs, nymphs, or adult bed bugs.
Simple, right Time for step 3…
Vacuuming
Vacuuming will be done in conjunction with brushing. Since the brushing will know loose any eggs, nymphs or bugs, you will want to vacuum them up immediately so they dont spread.
A good Shop-Vac or a vacuum with attachments works great. The stronger the suction, the better the results.
Note – If youre going to use the tips you have to be..well, anal for lack of a better word. I mean you have to be meticulous about this.
Since youre not using any chemical means of treating you have really got to go inch by inch and really take your time and be thorough.
This is something you need to be mentally prepared for, because its going to take a while.
You also want to target any furniture with a cloth covering. Vacuum and brush under cushions, turn the furniture over and get every seams and crack you can think of.
These bugs specialize in hiding so really be aggressive about this.
If at any time during the process you see a bunch of bugs crawling or something that you know is just too much for you to handle, that might be the time to call in a professional.
This is not for the faint of heart and will need to be repeated more than once If youre ambitious however and you want to do something NOW to get relief, these 3 steps to bed bugs treatment are a good option.
Other articles you may enjoy:
What To Do If You Have Bed Bugs?
Bed Bugs Signs
Bed Bugs Wiki