Imagine waking up in the morning itching and scratching all over your body. Upon closer inspection, you realize that the pesky bed bugs have invaded your peaceful slumber yet again. And no matter how many times you have tried to get rid of them, they just keep coming back. The frustration and fear of a never-ending bed bug infestation can be overwhelming and disheartening. But don’t lose hope just yet. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why bed bugs keep returning and provide practical solutions to finally bid them goodbye once and for all. So sit back, relax, and prepare to conquer the battle against bed bugs.
What do I do if bed bugs keep coming back?
While these steps can help to prevent bed bugs from coming back, it may also be necessary to hire a professional pest control company to help eliminate any remaining bed bugs. With persistence and a little bit of patience, you can get rid of bed bugs and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep once again.
1. Inspect and treat all potential sources: Bed bugs can hide in cracks, crevices, furniture seams, and even electrical outlets. Inspect all these possible hiding spots throughout your home and treat them with appropriate measures to eradicate these persistent pests.
2. Wash all linens and bedding: Bed bugs could be hitchhiking to your bed through infected clothing. Make sure you wash all bedding, clothing, and linens on high heat- with a temperature of at least 60°C- to exterminate the bugs and their eggs.
3. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum: Regular and thorough vacuuming can make a big difference. Use a powerful vacuum to clean your carpets, furniture, and even your mattress. This can help remove any bed bugs, their eggs, and the food sources they depend on.
4. Seek professional pest control services: If bed bugs persist, it’s time to call in a professional pest control service. A professional exterminator has the necessary experience, equipment, and knowledge to locate and eradicate bed bugs and other pests.
5. Preventative measures: Once your bed bug problem is under control, take preventative measures to stop them from returning. Consider using bed bug traps, regularly vacuuming, sealing up cracks and crevices, and regularly washing and drying bedding and clothes to ensure that these pests don’t come back.
Take a look at this fascinating video on Bed Bugs, I guarantee you’ll find it interesting:
What to Do If Bed Bugs Keep Coming Back
Bed bugs are notorious pests that infest homes and cause havoc for the inhabitants. While it may seem like a never-ending battle to get rid of these critters, there are measures that can be taken to minimize the problem. Here are some steps you can take to get rid of bed bugs and prevent them from coming back.
Consistent Cleaning Habits Can Help
One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce bed bug populations in your home is to maintain a consistent cleaning schedule. This includes vacuuming and washing bed linens and clothing on a regular basis. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of the cleaning:
- Vacuum your mattress and box spring thoroughly at least once a week to remove any bed bugs or eggs that may be present.
- Wash your bedding sheets, blankets, bedspreads, and any clothing that touches the floor at high temperatures to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
- Use a dryer on high heat to dry your clothes and bedding. The high temperature will kill any bed bugs or eggs that may be present.
Keeping a schedule and sticking to it will help reduce the number of bed bugs in your home.
Reduce Clutter in Your Home
Bed bugs love to hide in dark, secluded areas, which is why they are often found in cluttered homes. By reducing clutter, you’ll create fewer opportunities for bed bugs to hide and breed. Here are some tips to help you reduce clutter and make your home less appealing to bed bugs:
- Throw away any unnecessary items, such as old newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes.
- Organize your closets and drawers to make it easier to find and remove any bed bugs that may be present.
- Use plastic storage bins instead of cardboard boxes, which bed bugs can easily infest.
By reducing clutter in your home, you’ll create an environment that is less hospitable to bed bugs.
Use a Vacuum Cleaner Regularly
A vacuum cleaner is a powerful tool for eliminating bed bugs and their eggs from your home. Here are some tips to help you effectively use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of bed bugs:
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a bag, as this will make it easier to dispose of any bed bugs or eggs that you vacuum up.
- Use the crevice tool attachment to vacuum the seams and folds of your mattress, box spring, and furniture.
- After vacuuming, remove the bag and dispose of it in an outdoor trashcan. Bed bugs can survive inside the vacuum cleaner, so it’s important to remove the bag and dispose of it immediately.
By using a vacuum cleaner regularly, you’ll be able to keep your home free of bed bugs and their eggs.
Keep Your Bedding Clean and Fresh
Bedding is one of the primary places bed bugs like to hide, which is why it’s essential to keep your bedding clean and fresh. Here are some tips to help you maintain clean and fresh bedding:
- Wash your bedding in hot water at least once a week.
- Use a dryer on high heat to dry your bedding for at least 30 minutes.
- Use a mattress encasement and box spring encasement to prevent bed bugs from nesting in your mattress and box spring.
By keeping your bedding clean and fresh, you’ll make it less hospitable to bed bugs.
Mattress and Box Spring Protection
Bed bugs love to hide in and around mattresses and box springs, which is why it’s important to take steps to protect these items. Here are some tips to help you protect your mattress and box spring from bed bugs:
- Invest in a high-quality mattress encasement and box spring encasement that is designed to keep bed bugs out.
- Check your encasements regularly for any signs of bed bugs. If you find any, remove the encasement and wash it in hot water.
- If you find bed bugs in your mattress or box spring, consider disposing of them and purchasing new ones.
By protecting your mattress and box spring, you’ll make it harder for bed bugs to infest your home.
Consider Professional Treatment Options
If you’ve tried these steps and are still struggling with bed bugs, it may be time to consider professional treatment options. Here are some treatment options to consider:
- Heat treatment – This involves using high temperatures to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
- Chemical treatment – This involves using pesticides to eliminate bed bugs.
- Cryonite treatment – This involves using a freezing agent to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
Professional treatment options can be expensive, but they are often the most effective way to get rid of bed bugs for good.
Inspect Secondhand Furniture
Secondhand furniture is a common way that bed bugs are introduced into homes. Before bringing any secondhand furniture into your home, be sure to inspect it thoroughly for signs of bed bugs. Here are some tips to help you inspect secondhand furniture:
- Look for any signs of bed bug activity, such as fecal spots, shed skins, or live bugs.
- Inspect all crevices and seams for signs of bed bugs.
- If you find any signs of bed bugs, do not bring the furniture into your home.
By inspecting secondhand furniture, you’ll reduce your risk of introducing bed bugs into your home.
Seek Out Help and Support
Finally, it’s important to seek out help and support if you’re struggling with bed bugs. Bed bugs can be a stressful and overwhelming problem, and it’s okay to ask for help. Here are some resources to help you get the support you need:
- Contact a pest control company for professional help.
- Join a bed bug support group or online forum to connect with others who are dealing with the same problem.
- Speak with a mental health professional if you’re struggling with the stress and anxiety of dealing with bed bugs.
By seeking out help and support, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of dealing with bed bugs.
Conclusion
Dealing with bed bugs can be a frustrating and challenging experience, but with consistent effort and the right strategies, you can get rid of bed bugs and prevent them from coming back. By maintaining a consistent cleaning schedule, reducing clutter, using a vacuum cleaner regularly, keeping your bedding clean and fresh, protecting your mattress and box spring, considering professional treatment options, inspecting secondhand furniture, and seeking out help and support, you’ll be well on your way to a bed bug-free home.
