04Oct2023
What Are Bed Bugs And How To Get Rid Of Them?
Bed bugs have been a part of the society since the very beginning. They were mentioned in the texts written at the time the ancient philosopher Aristotle was alive. They were also found in the Egyptian tombs. Between then and now, one thing is common, bed bugs are by far one of the toughest pest problems to eliminate and even after trying multiple methods, you may fail to get rid of all of them.
The best solution is to hire a pest control company with the appropriate experience of successfully wiping out bed bugs. Unfortunately, the service can be too expensive for most people, especially if you’re moving out and already paying for professional end of lease cleaning in Adelaide. If you can’t afford to hire professionals, then you can certainly attempt to do bed bug control yourself.
In this article, we’ll understand what bed bugs are and how you can get rid of them. Follow this guide with patience to finally eliminate the bugs.
What are Bed Bugs?
In simple terms, bed bugs are small insects that live off the blood of humans and animals. When it comes to appearance, they are small, reddish-brown coloured insects that are flat and oval in shape. Adult bed bugs can be as long as 5-7 mm. The most commonly found bed bug around the world is Cimex lectularius. But there are many other species that exist and feed on a variety of mammals and birds. Their small, flat bodies allow them to fit into small spaces. These insidious creatures can easily enter your home and hide around items like furniture and bedding.How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Once it is started, it can be challenging to eliminate bed bug infestation. Getting rid of all of them can be time-consuming. You may even need to use both chemical and non-chemical treatments depending on the infestation’s extent. But it is possible to get rid of them. Here are the steps recommended by most end of lease cleaners in Adelaide that you must follow:Step 1: Identify all the Infested Areas
Before the bugs start to reproduce, finding and eliminating them is crucial. It is much cheaper and easier to deal with a small infestation than a big one. On the flip side, a small one can be hard to detect. You can search for the bed bugs by taking a look at the spots like:- In bed frame and headboard cracks
- Between couch cushions
- In joints of furniture
- Under loose wallpaper
- Under paintings/posters on the wall
Step 2: Start Preparing for the Treatment
Before starting the bedbug treatment, doing a little prep work is recommended as that will highly maximise the odds of your success. Either clean or throw out the linens, clothing, carpets, and other bedbug hiding places. Do not move any item from the infested room to another room, even if you’re in the middle of end of lease cleaning in Adelaide, as it could lead to the spread of bugs. Seal up all the open areas, such as the furniture cracks.Step 3: Eliminate the Bedbugs Without Using Chemicals
It is highly recommended to kill the bugs without using the chemicals, especially if you have pets, you must use pet-friendly cleaning solutions. It’s fairly easy to do this with the help of high heat at 115°F (46.11°C). Here are the steps to follow:- In hot water for 30 minutes, wash your bedding and clothes. Then, put them in a dryer on the highest setting possible for 30 minutes.
- Use a steamer on other places where bugs hide, such as couches and mattresses.
- Pack all of the infested bags on a hot day when the temperature is likely to go up to 95°F (35°C).
- Place the bags in a freezer at 0°F (-17.78°C). Let it stay there for a minimum of 4 days.
Step 4: Ensure the Treatment has worked
The wiping out of bedbugs will take some time. That’s why you need proof to ensure that the treatment has worked. Look closely at the infested areas every 7 days for any potential signs. Under each leg of the bed, place bedbug interceptors to spot the surviving bedbugs more easily. These creatures are tough, and before you think they’ve been eliminated, you may see their glimpses 0nce again. To control the infestation, you may need to try different methods. If you still see them around, then it will be a good idea to hire professionals for the job even if you’re moving away from your rental property since most end of lease cleaners in Adelaide don’t offer pest control service.Step 5: Keep the Bugs Away
Once the bugs are gone, you want to ensure they’re not returning to maintain a healthy environment. For this, follow the steps below:- Do not leave items like a magazine on the floor. Clear up the clutter.
- Ensure your mattress is covered with a bedbug cover.
- Seal cracks wherever visible, including the places around light sockets, baseboards, etc.
- Vacuum and wash bedding, curtains, furniture, etc. often.
