Bed bugs are primarily found in bedding.
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, bed bugs are an increasing problem. Bed bugs are tiny insects that live off the blood of animals and are commonly found in the bedding of hotels, dorm rooms and bedrooms. Bed bugs are typically transferred through people traveling and can leave bites on a person's body that are itchy and can become inflamed. If you suspect you have a bed bug infestation, use various methods to kill the bugs.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming can eliminate bed bugs that are visible on bedding, around the bottom of carpet and in other visible locations. Vacuuming alone will not eliminate all bed bugs present; unseen bugs may still hide in cracks and crevices the vacuum can't reach, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Laundering
Medical News Today states that washing bedding in soapy water over 120 degrees F will kill bed bugs. If you have bedding or garments that cannot be washed in water, sending them to a dry cleaner will kill them or placing the items directly in a clothes dryer will eliminate them. Set the dryer on the "high" setting for at least 20 minutes to ensure all the bugs are killed.
Heat
Bed begs cannot survive in temperatures above 120 degrees F, according to the Mayo Clinic. In the summer, place all the infested materials in a plastic trash bag and place the sealed bag in a car with the windows rolled up. Allow the car to heat up in the hot sun, leaving the articles in the car throughout the day. Wash the items before placing them back on your bed.
Freezing
The Mayo Clinic states that bed bugs cannot survive in temperatures below 32 degrees F. Place the bedding in a sealed plastic bag in your freezer, or place them outdoors during the winter months and leave overnight. If the temperature does not dip below 32 degrees F, the bed bugs may return.
Pesticides
Pesticides are an effective way to kill bed bugs. Pesticides may be purchased for use on bed bugs at stores, but Harvard School of Public Health recommends hiring a professional exterminator. The improper use of pesticides can cause health issues in humans, so follow all safety instructions and use pesticides with caution.
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