Homeowners have a difficult time getting rid of bed bugs because they're one of the hardest insects to kill. Their rapid reproduction rates and expert ability to stay out of sight make them almost impossible to eradicate without a professional exterminator.
Bed bug infestations are a nightmare, but there are several solutions that work. Learn more about where these pests hide, along with what you can do to kick them to the curb for good.
How Do Bed Bugs Spread?
Bed bugs don't have the ability to fly, so they move around from place to place by hitching a ride on unsuspecting people and animals. Hotel rooms are one of the most common places to find bed bugs, given how many people come and go on a regular basis. You'll also find these insects on modes of public transportation, like the bus or trains, and in airports and airplanes. Theaters and schools encounter bed bug infestations as well. If you live in an apartment complex, if one of your neighbors has bed bugs, there's a chance they may have made their way into your unit.
Once bed bugs get into their new homes, they spread out into every corner of every room, making them extremely difficult to eradicate on your own. Here are some of the places bed bugs hide in homes and buildings:
- In the seams of your mattress and box spring
- In the seams between walls and carpeting
- Inside and around electrical outlets
- Inside electronics near your bed like your lamp or clock
- In the cushions and seams of furniture
- Inside dresser drawers
- Behind wall décor
- Underneath wallpaper
- In cracks or crevasses of your headboard
If you find evidence of these insects in your house, it may be time to call an exterminator experienced in bed bug pest control near you.
Does Vacuuming Help Keep Bed Bugs Away?
Keeping your home as clean as possible is one of the best forms of natural pest control for bed bugs. Vacuuming, in particular, can help you during an active bed bug infestation. While it isn't one hundred percent effective at fully eliminating these pests, it can certainly help you get rid of a large number of them. When using your vacuum to suck up bed bugs, there are several things to take into consideration. Here are some tips to make the process more effective:
- Use the strongest suction setting and switch to your attachment tool to get into any nooks and crannies where bed bugs are hiding.
- Avoid using too much pressure when vacuuming, as this may scatter bed bug eggs, further exacerbating the infestation.
- If you have a canister vacuum, empty it into a plastic bag and seal it tightly before disposal. Wash the canister out with hot water and soap to kill any leftover bugs.
- If your vacuum uses disposable bags, remove the bag as soon as you are finished and seal it with plenty of tape to make sure no bed bugs escape. Place the bag inside a sealable plastic bag before throwing it away.
- Wash or replace your vacuum's filter.
The best form of pest control to kill bed bugs is through the services of a professional like A1 Bonded Termite.
Will High Heat Kill Bed Bugs In Anaheim?
High heat is a very effective form of bed bug control. If you subject bed bugs to constant heat exposure at a temperature of 113 degrees Fahrenheit, they die within 90 minutes. Increase the temperature to 118 degrees, and they will die within just 20 minutes. This is only true for actual bed bugs but not their eggs. The eggs need to have exposure to 118-degree heat for at least 90 minutes, or they may survive.
Total Bed Bug Control For Anaheim Residents
A1 Bonded Termite has been a trusted source of pest control in Anaheim since 1976. Our comprehensive bed bug treatment plans are customized to your needs and are guaranteed to work, even against the toughest infestations. Call us today to learn more about how our pest control solutions can kill bed bugs and keep them away for good.