How to Get Rid of Bedbugs for Good

Getting rid of bedbugs once and for all requires a careful plan as well as a multifaceted and sensible approach that will thoroughly and effectively address the problems these tiny parasites cause. Although bedbugs are not known to carry disease-causing germs from one human to the next, they do contain other types disease pathogens that as of yet, have not been transmitted to humans. Better safe than sorry – if you have a bedbug infestation, it’s time to deal with it.

While feeding, a tiny bit of the bedbug's saliva is deposited into the skin, much like the way female mosquitoes do, while a few drops of the host's blood is painlessly extracted. Repeated exposure to this saliva may cause an allergic reaction to occur in some people, resulting in itching and irritation ranging from the mild to the severe. Constant scratching may then lead to a secondary infection which should be treated medication such as corticosteroids and antihistamines to reduce the symptoms.

Seeking professional help for bedbugs may be necessary, as many other types of insects resemble this one and the chemicals used for killing them often require specialized handling. Also, many pesticides and insecticides are harmful to humans and our pets if ingested, inhaled, or if they come in contact with the skin.

High temperatures are deadly to bedbugs so make sure you frequently wash all bedding and clothing in water that's 115 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter for at least five to 10 minutes. Also, the hottest setting on the clothes dryer will kill any eggs nestled in the seams and fibers of fabrics. If you suspect your couch is also infected, remove the cushion covers, if possible, and launder those as well. Both furniture and beds should also be thoroughly cleaned with a high-powered vacuum cleaner on a regular basis, making sure to get down into the cracks of the bed's frame where many bedbugs like to hide.

10 Helpful Hints for Getting Rid of Bedbugs for Good

1. Don’t place your beds right up against any walls – bedbugs can enter through the baseboards of your room.

2. Seal any holes leading to the outside around the windows and baseboards, as well as around the ceiling and floors and plumbing with caulking.

3. Keep the space underneath your bed completely free from clutter and debris, including storage boxes and shoe collections.

4. Keep all sheets and blankets tucked in and up off the floor.

5. Permanently encase all mattresses and box springs in mattress "bags" and inspect regularly for holes or tears. Don’t worry about trapping the bugs inside the casing as they’ll die without access to a host.

6. Apply mineral oil to the legs of your bed frame.

7. Reduce all clutter such as papers, boxes, and piles of clothing to avoid giving the bedbugs a place to hide.

8. Scrub all surfaces in infected areas with a bristled brush to remove and dislodge eggs.

9. When cleaning drawers, completely empty them, and if you can, turn the whole piece of furniture over to look for hiding spots and to clean them as thoroughly as possible.

10. Besides vacuuming the carpeting and around baseboards, also vacuum the mattresses and box springs on a regular basis and empty the bag outside immediately afterward.