Bedbugs aren’t just a dreadful sight. Their bites are itchy and annoying, too. They get in the way of a good night’s rest, and it can cost a lot of money just to get them out of your home. Here’s how to effectively deal with these critters and banish them for good:
If Your Bed Is Infested:
Throw everything into the wash, from your beddings and linens all the way down to your pillow cases. Leave no stone—or sheet—unturned. You’ll need to have the pillows washed as well, for good measure. You’ll also have to vacuum the room and mattress. Don’t forget to check the other beddings and rooms for signs of bedbug infestation. Better to clean everything at once instead of by batches. That would only make these critters move from one area of your home to another.
If Any of Your Furniture Is Infested:
If your sofa, couch, or any other piece of furniture in the living room is infested, take it out immediately. Otherwise, you’ll be encouraging these parasites to spread to the rest of your home. Wrap the furniture up in plastic and toss it out the next time the garbage truck passes by. If you want to keep the furniture, though, be sure to have it treated and cleaned before you put it back in your living room. Planning on snagging a deal with some secondhand furniture? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends checking the furniture for bedbugs before finalizing any purchase.
Once Your Beddings and Mattress Are Clean:
Use a protective cover. A bed bug proof mattress cover can go a long way to ensure that you won’t have to go through the hassle of cleaning everything in your rooms again. This way, you can protect your mattress from bugs as well as other nasty pest. You can also eliminate allergen sources like dust mites, fleas, and ticks, which are common problems if you have pets in your home.
