Managing Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can be very intimidating, but there are steps you can take to prevent them from becoming a problem for you and your family. By following these simple steps each day you can be assured that you will reduce the possibility of taking them home and infesting it.

Note: Bed bugs can bite you several times and you not know that you have been bitten. This is possible because bed bugs anesthesia you when they bite, so it might take multiple bites before you notice a rash or feel the bite area all together. In some cases, people have felt or had an immediate reaction to a bite.

  • Know what they look like.
  • When you arrive at your home perform a visual inspection of your clothes for any possible sightings of Bed Bugs.
  • If you find a bed bug on your person, you can catch the insect with a piece of tape. This can help you should you need to identify it.
  • Remove your clothes individually and inspect your person for any additional insects. Check your entire person, including armpits, private areas, etc.
  • Place your removed clothing in a plastic bag and seal the bag. (If you have a dryer at home, place them in the dryer for 10 to 15 minutes. Dryer heat kills bed bugs.) Throw the bag away outside of your residence. If you don’t have laundry machines at home. Take it to a Laundromat, remove them from the bag and place the clothes in the washer, wash immediately and then dry them.
  • Inspect your home periodically for possible sightings. (monthly is recommended)

Methods for treating the Home for Bed Bugs

What can I do if I don’t have the money for an exterminator to combat bed bugs in my home?

  • Common household items can help you eliminate and keep bed bugs from your home:
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Flashlight
  • Steri-Fab or 91% Alcohol
  • Plastic encasing bags
  • Clear packing tape
  • Product from hardware stores such as “Good Night”. Look for (1-3%) products that have Pyrethrin or Pyrethroiod in them. These products are safe to use around the home, humans, pets and food plants.
  • Another product that can be used is called Cysluthrim. This product will leave a residual. Residual products can last for a period of time and are highly effective in the fight against bed bugs. (Caution: Do not use this product on mattresses, sofas, chairs or on your person. It will cause irritation to your skin.) It is for hard surface application.
  • Home treatments and vacuuming should continue for several weeks to eliminate any possible babies that may have hatched. Eggs and baby bed bugs cannot be easily seen with the naked eye, which is why vacuum cleaners are so useful. Follow up with a second or third application of insecticide, Steri-Fab or 91% Alcohol.