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- 1). Determine that a bed bug infestation exists. Study information on bed bugs. Look at photos of bedbugs and review the signs of the various types of bed bug infestations. Take a look at photos of other insects that can sometimes be mistaken for bedbugs. Compare photos of beetles, cockroaches and other insects to photos of bed bugs and their skins.
- 2). Search for bed bugs. Check all sheets, mattresses, chairs, sofas and other furniture. Check the cracks and crevices for tiny black and red specks and egg shells. Look between open wall areas such as loose baseboards and headboards. Sheets and furniture coverings that appear to have rusty spots may actually be evidence of a smashed bug.
- 3). Eradicate clutter, which can hold dust, mites and make it easier for bed bugs to hide. Do a spring cleaning. Open windows, sweep, dust and vacuum everything, including all furniture and window hangings. Use bleach and the hottest water possible to clean all linens and furniture covers that have come into contact with infested furniture. Wash all other linens in the household in the hottest possible water temperature. Have down blankets and comforters professionally cleaned with extreme heat.
- 4). Get a steam-cleaning machine with a small nozzle. Force pure, hot steam into all household crevices. Run the machine over all furniture in your house, taking care to spend extra time in areas that were found to be infested. Use pure, hot steam with no chemical additives to ensure that nothing is damaged in the process.
- 5). Repeat the steam cleaning of the entire household every two weeks. Wash and dry all furniture covers and linens. Store linens, bedding and furniture coverings separately from other linens. Make a schedule for this kind of deep cleaning at least once a month. Routinely check all areas to ensure that re-infestations do not occur. Repeat the steam cleaning procedure if you see any evidence of a re-infestation.
- 6). Consider calling a specialized professional bed bug exterminator for a home inspection if you are unsuccessful in eradicating the bed bugs from your furniture. Be aware of the cost if it is not a free service, as it could run as much as $200. Look at evidence if it is found that you have an infestation. Find out if the company uses a heat-treating service. Get a cost estimate. Use the professional service if it is not cost prohibitive.
- 7). Keep your household clean. Regularly open windows, dust, sweep and vacuum the entire living area. Pay particular attention to areas where bed bug infestations occurred. Get rid of all clutter before it piles up. When traveling, check sleeping areas for evidence of bed bugs. Upon return, keep suitcases and clothing separate until it is thoroughly cleaned.
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