Getting Rid of Bed Bugs Naturally

Getting rid of bed bugs naturally is what most people are more interested in, rather than using harmful pesticides in their homes. Bed bug is one such pest which brings a great deal of frustration and irritation for humans. Follow these effective tips for getting rid of bed bugs naturally...
Getting Rid of Bed Bugs Naturally
Humans and pets, in particular and other warm blooded creatures, in general, are the hosts for these blood-sucking insects known as bed bugs. How did these parasites got the name, 'Bed bugs'? Well, due to the fact that they mostly infest human homes: sofas, bed mattresses and other soft furnishings. The infestation prevail in private homes, cruise ships, army barracks, shelters and all types of dwellings. When you notice bed bugs being transparent and flat, it means that they are yet to feed and if they are full, they will appear brown or black and plump. Bed bugs bites do not usually raise any major concern for health, except for the irritation which occurs due to itching and swelling of the bitten area. Know more on what are bed bugs?

You know you have been bitten by a bed bug when you notice the bites in the form of large wheels in orderly rows. The itching and redness of the bitten area later develops into a skin rash. It usually begins with localized swelling, inflamed red round bumps and in some cases, although rare, skin blisters too. If the rash continues spreading, it indicates that the biting is still in progress and the bed bugs have not left the person yet. The rash may appear swollen for some days before they gradually fade away. For getting rid of bed bugs bites, wash the affected area with soap and warm water and apply anti-itch or anti-inflammatory medication. Now let us know, how you can go about getting rid of bed bugs naturally.

How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs Naturally
The first step in getting rid of bed bugs naturally is to check for infestation. Bed mattresses are the most common places which are homed by these insects. They can also nest in the headboard or a hole in the wall. You can also find the infestation of bed bugs underneath the bed, in dark corners or cervices.

Thereafter, it's time to wash the mattresses, pillows, blankets, in fact all washable bed items in hot water (very hot!). Items such as stuffed animals, toys and others, which cannot be washed should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, before sealing them in plastic bags.

After having the bed items washed, vacuum each and every corner of the house, including every corner of the furniture, cupboards, bed frames, baseboards and the carpet too. Steam cleaning is one of the most effective methods that help in getting rid of bed bugs naturally. This process helps in exterminating the bugs and their eggs which come in contact with it. Steam cleaners produce a heat of about 120ºF which is too hot for the bed bugs to survive.

Seal all holes and fill the cracks that may be present on the wall or the furniture. For getting rid of bed bugs from clothes, nothing is better than emptying your wardrobe and taking all the clothes for an 'all-day' exposure to the sun. The direct heat of the sun will get rid of every single bed bug which may be hiding in your clothing.

If it is possible that you can take your furniture (especially the bed) and mattresses and whatever you think carry the infestation, out in the sun, then you may not require any other kind of getting rid of bed bugs home remedies. The sun's heat and especially the afternoon's one is more than enough to kill all the bed bugs and their eggs. The same can be done for getting rid of bed bugs in luggage. Take all your luggage out and after vacuuming them thoroughly, leave them out in the sun for sometime.

More on: So when it comes to knowing about how to kill bed bugs without the use of any pesticide, the key lies in using the heat of the sun. As mentioned, for getting rid of bed bugs in clothing, furniture, luggage, walls, stuff toys and the likes, all you have to do is to fill up all holes and cracks in the house, do a thorough vacuuming of all the stuffs and leave them out in the sun. For preventing any future infestation, clean the infested rooms using stiff brush to dislodge eggs. It is also a good idea for your bed items to get a sun exposure once, every month. This, not only would prevent the occurrence of future infestation, but also keep away other types of mites and insects.

These were some of the best techniques for getting rid of bed bugs naturally. So, 'don't worry and sleep tight because no bed bugs would bite!'

By Rajib Singha
Published: 11/12/2009
 
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