Crawling into bed at night shouldn’t involve creepy-crawly creatures like bed bugs. Unfortunately, bed bugs have been around since Egyptian times and are even found inside tombs. Today, homeowners search for a reliable bed bug treatment to get rid of these critters.
A bedbugs treatment preperation, there are some DIY remedies to get a bug-free bed so you can sleep in peace.
First, let’s learn a little more about bed bugs, where they come from, and what they do.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs look like small and reddish-brown insects. An adult bed bug is about the size of an apple seed. They have flat oval-shaped bodies but expand into a balloon shape when they eat.
Beware that bed bugs also produce a musty-sweetish odor. You might notice this if you are dealing with a bed bug infestation.
WHERE DO BED BUGS COME FROM?
First, understand that bed bugs are not a result of having a dirty home. These bugs are not attracted to filth and grime, but they are attracted to the following:
- Carbon dioxide
- Blood
- Darkness
They often enter the home by way of a pet or sometimes even a person. Bed bugs can also enter your home by way of cracks and crevices in the wall.
WHAT’S BAD ABOUT BED BUGS?
It’s bad enough to think about bugs sleeping in your bed with you. This is what prompts most homeowners to seek bed bug treatment.
However, bed bugs also feast on your skin as you sleep. These are parasitic insects that bite you as well as your pets.
Their bites look like red bumps that appear on your face, neck, hands, shoulders, arms, and legs. They bite anywhere that skin is exposed.
Beyond this, a bed bug problem can turn into a complete infestation.
What Can You Do for DIY Bed Bug Treatment?
First, know that it’s difficult to entirely get rid of bed bugs on your own. Just like fleas, you’ll have to get rid of bed bugs from every part of the cycle including adults and eggs.
However, there are some preventative actions and treatments you can try to take on your own.
5 DIY Preventative Measures for Bed Bugs
1. KEEP YOUR BEDDING CLEAN
Since bed bugs are attracted to blood, it’s important to keep your bedding frequently laundered. This includes your sheets, comforter, and additional blankets used for warmth. It’s easy to scratch yourself and draw a bit of blood without realizing it.
2. KEEP CLOTHES OFF THE FLOOR
Make sure all clothing goes into a hamper. Dirty clothes on the floor provide bed bugs with extra spots to hide.
3. CLEAR OUT CLUTTER
While a dirty home doesn’t attract bed bugs, clutter can help them thrive. Maintaining an organized home that is not filled with clutter can keep bed bugs at bay.
4. BE MINDFUL OF TRAVEL
Bed bugs are hitchhikers and can find their way home with you by grabbing into clothing or luggage. You can pick them up from hotels, which are known to be hot spots for bed bug infestations.
When you arrive home from traveling, be sure to wash all clothing and sterilize your luggage.
5. INSPECT SECOND-HAND FURNITURE
Everyone loves a bargain for new furniture, except when it comes included with bed bugs. Closely examine used furniture that you bring home, checking for signs such as dark or rusty spots of bed bug excrement, eggshells, shed skin, or a musty odor.
