Bed bugs are typically around 5–7 millimetres (0. 20–0. 28 in) long, with oval-shaped bodies and a reddish-brown hue. Younger pests may be lighter in color or even translucent if they haven’t fed recently. [2] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source While they are visible to the naked eye, bed bugs are exceptionally tiny, so you’ll need to look closely in order to spot an infestation. Use a flashlight in dimly-lit areas. Look for droppings, skin casting, and rust-colored stains as evidence of a bed bug nest.
Bed bugs are sensitive to heat, so the more intense the temperature you expose them to, the better. Switch the hair dryer to a low heat setting instead if you’re going to be using it around plastics or other materials that might melt or warp.
If you don’t detect any signs of activity after about a minute, move on to another possible location and try again. The hair dryer method is most effective for forcing bed bugs out of spots where they’d be difficult or impossible to see, such as small cracks, electrical fixtures, pipes, and other openings.
If for some reason you’re not able to flush the paper right away, take it outside and dispose of it in a sealed trash receptacle a safe distance from your home. [6] X Research source Remember that paper towels shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet, as this can put unnecessary strain on your plumbing or septic system.
Ideally, the tool you use should be relatively durable. That way, you won’t have to worry about it breaking accidentally. You probably won’t be able to fish out every last pest like this, but it can be a good way to thin their numbers.
Stickier types of tape, such as duct or packing tape, are the best options. If you decide to go with the damp cloth approach, keep a small container of hot, soapy water nearby where you can deposit the bugs you collect. [10] X Trustworthy Source State of Michigan Official website for the State of Michigan Go to source
Be sure to scrub your bucket with hot water and a powerful detergent to kill bacteria left behind by bugs or their skin castings or droppings.
If you often wake up with bed bug bites, place the interceptors on all 4 legs of your bed. The bed bugs will fall in naturally as they climb up or down, and they won’t be able to crawl back out.
The best way to deal with a bed bug infestation is to call in a professional. If you’ve tried other methods and are still seeing signs of bed bugs, call a pest control company.
Keep the mattress cover on for at least 3 days to fully remove any live bed bugs.
Pyrethrins are naturally-derived, whereas pyrethroids are synthetic and have been designed to act like pyrethrins. Both substances share the same purpose—to obliterate stubborn pests like bed bugs. If possible, track down a product that contains both pyrethroids and neonicotinoids. This particular combination has been proven to work best for killing bed bugs and preventing newly-laid eggs from hatching. [16] X Research source Only shop for pesticides that have been approved for indoor use. Deploying an outdoor or agricultural pesticide in your home could make you or your family very sick.
Focus on places like baseboards, bedside furniture, lampshades, and nearby wall fixtures and hangings that tend to offer sanctuary to the greatest number of pests. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are found in many household products, and are generally safe to apply indoors. Even so, use as little as needed to get the job done. Overexposure could result in dizziness, headache, nausea, or diarrhea. [18] X Research source
The chemical compounds in these products take longer to break down inside than they do outside, which means there’s a chance they could linger and cause mild airway irritation or other uncomfortable symptoms.
Foggers are a type of pesticide application device that release a cloud of chemicals over a larger area than you could cover using a conventional spray. Don’t re-enter the room before the fumes have had time to clear. By doing so, you could be putting yourself at risk of inhaling harmful chemicals.
