Although bed bugs may seem like an old problem, the situation is quite different. According to statistics, the frequency of cases of the spread of these insects is gradually increasing. For example, from 2000 to 2006, the frequency increased by twenty-five percent. The problem with bedbugs is larger than it might seem, and sometimes controlling insects can be costly. In addition, it can cause psychological discomfort. If you are afraid that you too will have to deal with bedbugs or have already noticed a problem, it will be useful for you to learn ways to forget about insects forever.
Get rid of the clutter
The first step to reducing the risk of bed bugs or finding bed bugs is to keep your home as clean as possible. Try to keep your room organized by immediately putting stacks of laundry, mail, or any other items in their place. Then the insects will not have a place to hide, and it will be much easier for you to notice them. Only after you have cleaned up does it make sense to think about subsequent measures.
Learn more about using a heat gun
Among all the listed “temperature” methods, the most effective is considered to be the one that kills bedbugs with a steam gun - as a mobile air heater is called. It quickly heats the air in the room to the desired temperature parameters and helps “maintain the temperature.” And the degree should be at least +60.
Why? – The fact is that adult bedbugs die already at +50°C. Moreover, the “disastrous” process takes only a few minutes. But their eggs also exist. – Unhatched blood eaters are more viable; they can withstand fifty-degree ambient temperatures for up to a day.
That is why it is important that in the room where these bloodsucking creatures are driven, it is +60°C for 40-60 minutes, or better yet +70°C. In this case, it definitely won’t hurt to overdo it.
A steam gun for baiting bedbugs is ideal because creating such conditions for it is not a problem. You just need to choose a device of appropriate power. And, by the way, such heating will not require inflated expenses - the cost of operating the gun is quite affordable.
True, this equipment itself is expensive, so it is better to rent such a steam gun or invite a special team of bedbug extermination specialists who work using this method. In this case, using a gun will be cheap.
Use a mattress cover and pillowcase
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Prevent the spread of bed bugs in your mattress by purchasing bed covers. Zippered mattress and pillowcase covers are effective in controlling insects and will allow you to keep your expensive items even if bed bugs still infest your home. Make sure there are no holes in the covers and that the zipper is secure to prevent insects from getting in.
The chemical method is the most effective way to combat bedbugs
The use of insecticidal agents of various classes of chemical compounds in the order of their alternation (to avoid addiction) is the basis of the method. Effective control of bedbugs in 90% of cases cannot do without chemicals. And this is a whole arsenal of means to combat bedbugs, including professional and household means of various preparative forms, from “Mashenka” to powders and emulsions. This method also includes the use of various types of repellents and attractants in order to repel/attract bedbugs.
The best repellents include vinegar, tansy, turpentine with denatured alcohol. There are often cases when repellents attract bedbugs, stimulating their activity. It should be noted that most of the repelling and attracting agents are ineffective, some work occasionally. A hungry bug can only be stopped by death, and attracted only by the carbon dioxide released during breathing and the unique smell of a person, which no one has yet succeeded in breaking down into components and synthesizing.
At the moment, the most effective way to combat bedbugs is exterminatory disinfestation using acute contact preparations that destroy bedbugs and their larvae moving on treated surfaces.
At the same time, it becomes obvious that there is more than one effective way to fight bedbugs. So what is an effective way to combat bedbugs?
Insulate the doors
Bed bugs are very small and can get through even small openings, but it is still important to take care of the insulation. This is especially significant for those who live in an apartment building. Use thick plastic covers on the bottom of the door to keep your home insect-proof.
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Hazard to human health
There is an assumption that bedbugs are carriers of deadly infections. There is no scientific evidence for this yet. However, the insect can still seriously injure children and adults. First of all, mentally. The table will show why parasite bites are dangerous to human health.
Table - Why bed bugs are dangerous
Danger | Details |
Bites | — One individual leaves a chain of five to seven bites; — there is a risk of infection through the area injured by the bug |
Allergic reaction | - It can be very extensive; - sometimes anaphylactic shock occurs |
Anemia | — Iron deficiency occurs due to blood loss; - the condition is diagnosed in childhood |
Insomnia | Due to regular attacks by bedbugs at night, people do not get enough sleep |
Stress | — Regular lack of sleep puts the body in a state of stress; - there is a need for psychological support |
Depression | — Often turns into prolonged stress; - requires the intervention of a psychiatrist due to danger to physical and mental health; - significantly worsens the patient’s quality of life |
Check your washing machine before use
If you're traveling, you may need to use a public laundry for your washing machine. It is worth remembering that bedbugs can live in such cars. Before you put your items in the drum, carefully inspect the inside of the machine using a flashlight. This will help you make sure there are no bugs left inside from the clothes of previous laundry users.
Safety precautions when treating premises with steam
When fighting parasites and their offspring, the main thing is not to forget about safety precautions:
- Try not to direct hot steam at yourself or other people.
- Do not process fabrics that may be damaged by high temperatures.
- Do not direct steam at the plastic as permanent deformation will result.
- The steam generator should not be set to maximum humidity, as this will damage the furniture. 20-30% is enough for the parasites to die.
- Do not freeze a room with an existing heating system or sewerage system.
Having chosen the most suitable method for treating the premises, you can begin to destroy the parasite and its offspring. If you can’t clear your home of bedbugs on your own, seek help from experts who will quickly and efficiently get rid of this problem.
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Use a hairdryer to lure out bedbugs
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If you want to lure bedbugs out of their hiding place, a regular hairdryer can help. Simply use it on the lowest setting, directing the heat to the baseboard or other area you suspect. As a result, insects may appear on the surface, and it will be easier for you to get rid of them.
How to remove bed bugs with hot air
Studies have shown that bedbugs, their eggs and larvae cannot tolerate high temperatures. If they are exposed to temperatures of +50 degrees Celsius, they die within 15-20 minutes. But you should know that bedbug infestation is not limited to just the bedside area. They can be found throughout the house. Now, it becomes a question of applying heat to different household items that require different approaches. In the following sections, we will discuss various methods of heat killing bed bugs.
Methods for thermal destruction of bedbugs - hot water
Treating your apartment for bed bugs
All items that can be washed, including bed linens, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, clothing and woven furniture coverings, must be washed in hot water. Load all these items into the washing machine and set the temperature to 50-60 degrees. Set a routine that runs for at least 30 minutes. After washing, put the items in the clothes dryer.
Again, set the temperature required to kill bedbugs. Alternatively, you can dry your laundry in the sun. Bed bugs and their eggs cannot tolerate high temperatures in the washer and dryer.
Dry heat
There are many items such as leather jackets, shoes, stuffed animals and others that simply cannot be washed in hot water as they may be damaged. In this case, removing bedbugs relies on dry heat. Place each item in a separate plastic sealed bag and seal it properly. When you pack them, make sure that the items are not folded too tightly, otherwise the heat will not be able to fully penetrate the folds of the fabric, where the bedbugs hide.
Place the bags in the clothes dryer and set it to 50-60 degrees. Leave items in the dryer for 15-20 minutes. Next, remove the plastic bags containing your items from the dryer and allow them to cool before removing the contents of the bags. Finally, vacuum items to remove bed bug remains.
Destruction of bedbugs with steam
Bed bugs hiding in carpets and home furniture can be killed by steam. If you don't have a portable steam cleaner at home, you could rent one from a nearby store. When steam passes through the carpet fabric, bedbugs simply have nowhere to go, and if they come into contact with hot steam, they are doomed. When using a steam cleaner on furniture, you will need a machine with a small nozzle that can force steam into small cracks and crevices of the furniture.
If necessary, you can repeat the steam treatment every two weeks to ensure that all bed bugs are killed.
Use a hot air gun
A hot air gun can be used against bedbugs that hide in large things like mattresses, beds and upholstered furniture in the bedroom. You should take some precautions before using a hot air gun as it is an industrial tool. Above all, keep children and pets away from the work area. Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Avoid any loose clothing when working with hot air.
Set the temperature to 70-80 degrees. Hold the hair dryer 10 centimeters from the surface to be treated. Gradually move it in a circular motion over the entire area of the object being processed.
As you work on the mattress, heat it on both sides and don't forget to go along the seams. Likewise, in the case of beds and other furniture, heat should be applied to all surfaces, including the bottom. This way, you can eliminate bedbugs completely, including any corners and crevices.
Once you've rid your home of bed bugs, make sure you don't fall victim to another infestation. To prevent such a turn of events, you must keep your home clean. You can continue to thoroughly clean your household items with a heat treatment once a month.
After every trip, don't forget to give your luggage a hot air treatment before unpacking it and taking it around the house.
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Clean things up regularly with a vacuum cleaner
Of course, a vacuum cleaner by itself is not a sufficient measure to get rid of insects, however, with its help you can significantly reduce the number of bedbugs. Clean up regularly, using a vacuum cleaner not only for the floor, but also for furniture. Once you've cleaned, empty the dirt from the vacuum cleaner as soon as possible. If you wipe the inside of your vacuum cleaner with paper towels, you should throw those in a sealed plastic bag as well.
What is a steam appliance
Essentially, a steam gun is a high-power fan with a heating element in one housing. When turned on, the blades force air through the heater and direct it further into the room. The body is metal, and its external shape often, although not always, actually resembles a cannon.
Also provided:
- safety thermostat to protect against overheating;
- heating temperature regulator;
- air flow mode switch.
The power of steam guns varies from 3 to 30 kW. Energy source: gas, kerosene, diesel, electricity. As a rule, it is more convenient and practical to use an electric model to control insects.
Sprinkle silica gel
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To get rid of bedbugs, it is not at all necessary to use powerful chemicals. Silica gel, which can easily be found in the box of new shoes, is an effective insect repellent. This has been confirmed by recently published studies.
Preventive measures
Preventive measures include regular cleaning using special detergents, treating carpets and sofas with upholstery cleaning products, sealing cracks and holes in the floor and walls. Change bedding regularly and wash it immediately; experts do not recommend storing it, as pests can multiply. You should periodically look through carpets, wallpaper, furniture, and books. If bedbugs are found, immediately take measures to destroy them.
Let's summarize: the main places where bedbugs appear are upholstered furniture, cracks in walls and floors, and in wallpaper joints. Experts recommend making cosmetic repairs immediately and treating the walls and ceiling first. In this article we looked at the question “what can be added to wallpaper glue against bedbugs?” On the shelves of ordinary and specialized stores you can find many effective products that will help get rid of pests forever. When using an insecticide, you need to remember your own safety; after all, these are chemicals that can cause dizziness, headaches or an allergic reaction. The process of fighting bedbugs takes time, a lot of effort and some financial costs. Timely adoption of certain measures will save you from unnecessary hassle.
Lighting
House bugs are nocturnal insects. It is at this time that they crawl out of their nests for food, and during the day it is very difficult to notice them (they live in dark, hidden places). The reason for this is photophobia of parasites. Therefore, you can try leaving the light on at night or periodically getting up and turning it on, but this is not comfortable for anyone. At first, the bedbugs will scatter or stop coming out. But this is only at the beginning, until hunger takes over. Gradually, the bloodsuckers will get used to it and stop being afraid of the light. As a result, they will be easy to detect and destroy. But this is the same as destroying an entire army of bedbugs one individual at a time, crushing them with slippers.
The method is not very convenient and not the most effective, and if there are a large number of parasites, it is practically useless: it will not be possible to exterminate the entire huge colony in this way. But most of the bedbugs will still hide in secluded dark places (under baseboards, behind cabinets, etc.) where light does not penetrate.
Prevention measures
The reappearance of parasites in an apartment is due to people’s lack of awareness of measures to combat the penetration of bloodsuckers into living quarters.
Bedbugs only need humans to feed, so the parasite seeks to penetrate their territory. This happens in 3 ways:
- From the neighbors. It only takes 30 minutes for a bedbug to escape from the adjacent premises through communications, cracks in doors and windows. To prevent this from happening, you will have to negotiate with your neighbors to jointly pay for calling a specialist from the SES. Employees of the sanitary and epidemiological station must get rid of bedbugs crawling out of the basement at the expense of the management company.
- On the clothes of a person who has been in an apartment infested with blood-sucking creatures. Having noticed an object for migration, bedbugs try to move on it to a new place. After visiting such a premises, all clothing should be removed and washed, and shoes and other items should be treated in a suitable manner. The same advice applies after staying in a hotel or rented apartment.
- On purchased old things. It is better not to use other people's furniture and household items. But if this happens, the purchased items should be left in the cold for several hours, and in the warm season they should be generously sprayed with special pesticides.
After visiting a property with bedbugs, items should be washed with the highest possible water temperature.
Special signs
When a room is infested with bed bugs, you can navigate by one of the manifestations of the parasites. This is due to the fact that each of the signs differs from traces of contact with mosquitoes, fleas, lice and other blood-sucking insects
However, sometimes you need confirmation of your own fears, so pay attention to other signs
Characteristic bites
This is the main sign of bedbugs in an apartment, since it can be noticed immediately after an object is infested. For comparison, other manifestations become visible only after some time. Contact with bed bugs produces red spots of varying sizes. Some people do not have such a symptom; only invisible red dots remain on the body.
Bedbug bites can be easily distinguished from the bites of other insects.
Other symptoms of bed bug bites:
- itching, and its intensity is quite high, and scratching occurs on the body;
- swelling, as a result of which bumps are found in the areas where the bites appeared, but without compaction inside, the intensity of the swelling depends on the sensitivity of the body;
- the size of the red spots varies from 0.5 to 5 cm, and the tracks of the bedbugs form a straight line - a path, since the parasite makes several punctures per meal, moving forward every few centimeters.
Other symptoms appear less frequently: pain, fever, headache, chills.
Chitin shells
There are many signs of bedbugs appearing in an apartment, but in second place is the detection of husks, which are shed by the larvae after each molt. A young individual of the pest changes its shell up to 4 times. This happens at different intervals - from 7 to 14 days or more, depending on environmental conditions. The shell can be seen on the floor or other surfaces, as it is distinguished by its light brown color. Moreover, the outer covers are transparent.
Chitinous shells shed by bedbugs during molting
Clutches of eggs
A female bedbug lays up to 5 eggs per day. To provide the offspring with protection, she leaves them not only in the nest, but also in different parts of the room. If one clutch is destroyed, for example by human discovery, the remaining eggs remain intact. The offspring at this stage look like small white formations - up to 1.5 cm in length. On one side there is a lid that allows insects to escape from the shell when necessary.
Clutches of bedbug eggs: not a single infected object can do without them
Specific smell
If bed parasites have only recently appeared, this sign is absent. The smell is felt when the number of pest colonies increases to several hundred individuals. This is a consequence of the vital activity of parasites. They leave excrement and secrete other secretory fluids in minimal quantities, but as the number of insects increases, a large amount of excrement accumulates in the apartment, which contributes to the appearance of a smell reminiscent of old cognac. If you stay in the room for a long time, you won’t feel it.
The specific smell of bed bugs is a guarantee that there are insects in the apartment
Blood stains
Such signs of bedbugs are also detected if there are a lot of parasites at home. Dots or small specks of blood appear on the bed if a person accidentally crushes the parasite in a dream. This occurs due to an increase in the volume of the insect’s body after eating. As a result, the parasite is much easier to kill. His body becomes more pliable and breaks easily. For comparison, in a hungry state it is more difficult to destroy a pest mechanically.
Blood stains from squashed bedbugs remain on the bed
Traces of bedbugs on the wallpaper
If red spots remain on the bed linen, then on the finishing materials only stains from excrement, as well as other secretory fluids of parasites, appear to a greater extent. You can see traces of a bug on the wallpaper when the insects have built a nest in the area where the material has moved away from the wall. Parasites penetrate under any covering.
In particularly infested areas, traces of bedbugs are even present on walls and wallpaper.
Vital signs
When parasites colonize an apartment, black dots are found on different surfaces, and more often in areas where nests are located. This is parasite excrement. Bed bugs feed on blood, which is why the stool turns dark. The blackheads are small in size, which is why they resemble poppy seeds. The larger the pest nest is, the more things deteriorate in the area where it is located.
If furniture is infested with bedbugs, it is practically beyond repair.