How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Permanently

Bed bugs are tough to get rid of, but using a vacuum regularly can help a lot. A vacuum's strong suction can pull out adult bed bugs, their young ones (called nymphs), and their eggs from places they hide, like cracks, fabrics, and furniture.

When vacuuming for bed bugs, focus on spots like mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, and other furniture where they hide. Also, vacuum along baseboards, between cushions, and other hard-to-reach places. The more thorough you are, the better your chances of getting rid of all the bed bugs.

If you are wondering how to get rid of bed bugs on bed, try steam cleaning. Steam cleaning is one of the best ways to get rid of bed bugs permanently. The hot steam goes deep into cracks and fabrics, killing bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle.

Unlike chemicals, steam cleaning does not leave any harmful residues, making it safe and eco-friendly. When done right, steam cleaning can reach bed bugs in hard-to-reach spots throughout your home. It works on mattresses, furniture, and baseboards, leaving nowhere for these pests to hide.

Washing bedding, linens, curtains, and clothing in hot water and then drying them on high heat is effective against bed bugs because they cannot survive extreme temperatures. Bed bugs and their eggs are sensitive to heat above 140°F (60°C), which kills them.

The hot water and high-heat drying penetrate deep into fabrics, reaching places where bed bugs hide. This thorough treatment ensures that all stages of bed bugs, from eggs to adults, are eliminated. By using these high temperatures, you not only kill bed bugs on your items but also reduce the chance of them coming back.

Bed bug-proof mattresses and pillow covers are designed to enclose mattresses and pillows entirely, forming a barrier that prevents bed bugs from entering or escaping. These covers use materials that bed bugs cannot penetrate, effectively trapping any existing bed bugs inside and blocking new ones from infesting the mattress or pillow.

To use these covers, unzip the cover and slide it over the mattress or pillow securely, ensuring a tight fit without any openings where bed bugs can enter or exit. Regularly check the covers for tears or holes, and promptly replace them if damaged. Leave the covers in place for an extended period to starve trapped bed bugs and prevent them from multiplying.

Bed bug interceptors are special traps placed under furniture legs to catch bed bugs as they climb. These small cups or trays have smooth or rough surfaces inside that bed bugs struggle to climb back out of once they fall in.

By placing interceptors under bed and furniture legs, you stop bed bugs from reaching you while you sleep. These traps also help you check how bad the infestation is. Place interceptors where bed bugs might climb, like under bed legs, dressers, chairs, wardrobes, and nightstands.

Sealing cracks in walls, floors, and furniture is crucial for reducing bed bug infestations. This method eliminates hiding spots and prevents movement. Inspect these areas thoroughly for any cracks, gaps, or openings where bed bugs could hide.

Use a good-quality silicone or latex caulk to fill in these gaps, especially in places like baseboards, electrical outlets, light fixtures, and moldings. Bed bugs can also hide behind loose wallpapers or tiles, so secure them firmly.

Reducing clutter in your home is crucial for eliminating bed bugs by eliminating hiding spots and making it easier to find and treat infestations. Assess your living spaces for potential hiding places like piles of clothes, stacks of papers, unused furniture, and storage boxes.

Regularly declutter by removing unnecessary items and organizing the rest in sealed containers or closets. During this process, inspect items for signs of bed bugs such as dark spots, shed skins, or live bugs, and promptly treat any infested items.

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural substance made from fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. It appears as a fine powder and is widely used as a pesticide. When bed bugs come into contact with DE, they absorb oils and fats from their exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.

To use DE, apply a thin layer in areas where pests are present or likely to travel, such as along baseboards, behind appliances, and beneath furniture. Leave the powder undisturbed for a few days to allow pests to come into contact with it.

Freezing infested items is a way to get rid of bed bugs by exposing them to very cold temperatures. Bed bugs and their eggs are killed at temperatures below 0°F (-18°C). Here is how to do it:

• Put the infested items like clothes into sealed plastic bags. 
• Squeeze out extra air from the bags for even air circulation. 
• Freeze the items for at least 4 days in a freezer that maintains a consistent temperature.
• After four days, let the items thaw at room temperature inside the sealed bags. Check carefully for any signs of bed bugs or eggs that might still be alive. 
• If you see any, freeze the items again to make sure all the bed bugs are gone.

Bed bug sprays are designed to kill bed bugs on contact and provide ongoing protection against re-infestation. Before using a bed bug spray, clean and declutter the infested area thoroughly. Follow the product instructions carefully.

Apply the spray directly to common hiding spots, such as cracks, crevices, mattress seams, bed frames, and other furniture. Depending on the infestation's severity, you may need to reapply the spray according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Using essential oils is a natural method for bed bug control. Oils like lavender and tea tree oil can repel bed bugs and, to some extent, kill them. Their strong scents are unpleasant to bed bugs. Some oil has insecticidal properties that can kill bed bugs by disrupting their cellular function.

Mix a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the solution on bed bug-hiding spots. You can also apply a few drops of undiluted essential oil directly, but be cautious as they irritate the skin.

Silica gel, a desiccant made from silicon dioxide, is commonly used to absorb moisture. It works by dehydrating bed bugs upon contact, adhering to their exoskeletons, and absorbing the oils and fats, causing them to die.

To use silica gel, sprinkle a thin, even layer of the powder in areas infested with bed bugs using a brush or duster. Ensure the powder is spread finely, as large clumps are less effective.

Baking soda is suggested as a natural method for controlling bed bugs, as it is believed to dehydrate them and cause internal damage when ingested. It can absorb moisture from bed bugs, leading to their death by dehydration. To use, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda in infested areas.

Wait a few days, then vacuum up the treated areas carefully. Be sure to get all the baking soda powder and any dead bed bugs. Empty the vacuum bag or canister immediately so the bugs cannot escape and start a new infestation.

Similar to baking soda and silica gel, alcohol is lethal to bed bugs as it dissolves their outer protective layer and infiltrates their internal structures, causing dehydration and eventual death. Choose isopropyl alcohol with a concentration of at least 70% for maximum effectiveness.

Fill a spray bottle with the alcohol and apply it directly to bed bugs and their hiding places. It is crucial to make direct contact with the bed bugs for the treatment to work.

Unfortunately, bed bugs can spread, and you can accidentally bring them home. They attach easily to clothes, luggage, bedding, and furniture. Infestations can originate from hotels, public transportation, or friends’ homes.

Once inside your home, bed bugs can swiftly infest mattresses, furniture, and other hiding spots. To reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs home, inspect hotel rooms or accommodations for signs of bed bugs before unpacking.

Isolating items infested with bed bugs is essential to prevent them from spreading to other parts of your home or belongings. It helps contain the infestation, allowing focused treatment efforts and reducing the chance of re-infestation in treated areas.

To isolate infested items, place them in sealed plastic bags or containers. Using double bags adds extra security against bed bugs escaping. Store these items in a designated area like a garage or basement, clearly labeling them as "infested with bed bugs" to avoid accidental exposure.

Bed bug traps are tools designed to capture and monitor bed bugs, aiding in reducing their population and detecting infestations early. There are two main types: pitfall traps and adhesive traps.

Pitfall traps have smooth, slippery walls that bed bugs cannot escape from due to their inability to grip smooth surfaces. Adhesive traps use sticky substances to immobilize bed bugs upon contact. No matter which one you use, place them in infested areas.

Regular monitoring plays a vital role in both preventing and managing bed bug infestations effectively. It allows you to detect bed bugs early, such as noticing bites, fecal stains, or shed skin, prompting swift action before the infestation can escalate.

Monitoring also helps evaluate the success of your bed bug control efforts, such as cleaning, vacuuming, or using insecticides. By catching and treating new infestations promptly, you prevent bed bugs from spreading to other areas in your home.

Regularly checking for signs of bed bugs helps catch new infestations early or spots you might have missed. This early action stops the problem from getting worse. Bed bugs might need several treatments for complete eradication. 

Persistence means sticking with the treatments until all signs of bed bugs are gone. Being persistent also stops bed bugs from coming back by dealing with places they might hide, checking used furniture often, and being careful when traveling.

When you are at a loss, turning to a professional is a smart choice. Professionals are trained to find and treat bed bug problems effectively. They understand how bed bugs behave, where they hide, and ways to remove them effectively.

Using special equipment and techniques, they can quickly deal with large infestations better than DIY methods. Their treatment plans cover chemicals, heat, steam, and more to ensure bed bugs are completely gone.