As someone who has been privy to the skirmish tactics of pesky bedbugs, believe me when I say that there is nothing more horrifying than coming home from a long hard day at work and sinking into a bed that has been attacked by a swarming army of your little blood sucking friends. I remember when I first moved to London, I had a small box room in East Ham which unfortunately happened to have more pesky bedbugs than I could count, and would be a crucifying image that would haunt me until this day. Unfortunately when it comes to bedbugs, there’s no telling whether the next place that you rent out or buy, will become infested with these bloody beasts, so the next time that someone tells you “Good night, and don’t let the bedbugs bite,” it’s best to take their advice seriously. Studies show that bedbugs, tiny bloodsucking insects that provide the utmost discomfort to whoever they bite, have existed as early as ancient Rome and Egypt. At first, their bites are painless, but red spots appear as soon as they start to itch. Granted, these rashes become a major nuisance for everyone looking forward to a good night’s sleep but pesky bedbugs can also have a negative impact on your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, as you become paranoid that every little forty winks that you will take will lead to a fresh new bite.
From washing your sheets regularly, to calling the exterminators, here are seven handy tips to stop those pesky bedbugs from running rampant in your home.
- Wash your sheets– The most obvious method of defeating bedbugs, regular washing helps keep your blankets, bed sheets, and pillowcases free from these nasty insects. Also, make sure you wash your clothes hamper as well since bedbugs can leave their eggs in these areas. And while you might think it is extreme to be washing your sheets every day, it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to defeating pesky bedbugs and removing them from your home entirely.
- Vacuuming is your best friend– It goes without saying that bedbugs are notoriously stealthy. They are capable of hiding in your carpet and beneath your floorboards. Sweeping and mopping may not be enough in this case, as they can very easily hide in the most unexpected places so make sure you plug in your vacuum cleaner and start scouring the surface. Remember, do not forget the corners and once you’re done, remove the vacuum bag and throw it outside as quickly as possible to stop those pesky bedbugs from spreading.
- Your pets may be hiding them – While we might feel like bed bugs are only attracted to humans, that my friend is where you are wrong. Not only can bedbugs hide within the fur of your dog or cat but they can also hide in the area where your pet sleeps as well. This is why it is important to wash their beds regularly to avoid those pesky bedbugs from breeding and ensure your kitties and doggies get a better night’s sleep. For best results, use the highest settings for both your heater and dryer. And speaking of, highest settings…
4.Heat them up – Luckily for you, those pesky bedbugs hate being exposed to high temperature. If, for instance, you think your clothes have been infested, just wash and dry them in at least 120 degrees for half an hour to give them a very thorough clean. Plus, if you’re traveling with a suitcase, avoid acquiring the insects by placing clothes inside a garbage bag that have been exposed under the sun, to take further measures against the bedbugs who threaten to spoil your day.
5. Play it by colour– According to research, bedbugs are apparently attracted to black and dark red colours. Because of their red exoskeletons, seeing the same color makes them think that another bedbug is close by, which is what attracts them to darker colours. Make the most out of this scientific discovery by choosing bed covers with lighter hues such as green, yellow, and white to avoid attracting those pesky beasts.
6. Bedbugs love clutter– These bugs love to hide in areas where they won’t be seen, so it makes sense that they would be attracted to places or rooms that have clutter. Naturally, getting rid of them starts by cleaning your home. Be on the lookout for places with the most clutter. Separate items in boxes before discarding them. You don’t need to throw everything away, though. A simple search online can reveal the nearest recycling facility where you can discard your unneeded items. There is nothing wrong with donating your stuff, either, after all waste not, want not.
- When all else fails, turn to the professionals– Services like Pestend Pest Control Toronto provide a variety of methods to effectively kill bedbugs in your house. They offer exterminating solutions such as heat treatment and even K9 bedbug inspections. When relying on pest control services, ask if they offer a 100% money-back guarantee, or if they have a 24/7 emergency service. This way, you can rest assured that you’re definitely getting your money’s worth and do not feel like you have wasted your money on a rubbish service.
Have You Ever Had Experience With Dealing With Bedbugs Before?
*Disclaimer
Please note this is a collaborative post but all thoughts are my own and are not affected by monetary compensation.
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