How to Handle Bed Bug Infestations in Madison County, IL
Discovering bed bugs can be alarming, and if you’re like most Madison County homeowners, your primary goal is to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Before you begin throwing out everything you own, read our quick tips on what to do if you discover that your home is infested with bed bugs.
Contact a Professional
Completing eliminating a bed bug infestation requires specialized knowledge of bed bug biology and behavior, experience in dealing with infestations, and commercial equipment and chemicals that aren’t available to consumers. When you discover bed bugs, it’s important to reach out to professionals right away.
Get Rid of the Clutter
Bed bugs love clutter. Those piles of laundry in the corner, the paper clutter covering your dresser, and the stray items that find their way under your bed are all magnets for these stubborn pests. Do yourself – and the exterminator – a favor by clearing out any clutter before your home is treated for bed bugs.
Don't Sleep in a Different Place
Once you discover that bed bugs have moved in, it’s tempting to abandon your bedroom and sleep on the couch or in the spare bedroom until the bugs are gone. However, bed bugs are quite resourceful, and if your bed is suddenly unoccupied, they may well find you. By sleeping in a different place, you may accidentally draw the bed bugs into another part of your home, thus worsening the infestation.
Remove Bed Bugs
You don’t need to sit idly by while you’re waiting for a professional to treat your home and belongings. If you see bed bugs, crush them with a rag or use your vacuum to suck them up. This is an effective way to remove large numbers of bed bugs. However, it’s important to only use a vacuum that empties into a bag rather than a filter or canister and to immediately tie the bag off after use. Vacuums with filters or canisters can become traps for the eggs, and you may inadvertently spread bed bugs to other parts of your home if you are unable to completely remove them.
Install Mattress and Box Spring Encasements
Encasing your mattress and box spring will suffocate the bed bugs while also providing a barrier between you and them. Most mattress and box spring encasements are not designed specifically for bed bugs, so read the label and make sure that you know what you’re getting.
If you’ve discovered these uninvited guests in your home, give our professionals a call to set up a consultation.
