Bed Bugs are a nightmare. These little bloodsuckers can last a year and a half without a meal. They work their way into the tiniest of spaces, hide out in your bedroom and furniture, and keep biting. The little pests are masters of disguise, sneakiness, and making things itchy. Bedbugs can be very difficult to get rid of but some best practices can make managing and eventually eliminating them a smaller mountain to climb.
You can recognize if you have bed bugs when either you notice bites after a night's sleep or begin to notice blood smears or black fecal matter around your bed. Always check in and around mattress seams, in pillowcases, and the bedframe or headboard. A fully grown bedbug is about the size of Abraham Lincoln's head on a US penny.
Because bed bugs are exceptional at hiding and enjoy living in small and secluded places, a bug bomb won't work well. The aerosol mist from the fogger can't make its way into the nooks and crannies where these bedbugs are hanging out. In addition to this, foggers can be dangerous and harm you and your family if not used properly. Using a fogger properly involves some serious planning and management: you need to keep you family and pets out of the house, you need to make sure you don't have food in your home, you need to let your home air out afterwards, and if they don't do the job, you can't use them too frequently without endangering you or your family.
So the foggers aren't the best choice, but what about the exterminator? Much of what he can do to help you get rid of bed bugs is rely on similar chemical pesticides to those in the foggers. If that doesn't work, he may recommend fumigating your home. The problem here is similar to those with foggers, there are parts of your home where bedbugs might be hiding that won't be affected by fumigation. In addition, fumigation treatment for your home can run you thousands of dollars, and makes it a completely unviable option for many people suffering with a bed bug infestation.
In addition to all of those negatives, any poison based control can have serious knock-on effects. Studies have shown that bed bugs have grown more resistant to chemical pesticides over time. In order to combat them effectively, it is essential to pursue alternatives that do not rely on poisons.
There are lots of places around the internet that will tell you they have an amazing homemade spray you can use to combat bed bugs. They are often touted as a solution you can make in your home at a minimal cost and are effective at killing bed bugs. The problem is, most of these recipes will kill bed bugs only when they are treated directly. You have to find them and spray them. This can present a huge problem for actually tackling your bed bug infestation. It can be a great secondary tool for when you encounter an actual bed bug, but outside of that situation, these sprays won't help much.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a great all-round choice for combatting bed bugs. This non-chemical pesticide defeats bed bugs' ever growing resistance to chemical pesticides. This bed bug powder is all-natural and safe to use around you and your family, so there should be no worries about getting a little on your hands, or sitting somewhere that has been treated with it. You should actually sit in places that have been treated with this pesticide because it will help kill any potential bed bug hitchhikers.
DE looks and feels like a fine white powder but if you looked at it under a microscope, you would see hundreds of tiny shards. To humans, these shards are inconsequential; to insects like bedbugs, they are like shards of glass. DE punctures insects' exoskeletons and absorbs their internal fluids dehydrating them quickly and effectively.
The powder is so fine that it can be easily worked into furniture and applied in tight spaces easily, this makes it ideal for combatting an infestation which likes to hide out in places foggers cannot reach. DE is safe to use around your family by any measure and won't harm you, your family or pets. It's a cost effective option which can also deter future infestations when combined with some best practices for handling bedbugs.
In any bed bug situation you need to follow some of the common best practices. Regardless of how you choose to treat your home, these methods are necessary to have any success combating bed bugs.
These best practices include thoroughly cleaning your home using a vacuum and steam cleaner; washing all of your linens and clothes and storing them in airtight containers; and "hunting" for bed bugs around your home. Dismantle your bed or furniture as much as possible and vacuum your way around the pieces. Go back over the same areas and other crevices with a steamer. Wash and dry any fabric on a high heat before storing to help get rid of bed bugs and their eggs.
These best practices when combined with an all-natural bed bug powder like diatomaceous earth put you in the strongest position to win back your home and keep your family safer, happier, and healthier.
Read the rest here:
Why Home Remedies for Bed Bugs Are Your Only Option ...
- How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs - How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs using Steam [Last Updated On: June 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 18th, 2011]
- Pest Control : How to Kill Bedbugs With Bombs [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Eliminating Bed Bug in The House : Bedbug Exterminator in NJ - Open Weekend. [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- How To Get Rid Of Bedbugs Ebook [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Bed bug heater [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2011]
- Pest Control : How to Tell if You Have Bedbugs [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Pest Control : How to Kill Bedbugs With Cold Temperatures [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- How to Control Bed Bugs in Your Home - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- Pest Control : How to Detect [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2011]
- Sleep Tight: The Bed Bug Epidemic is Real (2009) - Video [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2011]
- WARNING - BE VERY AWARE - BED BUGS INCREASING - 1 - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Bed Bug Control - Diatomaceous Earth On and Around Furniture - Video [Last Updated On: December 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 1st, 2011]
- Discover How to Get Rid Of Bed Bugs - Video [Last Updated On: December 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 1st, 2011]
- Are Bed Bugs Causing Paranoia? [ABC: 5-16-2011] - Video [Last Updated On: December 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 1st, 2011]
- Protecting Apartment, Dorm or Hotel Staff from bed bugs - Video [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2011]
- How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs (so they don't come back!) - Video [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2011]
- EcoKeeper Bedbug Tent (Pestmall.com) - Video [Last Updated On: January 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2012]
- Organic Biological Pest Control Product Non Toxic Green Best - Video [Last Updated On: January 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 28th, 2012]
- How to Kill Bed Bugs with Alcohol : How to Kill Bed Bugs With Alcohol - Video [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2012]
- Garden [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2012]
- Top Entomologists Call 2012 Pivotal Year in Bed Bug War [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2012]
- Students bringing home bed bugs [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2012]
- College students bringing home bed bugs [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2012]
- Bed Bug Bombs Are Duds, Yet Still On Shelves [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2012]
- Home Remedy for Bed-Bug Bites | eHow - eHow | How to Videos ... [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2013]
- Home remedy for bed bugs - all you need to know about clearing bed ... [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2013]
- Old Home Remedies for Bed Bugs | eHow - eHow | How to Videos ... [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2013]
- Home Remedy to Kill Bed Bugs | eHow [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2013]
- Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bed Bugs - Buzzle [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2013]
- Bed Bug Exterminator NYC | Bed Bug Treatment | Pest Control New York [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2013]
- Home Remedies for Bed Bugs | Home Remedies Health Benefits [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2013]
- Home Remedies for Bed Bug Bites | eHow - eHow | How to Videos ... [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2013]
- Home Remedies for Bed Bugs [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2013]
- What Are Home Remedies for Bed Bugs? | eHow [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2013]
- Bed Bugs Home Remedies – 3 Easy Ways To Get Rid of Bed Bugs [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2013]
- Home Remedies for Bed Bug Bites • Grandma's Home Remedies [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2013]
- Home Remedy in Six Steps for Getting Rid of Bed Bugs - Yahoo ... [Last Updated On: November 30th, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 30th, 2013]
- Natural Herbal Home Remedies for Bed Bug Control | eHow [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2013] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2013]
- Bed Bugs Home Remedy [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2013] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2013]
- Home Remedies for Getting Rid of Bed Bugs | eHow [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2013] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2013]
- Bed bug battle sparks protest [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2013] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2013]
- Home Remedies to Prevent Bed Bugs | eHow [Last Updated On: December 20th, 2013] [Originally Added On: December 20th, 2013]
- Bed Bugs Insecticides / Treatments - Bed Bug.org [Last Updated On: January 12th, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 12th, 2014]
- Bed Bugs Treatment For Home: Top 5 Methods To Get Rid of ... [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2014]
- Home Remedies For Bed Bugs - The Best Combination [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2014]
- Home Remedy For Bed Bugs Review [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2014]
- Chicago Tops Bed Bug Cities List for Second Consecutive Year [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2014]
- Columbus No. 3 for bedbugs [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2014]
- 8 Home Remedies For Bed Bugs - Natural Treatments & Cure ... [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2014]
- Home Remedies For Bed Bugs | Bed Bug Relief [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2014]
- Bed Bug Patrol Travel Spray - Free Shipping [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2014]
- Natural Treatment For Bed Bug Bites: What Works and What ... [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2014]
- Bedbug Prevention - Quick Care [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2014]
- Natural Bed Bug Control & Treatment | bed-bugs.com [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2014]
- Natural Bed Bug Treatments | eHow - eHow | How to Videos ... [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2014]
- How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs at Home - Video [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2014]
- The Herb Gardener: Home Remedies for Bed Bugs [Last Updated On: August 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: August 23rd, 2014]
- How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Home Remedy | eHow [Last Updated On: August 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: August 23rd, 2014]
- Home Remedies For Bed Bugs : Get Rid Of Them - Home ... [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- Bed Bug Bites: Treatment, Home Remedies, & Symptoms [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Effective Home Remedies for Bed Bugs - Grandma's Home Remedies [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2014]
- How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Yourself Naturally (Home Remedies) [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2014]
- The Problem With Home Remedies for Bed Bugs [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2014]
- Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bed Bugs - Bed Bugs [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2014]
- Bed Bug Treatment | Bed Bug Home Remedies | how do u get rid of bed bugs - Video [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2014]
- Bed Sized Bed Bug Trap LLC Develops New Trap with the Goal of Bed Bug Extinction [Last Updated On: January 20th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 20th, 2015]
- Bad Bed Bugs: Photos of Bites with Infestation Treatment Help [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2015]
- Natural Remedies to get rid of Bed Bugs - Ayurvedic and ... [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2015]
- How to Kill Bed Bugs Using Home Remedies | eHow [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2015] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2015]
- ERADICATOR 24 oz. Natural Bed Bug Dust Mite Treatment ... [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2015]
- 12 Herbal Remedies For Bed Bugs - How To Cure Bed Bugs ... [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2015]
- 6 Herbal Remedies For Bed Bugs - Home Remedies ... [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2015]
- 4 Home Remedies To Kill Bed Bugs - Get Holistic Health [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2015]
- Geeks On Home: What Are Home Remedies for Bed Bugs? [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Home Remedies for Bed Bug Bites [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Bed Bug Info | Home And Natural Remedies For Bed Bugs [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- 7 Home Remedies to Combat Bed Bugs - FeminiyaFeminiya [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- 8 Kill Bed Bugs Home Remedies Natural Treatments & Cures ... [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2016]
- Home Remedies For Bed Bugs, Kill and Get Rid of Bed Bugs ... [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2016]
- 19 Natural Home Remedies for Bed Bugs Bites [Last Updated On: February 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 1st, 2017]