How to Stop Bed Bug Bites

A step-by-step guide to stop getting bed bugs bites.

So, here’s a fact, getting rid of bed bugs is a tedious task. Most pest control companies would even agree that these are among the toughest critters to exterminate. With that said, getting some basic knowledge about bed bug behaviour along with using proper tools, you get more chances of getting rid of bed bugs and preventing a full-blown infestation. To make this possible, you should learn how to prevent bed bug bites using a basic logical approach.

Quick Fact: Bed bugs cannot reproduce if they do not feed. Preventing bed bugs from biting you while you are sleeping, you already made HUGE progress by decreasing their reproduction rate! Bed bugs rely solely on your blood to continue reproducing.

This step-by-step solution works for anyone who HAS and HAD bed bugs. It only means that this is the solution you need if you’re currently dealing with bed bugs or if you’ve experienced dealing with bed bugs before.

“But I just had exterminators perform bed bug treatments last week.” A common misconception about solving bed bug problems is that people rely on the results of getting exterminators. It is impossible to guarantee 100% extermination. Most extermination companies would need at least 3 visits before they control an infestation. Despite this, bed bugs can still come back.

While waiting for the benefits that the exterminators guarantee from their services and for you to get a good night's sleep, you need a solution to stop getting bitten and detect these critters.

 

Important Facts about Bed Bugs

  • Bed bugs are attracted by the CO2 and HEAT we emit
  • A bed bug’s preferred meal is human blood
  • Some people have allergic reactions to bites, others don't
  • Bed bugs are becoming increasingly resistant to common pesticides
  • Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers
  • Bed bugs need a meal consisting of blood to survive and reproduce
  • Bed bugs can live up to 18 months (in ideal conditions) without feeding
  • Bed bugs cannot fly or jump (very important to remember)
  • Bed bugs are thin and can hide in the smallest of cracks and crevices
  • Early bed bug detection puts you in the best position for success


Step 1 – Wash All Infested Sheets

 

The first step is washing all your infested sheets at the hottest possible setting and immediately putting them in the dryer. The temperature is powerful enough to kill all bed bugs and bed bug eggs that are attached to the sheets.

Tip: Freshly washed items that were infested by bed bugs such as towels, sheets, and clothes must be placed in sealed bags prior to bringing them in the bedroom.

 

 

 

Step 2 – Vacuum Your Box Spring, Mattress, and Bed Frame

Vacuum your box spring, mattress, and bed frame thoroughly to remove live bed bugs, eggs, and skin thoroughly. If you think your pillows are also infested, vacuum those as well. See to it that you remove the vacuum bag immediately after use. Place it in a sealed plastic bag to prevent captured bed bugs from escaping.

By vacuuming, most of the bed bugs hiding or lingering on your bed frame, box spring, mattress, and pillows will be removed. To get more assurance, click “GO THE EXTRA MILE” below. If not, you can proceed to step 3.

 

 

Step 3 – Use Mattress and Box Spring Encasements and Pillow Covers

 

The use of bed bug-proof mattress and box spring encasements prevent these critters from squeezing in your mattress and trap inside the encasement those that are left behind after vacuuming.

Since the mattress has many folds and seams and the box spring has a lot of void spaces, bed bugs can easily lurk into these spaces. Using a bedbug-proof encasement, it does not only protect you from getting bitten but also makes inspection easier!

This solution is a huge time-saver!

We cannot stress enough how a bedbug-proof encasement plays a crucial role in fighting bed bug infestations.

 

 

Step 4 – Don’t Forget to Treat the Bed Frame

When treating your bed frame, you can use bed bug sprays or bed bug dust e.g. diatomaceous earth. Bed bug sprays are deemed more effective than dust when treating bed frames since it can effectively get into cracks and crevices. With the bed bug powder, it is best used along the baseboards at the perimeter of the room as well as around your bed.

Though these critters are becoming more resistant to pesticides, bed bug sprays still play an important part in a complete bed bug eradication solution. The common mistake when using bed bug sprays is that these are over-used. This only contributes to the resistance of the bugs to sprays. This is why we emphasize the importance of using sprays responsibly.

So, in this step, focus on spraying the bed frame. Cover all areas thoroughly and make sure that the sprays get in all cracks and crevices. For treating bed bugs, we recommend using a bed bug contact spray and then follow up with a residual spray once the contact spray dries completely.

This will keep bed bugs away approximately 10 days. You will have to repeat the treatment after the 10-day period in case any eggs that were left behind have hatched in the frame.

 

 

Step 5 – Keep Your Bed Away from the Walls

 

These pesky critters are able to crawl up walls and get into your bed if any part of the bed is touching the wall. Create a distance of at least 12” to 18” of the bed from the walls. Also, it is important that nothing will act as a bridge for the bugs to get into the bed from the walls or floor, like a duvet hanging over the bed.

When sleeping, see to it that nothing is dragging and do your best to keep all pillows on the bed. This is important when you don’t have a headboard. The legs should only be the ones touching the floor. Get to know how you can protect the legs of your bed with the next step.

 

 

Step 6 – Use Bed Bug Interceptors

Interceptors are among the most essential tools in getting rid of bed bug infestations. These tools act as two-way bed bug traps. The interceptors act as a barrier between the legs of the bed and floor and also act as a monitor for confirming the presence of bed bugs by using YOU as the bait.

These are easy to install and allow you to do daily monitoring easily to check the effectiveness of the exterminator’s treatment.

Bed bug interceptors are simply placed under each leg of your bed. This will intercept bed bugs that are trying to climb up and crawl into your bed. When installed properly, it can help protect you from getting bitten by these bloodsuckers when you sleep. Just make sure that each leg is at the center of each interceptor to ensure its effectiveness.

 

 

You Have an Important Role in the Prevention and Eradication of Bed Bugs

You are an important asset in attaining complete bed bug eradication. Aside from learning the behaviour of these pests, you are playing an important role in diligently utilizing the right tools in getting rid of bed bugs and preventing an infestation.

Do your part diligently by encasing your mattress and putting interceptors to detect bed bugs effectively. Both of these tools also help in detecting whether the exterminator’s treatment worked or not. With early bed bug detection, you are always one step ahead in completely getting rid of bed bugs inside your home.