Do you wake up with red spots on your skin and always assume that you are waking up to a bed bug bite? While these tiny bloodsuckers may be minute in structure, they are tremendous in potential consequences. They interfere with one’s sleep and itch, they are just a nuisance one would not wish to encounter in their homes. These sneaky critters can appear where you least expect them and fighting them could be challenging. But fear not! In this blog, we will tell you how to get rid of bed bugs and welcome a sound night’s sleep again. So let’s dole out the gloves and fight this bed bug infestation from the core!

Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on human blood. They are usually brown and about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs are most active at night when people are asleep. They hide in cracks and crevices during the day. You might find them in the seams of mattresses, bed frames, and even behind wallpaper.

Signs of Bed Bugs

Before you start getting rid of bed bugs, you need to know if you have them. Here are some common signs:

• Bite marks: 

Small, red, itchy spots on your skin, often in a line or cluster.

• Blood stains: 

Small spots of blood on your sheets or pillowcases.

• Bed bug shells: 

You might find small, brownish shells that bed bugs shed as they grow.

• Musty smell: 

A strong, musty odor can be a sign of a heavy bed bug infestation.

 1. Wash Your Bed Linens and Your Clothing

The first thing that should be done is to wash and dry your blankets, clothes, and all the fabrics that you own. Wash them with hot water and put them in the dryer using the highest settings. High heat will kill the bed bugs because they can barely stand high temperatures. Ensure that this is done often so that it helps to prevent the bed bugs from growing in numbers.

2. Vacuum Your Home

Sweeping is a perfect method to eliminate both bed bugs and their eggs. Sweep and vacuum your mattress, bed frame, furniture, and carpeted floors. Ensure you focus more on the cracked surfaces. When done vacuuming, empty the vacuum bag into another plastic bag and dispose of it outside the house.

3. Use Bed Bug Sprays

Many bed bug sprays are available in the market. These sprays are effective in that they can eliminate bed bugs just by spraying on them. Do exactly as stated in the label/ instructions. Anytime you use the insecticide, it’s advised that you directly spray on the bed bugs and the likely hideout areas. Ensure that pets and children do not come into contact with treated surfaces until they are dry.

4 . Use Bed Bug Covers

Bed bug covers are enclosure-like products for your mattress and pillows. They encase the bed and help to block any new infestation of the bed bugs. Select covers that have the appropriate label, ‘bed bug proof’. One must ensure that all the bed bugs are eliminated, thus it is advisable to keep the covers on for over a year.

5 . Declutter Your Home

Bed bugs prefer a cluttered environment because they are easily concealed in the clutter. Shut down their hiding places by arranging your house. Throw what you do not need anymore and maintain cleanliness in your home. This makes it easier to detect and eliminate these pests commonly known as bed bugs.

6. Call a Professional

Sometimes, bed bug infestations can be too big to handle on your own. If you’ve tried everything and still have bed bugs, it’s time to call a professional pest control service. They have the tools and expertise to get rid of bed bugs effectively. Make sure to choose a service that has experience with bed bugs.

Preventing Bed Bugs

Once you’ve gotten rid of bed bugs, make sure they don’t come back. Here are some tips to prevent bed bugs:

• Inspect second-hand furniture: 

Bed bugs can hide in used furniture. Check for signs of bed bugs before bringing it into your home.

• Be cautious when traveling: 

Bed bugs can hitch a ride on your luggage. Inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs and keep your luggage off the floor.

• Keep your home clean: 

Regular cleaning and vacuuming can help prevent bed bugs. Pay special attention to your bed and surrounding areas.

• Use protective covers: 

Bed bug-proof covers on your mattress and pillows can help prevent infestations.

Getting rid of bed bugs in Australia can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. By following these simple steps, you can make your home bed bug-free. Remember to clean your bedding and clothes, vacuum your home, use bed bug sprays and steam cleaners, and consider calling a professional if needed. Preventing bed bugs is also important, so be cautious with second-hand furniture and when traveling. With these tips, you can keep bed bugs out of your home for good.