Do you have bed bugs? If so, you’re probably aware of how difficult it can be to eradicate these small creatures from your home. The good news is that there are plenty of treatments available to help remove the bugs, and we’ll review the best ones below. We’ll also tell you which ones will kill the bugs while they sleep, so you don’t have to worry about re-entering your bed at night and biting you!
Identify infested areas
The most effective way to deal with a bed bug infestation is by isolating and spraying areas that may be infested. For example, many hotels have Murphy Bed in their guest rooms; these are beds which fold into small cabinets during the daytime when not in use. A large percentage of hotels have experienced issues with bed bugs because it’s nearly impossible for guests or housekeeping staff to identify all possible hiding places where eggs or hatched insects can be found.
Contain the bugs
When you have a bug infestation, one of your first moves should be to contain them. Picking up and moving all your furniture isn’t always an option—if it is, go for it! But it might not be if you live in an apartment or house with multiple bedrooms. What you can do instead is isolate affected areas. Move any beds away from walls (bedbugs like to hide behind headboards) and cover mattresses with tightly woven sheets.
Cover box springs, too, using fitted sheets that don’t hang over the sides. Make sure to leave no crevices exposed; a good idea is to place mattress covers on both sides of your box spring so nothing can hide underneath it. Also, consider encasing box springs in plastic wrap or bags—make sure there are no holes anywhere they could escape!
Kill the bed bugs
You could spend a considerable amount on insecticides and professional treatments. Still, all you need is a few household items: A hairdryer, canola oil, a lighter or matches, and some paper towels. Place a towel under your mattress and light it on fire with either the hairdryer or matches/lighter. As you burn it, pour more oil onto it. This will kill any bugs that are hiding in your mattress.
It’s also good to cover your box spring and pillows in encasements, so they don’t become infected. Wash all clothes, sheets, and blankets regularly. Vacuum often and throw out vacuum bags after each use. If you think you have an infestation, contact an exterminator immediately. At the same time, they may be expensive, they’re also trained professionals who know how to handle these types of situations without causing additional damage to your home or belongings.
Monitor affected areas
You might want to consider getting a bed that folds up and is out of sight. Murphy beds are ideal for those who don’t have room for a large bed but do have space in which they can tuck away an unused one. Besides being useful, they are also a good way to make sure that your beds remain free from critters like mites and cockroaches; these critters don’t tend to thrive in hard-to-reach areas.
Hire a Bed Bug Exterminator
When dealing with a bed bug infestation, hiring an exterminator is important. Do-it-yourself treatments are often ineffective and require massive amounts of time. Moreover, you risk spreading or even killing your pets if you choose a do-it-yourself approach. Choose a professional exterminator and know that any pests will be removed in a timely manner. You can also learn how to prevent future infestations by following your exterminator’s advice.
Conclusion
If you’re currently dealing with a Murphy Bed situation, it can feel like your home is unlivable. Thankfully, there are many ways you can treat and eliminate them from your home—including (but not limited to) calling a professional exterminator. In addition, if you’re willing to put in some work and save up some money, there are DIY treatment options for Murphy beds.
