Not only are bed bugs an epidemic, they are also one of the most difficult pest problems to quickly eradicate. Although there are a few DIY things you can do to lessen the problem, professional bed bug treatment is the most effective way to ensure the infestation is completely eradicated. When it comes to treating bed bugs, knowing the signs of an infestation is essential, because the sooner you are aware of the problem, the sooner you can be rid of these pests.

 

Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

Waking up with itchy spots may be a sign that you have bed bugs, especially if you recently stayed at a hotel, bought a used bed or have acquired other used furniture about the time the bites started. Other signs of bed bug infestation include:

• Blood spots on your mattress, sheets and/or pillowcases

• Dark spots (bed bug excrement) on the mattress, sheets, walls and bed clothes

• Fecal spots, shed skins and/or egg shells in areas where bed bugs often hide (see information below).

• An offensive, musty odor is often a sign of an infestation—bed bugs release odors called alarm pheromones, which create the unpleasant odor. The odor is similar to the odor made by stink bugs.

 

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Although bed bugs typically live within 8-10 feet of where people sleep, they can travel over 100 feet in a single night, so it is important to inspect carefully for signs of bed bugs in places other than your mattress. During the day, bed bugs hide in mattress seams, bed frames, box springs, furniture, clothing and cracks and crevices. If you suspect you have a bed bug infestation, remove all bedding and carefully inspect it for signs of the bugs, their shells and their excrement. Peel back the dust cover on the bottom of the box springs and examine the wood framing. You should also check around the bed, including inside telephones or alarm clocks, the edge of carpet, books, and even check inside electrical outlets. If you find signs of an infestation, it is essential that you contact PureHeat as soon as possible to begin bed bug treatment.

 

How to Treat Bed Bugs

If you think you have bed bugs, don’t even consider over-the-counter bug spray—it simply will not work. The best solution for how to treat bed bugs is to contact PureHeat. While there are a few different methods for treating bed bugs, the most effective way is with heat treatment. PureHeat’s professional heat treatment offers a 100% kill rate for the affected rooms. Bed bugs are highly resilient pests, but they cannot withstand life at temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. When heat treatment is used, both the adult bed bugs and the eggs will perish at this high temperature, so we heat the primary area with this high temperature for several hours, using fans to circulate the heat to ensure it reaches even small cracks and crevices where bed bugs may be hiding.

 

Once the problem with bed bugs has been eliminated, it is important to keep in mind that part of treating bed bugs is prevention. Using a waterproof, hypoallergenic, zippered mattress cover is a simple way to prevent bed bugs. It is also important to vacuum frequently, which will help to remove any eggs that may be in the carpets.

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