Why You're Struggling with Bed Bugs

1. Thorough Inspection: Identifying the Problem

Where to Look: Bed bugs are incredibly small (about the size of an apple seed) and can hide in tiny spaces. When inspecting your home:
- Mattresses and Box Springs: Check seams, tufts, and under labels.
- Bed Frames and Headboards: Bed bugs often hide in cracks in the wood or joints in the frame.
- Furniture: Couches, chairs, and nightstands can harbor bed bugs. Inspect under cushions, between seams, and inside drawers.
- Walls and Baseboards: They can hide in cracks in the walls, behind baseboards, or around electrical outlets.
- Personal Belongings: Books, electronics, and clothing can all harbor bed bugs.
Signs of Bed Bugs:
- Live Bed Bugs: Tiny, reddish-brown, and oval-shaped insects.
- Shed Skins: As bed bugs grow, they shed their skin, which you might find near their hiding spots.
- Fecal Stains: Look for small, dark, rust-colored stains on your bedding or furniture.
- Eggs: Bed bug eggs are very small (about 1mm) and white. They are usually laid in hidden, hard-to-reach areas.
Tools to Use: A flashlight and a magnifying glass can help spot bed bugs in tiny cracks. You may also want to use a credit card or a knife to scrape areas where bed bugs might be hiding to dislodge any eggs or bugs.

Move the Bed: Keep your bed at least a foot away from walls and furniture to make it harder for bed bugs to reach you. Bed bugs cannot jump or fly, so they rely on crawling to get to their food source (you).
Use Mattress and Box Spring Encasements: Invest in bed bug-proof mattress cover for both your mattress and box spring. These encasements seal in any bed bugs already inside, preventing them from escaping. They also make it harder for new bed bugs to find a place to hide. Be sure to leave the mattress cover on for at least a 400 days, as bed bugs can survive for months without feeding. We kept our first cover on for 3 years, and just replaced it earlier this year.
Tuck in Bedding: Ensure that no sheets, blankets, or pillows touch the floor, as this gives bed bugs an easy route onto your bed.

High Heat is Key: Wash your bedding, pillows, and curtains in hot water (at least 120°F / 50°C) to kill bed bugs and their eggs. Even a lower wash temperature can work as long as you dry everything on high heat afterward for 30–60 minutes. Use the highest heat setting on your dryer.
Clothing: If your clothing or belongings have come into contact with bed bugs, use a similar hot water wash and high-heat drying method. Alternatively, you can bag items and take them to a professional cleaner. It would be wise to tell the cleaner that you have bed bugs. I'm not sure if they'll take the items or not.
Non-Washable Items: For items that can't be washed, such as shoes or plush toys, you can either place them in a sealed plastic bag and leave them in direct sunlight or use a portable heating device. If you can afford to get rid of them, get rid of them.

Where to Vacuum: Vacuum your mattress, bed frame, carpets, floors, and any upholstery where bed bugs might be hiding. Don’t forget baseboards, cracks in furniture, and other hiding spots. Pay special attention to the areas around your bed.
After Vacuuming: Bed bugs and their eggs are incredibly resilient, so be sure to:
- Use a vacuum with a strong suction power.
- Empty the vacuum immediately after use by sealing the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and disposing of it in an outdoor trash can.
- Clean your vacuum’s hose and attachments to prevent the bed bugs from spreading.

Steam Cleaning: Steam can penetrate deep into cracks, furniture seams, and mattresses where bed bugs might be hiding. When using a steamer:
- Make sure the steam temperature is above 120°F but below 180°F to avoid damaging your furniture or mattress.
- Move the steamer slowly, ensuring the heat kills the bugs and eggs.
Portable Heating Devices: These devices are great for treating clothes, bedding, shoes, and small items. They create a sealed, heated environment that kills bed bugs at all life stages.

How It Works: Diatomaceous earth is a fine, natural powder made from crushed fossilized algae. It works by dehydrating bed bugs, eventually killing them.
Application Tips:
- Sprinkle it lightly around baseboards, bed legs, under furniture, and in cracks and crevices where bed bugs hide.
- Avoid overapplying, as bed bugs can simply crawl over large piles. A light dusting is enough.
- Keep it dry. Diatomaceous earth loses its effectiveness when wet.

Chemical Sprays: If you choose to use a bed bug spray, opt for a product specifically labeled for bed bugs. Look for ingredients like pyrethroids, which are effective against bed bugs.
- Apply sprays to mattresses, bed frames, cracks, and crevices.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as over-application can lead to pesticide resistance or health risks.
Natural or Plant-Based Sprays: If you prefer a safer option, there are sprays made from essential oils, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil, that are less toxic. They can help repel bed bugs, though they may not kill them as effectively as chemical treatments.
Spray in sessions: When our infestation was really bad, we sprayed twice a week for the first month. Then we sprayed once a week for the next 3 months. You know you have gotten rid of bed bugs once you don't see any for 3 - 4 months straight.

Why Decluttering Helps: Bed bugs love clutter because it provides plenty of places to hide. Reducing clutter makes it harder for them to find a safe space.
- Focus on areas close to your bed, such as nightstands, closets, and the floor around your bed.
- Bag up items like clothes, books, and papers that aren’t used frequently, and store them in airtight plastic containers.

How They Work: Bed bug interceptors are small plastic trays that you place under each leg of your bed. They have a rough outer wall (so bed bugs can climb in) and a smooth inner wall (so they can’t climb out).
- They trap any bed bugs trying to climb up onto your bed or trying to escape from it.
- You can also place them under the legs of other furniture to see if bed bugs are active in different areas of your home.

Why Repeat Treatments: Bed bugs are tough and can take time to completely eradicate. Bed bug eggs can take 6–10 days to hatch, so even if you think you’ve eliminated the adults, new bugs may appear.
When to Repeat: Continue treatments like vacuuming, spraying, and monitoring for the next 3 months after the last sighting of bed bugs.

Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Home: When traveling or staying in hotels, inspect the room for bed bugs, and don’t place your luggage on the bed or floor. Use a luggage stand and inspect your belongings before bringing them home.
Check Secondhand Furniture: If you purchase secondhand furniture, inspect it thoroughly before bringing it into your home.