Professional and DIY Tips for Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

Few household pests are as frustrating as bed bugs. These tiny, reddish-brown insects hide in mattress seams, box springs, and even sofas or couches, making them tough to eradicate.

Whether you’re dealing with a minor issue or a severe bed bug infestation, learning the best approaches—both DIY and professional—can help protect your home.

Key Takeaways

• Bed bug infestations show through bites, droppings, live bugs, and hiding spots like furniture cracks.

• DIY methods include cleaning, vacuuming, using steam, sealing cracks, and applying natural powders like diatomaceous earth.

• Professional help works best for severe infestations with heat treatments, sprays, and protective mattress covers.

• Prevention means checking used furniture, using bed covers, and washing travel clothes on high heat.

1. Learn How to Spot a Bed Bug Problem

Before treating your home, confirm the presence of bed bugs. Common signs of bed bugs include:

• Bites: Bed bug bites often show up as itchy welts on your skin, typically in clusters or lines.

• Droppings: Small, rust-colored stains found on sheets, pillowcases, and mattresses.

• Hiding places: Bed bugs often lurk in crevices like the edges of baseboards, furniture joints, and headboards.

• Live bugs: Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and can often be found in infested areas.

2. Declutter and Contain

Remove clutter and seal infested items in sealed plastic bags. Store them for a year to ensure all bed bugs and their eggs die.

3. Launder Linens and Fabrics

Wash linens, pillowcases, and other items in hot water, then dry them on the highest heat setting to kill any remaining bugs.

4. Vacuum Frequently

Use a vacuum cleaner to clean hiding places like mattress edges, furniture, and bed frames. Always dispose of the vacuum bag outdoors in a tightly sealed plastic bag.

5. Apply Natural Treatments

Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around common hiding spots. This safe, natural powder kills bed bugs by dehydrating them.

6. Use a Steam Cleaner

Steam is an excellent way to kill bed bugs and their eggs. Focus on furniture, upholstered furniture, and cracks around baseboards. Keep the heat above 200°F for maximum effectiveness.

7. Seal Cracks and Crevices

Use caulk to close up cracks and zippers where bed bugs hide, such as those around windows, doors, and walls.

8. Try Rubbing Alcohol

Some homeowners use rubbing alcohol as a contact killer for visible bugs. While not a long-term solution, it can help reduce the population in a pinch.

9. Think Twice About Bug Bombs and Foggers

Although some use bug bombs or foggers, these methods often fail to reach deep hiding places where bed bugs hide. So, they may not fully address the problem.

Professional Treatments for Stubborn Infestations

DIY methods work for minor cases, but larger infestations often require professional help. Experts use tools and techniques that eliminate bed bugs in all life stages.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Heat Treatments: Pest control professionals use heaters to elevate temperatures above 120°F, killing bugs and eggs in furniture, sofas, and other infested areas.

• Residual Sprays: Experts apply bed bug spray to cracks, crevices, and mattress seams to create long-lasting barriers.

• Encasements: Installing encasements on mattresses and box springs prevents future infestations by blocking bugs from entering or exiting.

• EPA-Approved Products: Licensed professionals use safe, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved solutions tailored for bed bug control.

Why Professional Pest Management Matters

While DIY approaches can help with smaller infestations, hiring a pest control company ensures comprehensive pest management. Professional exterminators offer customized solutions, from steam cleaners to heat treatments, for long-lasting results.

If bed bugs are keeping you up at night, Kodiak Pest Control is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our reliable, effective bed bug treatment options.