They can cause you real problems. Now, an expert has offered 3 simple home remedies that could get rid of a bed bug infestation - and prevent the insects returning.
The insects rely on human and animal blood, The Daily Record reports, but can survive months without eating - and one female can lay 500 eggs in her life. While prevention is the best course of action, if you have an infestation, there are 3 simple measures that will help resolve the issue.
One quick method to deal with the bugs is to hoover up any of the bugs you see on your bed. But Zach Smith, of Smith's Pest Management, has outlined three home remedies to deter them from your home.
Use heat or cold to get rid of bed bugs naturally
Zach says that temperature is an "effective" way to get bed bugs away from your mattress.
To do this, you should take any affected bedding and wash it in very hot water for around half an hour.
Alternatively, you can put the bedsheets in the freezer "that is at least zero degrees Fahrenheit" and leave them there for four days to ensure all the bugs will die.
Use steam
To kill bed bugs without hiring a professional, Zach said: "Use a steamer on mattresses, couches, and other places where bed bugs hide."
The hot steam will exterminate the insects immediately if it's applied slowly and directly to any affected surface.
If you have clothing that you can use a steamer wand on, slowly drag it across like you normally would.
If you have certain pieces of furniture that can handle the moisture and temperature, slowly go over the flat planes and focus on crevices and areas where there are bolts and screws, because that’s where bed bugs would hide.
Cover your mattresses
Using a bed bug-proof mattress cover will provide a protective layer on your bed and stop the insects from entering there.
Zach said: "When zipped all the way up, these covers will prevent bed bugs from entering, and will kill bed bugs trapped inside.
"They also form a protective barrier that prevents the bed bugs from biting you while you sleep."
