An expert has revealed a few simple ways to get rid of a bed bug infestation in your home and prevent them from coming back.
The small insects rely on human and animal blood as their only source of food, but can survive for several months in between meals. A female can lay up to 500 eggs throughout her life, so infestations are unfortunately very common.
Since they reproduce so quickly, it's important to nip the problem in the bud before the eggs hatch. But if you've not managed to do this in time, there are some ways that you can get rid of the insects fast.
The Express reports that a quick way to do this is to vacuum up any live bugs from your bed.
And in terms of other, more natural ways to deter them, Zach Smith of Smith's Pest Management has revealed three methods that work to drive the insects away 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."
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