Even the cleanest of homes can get bed bugs. They need only a means of entry
and a food source. Bed bugs reproduce and spread rapidly, so even a small problem
can quickly become a large infestation. Telltale signs of bed bugs include a
sweet musky odor, rust-colored spots on mattresses, or bedding and bites similar
to those of a mosquito. To confirm the presence of bed bugs, use disposable
bed bug traps that will attract and trap insects in about an hour. If bed bugs are
present, place additional traps in other areas of your home to determine how
widespread the infestation may be. All infested rooms must be prepped before
treating the problem. Clear clutter from the room, especially from under and
around the bed. Any items you're washing should be placed in a sealable plastic
bag while still in the affected room. If you're getting rid of items, dispose of
the bags outside of your home. If you have items stored in boxes, place them in
plastic totes instead. Bed bugs can hide inside cardboard. Remove any bedding and
clothing that have been exposed. Seal them in bags and immediately clean all
items with a detergent specially formulated for killing bed bugs. Set your
washer on its hot-water cycle and dry the load on the hottest temperature
setting. Vacuum the room thoroughly, including the mattress box spring
baseboards, and even behind switch and outlet plates. When done, immediately
remove the vacuum bag or bagless container. Seal it in a plastic bag and
dispose of it. There are a variety of safe, do-it-yourself bed bug treatment
products available. Most of them are older less and non-staining. For larger
areas, a fogger is a good option. It will not only kill adult bed bugs but also
their unhatched eggs. It will reach into rugs, window treatments, and the other
areas where they hide. Use only one fogger in a room and never place one in
a small, confined area like a closet. Before activating the fogger, close all
windows, turn off fans and the heating and cooling systems. If a closet has been
infested, leave the closet door open during the fogging process.
Extinguish all open flames, including pilot lights, and unplug appliances that
cycle on and off, such as refrigerators. Set the fogger on a box or table in the
center of the room and activate the fogger as directed. Leave the room
immediately and close the door behind you. Do not re-enter the room until two
hours after the treatment is completed. Immediately open the windows, turn on any
fans and the ventilation system, and allow the room to air out for two hours.
Treatment products are also available in powder form and are great for treating
tighter spaces. Spray bottle and aerosol products work well for treating smaller
areas and spot treating mattresses and box springs. Lay out new disposable traps
to confirm there are no bed bugs left. To prevent bugs from crawling up into your
bed, place interceptors under each leg. Encase your
box spring and mattress in a
specially designed protective cover. Be sure your headboard
doesn't touch the wall, and that no bedding touches the floor. When traveling,
set a bed bug trap to check your hotel room and when returning home, spray your
luggage before packing. Unpack outside your home, seal your clothes in plastic
bags, and immediately wash them. Taking these simple steps will help you sleep
well knowing that bed bugs won't be biting. For more detailed information
about this, and many other projects, check out the DIY projects and ideas section
of homedepot.com, or talk to one of our store associates, and thanks for shopping
at The Home Depot.