Bed Bugs
What are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, wingless, range from 1mm to 7mm, and can live several months without a blood meal.
How To Deal With Bed Bugs
The sooner you start to attack the infestation, the easier it will be to get rid of these bugs. Using a professional exterminator is the quickest and most effective way to get rid of bed bugs. If a person tackles the problem on their own, it could take a year or more until the bugs are completely gone. HCPH recommends completing additional steps even when using an exterminator.
Furniture
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Cover the mattress, box spring and pillows with allergy/bed bug protective covers.
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Make sure the bed touches nothing else in the room by pulling it away from walls and tables.
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Use climb up cups.
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Sleep in the room you think may have the bed bugs.
Getting Rid of the Problem
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Use diatomaceous earth in areas that may have bed bugs.
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Be cautious when using bug bombs as they may actually make the problem worse by driving bed bugs to hide in the walls.
Clean, Clean, Clean
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De-clutter so that bed bugs have fewer places to hide.
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Vacuum frequently in all areas of the home.
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Move furniture and turn items upside down.
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Once you've cleaned items, like clothes, place them in plactic bags or plastic bins.
Clothes
If you get the flu, antivirals can help make the illness milder or shorten the time you are sick.
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Do laundry on HIGH heat in the washer and HIGH heat for 30 minutes in the dryer.
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Dress out of the dryer to ensure you are not carrying bed bugs on your clothing to other locations.