How to Deal Effectively With Bedbugs

How to Deal Effectively With
Bedbugs
A Guide for Homeowners
Onlinepestcontrol.com

How to Deal Effectively With Bedbugs
Bedbugs are small reddish-brown
insects. They’re about 3/16 inch long
(size of an apple seed) and easily visible
to the naked eye. They are wingless, but
are fast crawlers. Their bodies are very
flat with slender legs and antennae.
What Are Bedbugs?

Facts About Bedbugs
Immature bedbugs look like the adults but
are smaller and often lighter in colour.
Bedbugs feed on the blood of humans.
Bedbugs were drastically reduced after
World War II by the use of pesticides that
are no longer available for use.
A bedbug feeds for only 3-10 minutes
after biting and usually feeds every few days.
Bedbugs do not occur only in poor and
insanitary conditions.
Both male and female bedbugs bite and
consume blood.
Blood meals are necessary for the growth
of juveniles and the reproduction of females.
Bedbug bites are usually painless, during
which the host is normally fast asleep.

Though painless during biting sessions, bedbug
hosts tend to have different reactions. Within a
day of the bite(s), most people then experience
itching, pain, and/or swelling of the skin where the
bedbug bite occurred. This is most common on the
arms, face, hands, back or other exposed areas
Reactions to Bedbug Bites

To treat bedbug bites, it’s important to control
itching and inflammation. Antihistamines and/or
corticosteroids can be prescribed to reduce allergic
reactions. If secondary infections occur,
antimicrobial ointments can be used.
Note: Medically treating bedbug bites do not
erase their presence.
How to Treat Bedbug Bites

Bedbugs do not transfer disease organisms after
feeding on multiple hosts.
Bedbugs do, however, reduce the quality of
life as they incite discomfort, embarrassment,
sleeplessness, and anxiety.
Are Bedbugs Harmful to Your Health?

Bedbugs shed during metamorphosis. You should
be able to see spots of excrement and blood spots
or stains on upholstered furniture, walls, and
beddings.
How to Identify Bedbugs

On a frequent basis, a
crevice tool and
flashlight should be used
to examine:
Under the gauze covering of box springs
Behind bed headboards
Behind objects mounted on a wall
Inside cracks, crevices, or screw holes
of synthetic, wooden, or upholstered furniture
Under loose wallpaper
Along mattress seams
Under carpeting
In electronic devices
Under chairs and anything to be seated on
Behind base and window trim

A “stale sweet” odour may be detected in severe or long-lasting
infestations of bedbugs.
Bedbugs are often spread through the acquisition of infested second-
hand furniture, or by their hitchhiking on items used during travel such
as suitcases, outerwear, and other belongings. Once established in a
building, the bugs can then move throughout the structure by crawling
along pipe and wiring runs, conduits, HVAC system ductwork, sharing of
belongings, laundry, etc.

How To Prevent a Bedbug Infestation
Vigilance and care is needed when preventing an infestation. When
travelling, homeowners should ensure their personal belongings aren’t kept
opened and on the floor, bed or other areas accessible to bedbugs. They
should also inspect premises in which they will be staying a night or two.
Once an area is suspected to have bedbugs, it should be reported promptly.

How To Prevent a Bedbug Infestation
(Cont’d)
If you’re in receipt of couches, furniture, beddings, furnishings etc, ensure
to perform a thorough inspection of the equipment before bringing it into
your home.
As bedbugs can be inconspicuous, you may invite them into your home
without knowing.

How to Get Rid of Bedbugs
Bedbugs are difficult to get rid of because they can live for months
without feeding, are resistant to many pesticides, they multiply quickly,
and some pesticides that do kill bedbugs cannot be used on bedding or
furniture.
In most cases, several rounds of treatment by a pest control personnel is
needed to get rid of bedbugs.

How to Get Rid of
Bedbugs (Cont’d)
Bag and wash drapes, clothing, linens, beddings, etc.,
in hot water – dry on medium or hot heat for about
10-30 minutes.
Note: Dry cleaning might destroy bedbugs, but ensure
to bag the items.
Separate and apply heat

How to Get Rid of
Bedbugs (Cont’d)
Use a dedicated vacuum, along with a bristle brush and crevice
tool to remove the insects. While the aforementioned items aren’t
in use, keep them in a close container/bag.
Note: Get rid of vacuum contents in a closed container.
Use a vacuum

How to Get Rid of
Bedbugs (Cont’d)
Get rid of infested furniture & clutter
As a part of the treatment, you may be required to discard infested
furniture, remove items attached to walls, seal openings and cracks,
and reduce clutter within your home.
Once an infested item cannot be treated, it should be covered and
noted on a label. This is to ensure that bedbugs aren’t able to spread
to other locations of the home.

How to Get Rid of
Bedbugs (Cont’d)
Encase your mattress
To encase mattresses, use a zippered cloth or mattress cover (plastic).
This is to ensure that bedbugs feeding and movements are restricted.
Note: In some cases, the mattress must be encased for a year.

How to Get Rid of
Bedbugs (Cont’d)
Application of pesticides
Especially if a licensed pest control contractor is called in,
they might apply a particular registered pesticide in an aid to control
Bedbug residue.
Note: Some residents have found success applying
Diatomaceous Earth to treat bedbug infestations.

How to Get Rid of
Bedbugs (Cont’d)
Pesticides available commercially aren’t
necessarily effective when applied to control an
infestation in living areas.
Note: Repellents and foggers provide no value when
combating bedbugs.

How to Get Rid of
Bedbugs (Cont’d)
If a pest control expert is treating your home for bedbugs,
here are a list of pesticides he may apply.
6 Pesticides Used In Effective Bedbug Control
Note: It’s sage to find out if the above stated chemicals
are welcomed in your state or country.

How to Get Rid of
Bedbugs (Cont’d)
Disclaimer
This presentation was created and designed to
provide awareness and inform homeowners.
If you opt to use DIY methods to treat a light infestation at
home, do not use pesticides. If however, you opt to use
commercially available pesticides, follow the label.
Note: A licensed pest control contractor should apply
chemicals.

The End…
Thank you for watching
and reading…

How to Deal Effectively With Bedbugs

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