Bed bugs are a growing problem in the Phoenix area. These tiny insects can lay up to five eggs per day. Therefore, it is possible to have up to 78,125 eggs within a week just from accidently carrying one home. Each bed bug can live approximately 10 months laying over 1,500 eggs with each of those bugs going on to produce more offspring. There are some steps that you can take to help stop bed bugs from invading your living space, but working with a professional exterminator is the only way to get rid of them.
Furniture
If you are driving down the road and see a great looking couch or bed on the side of the road, you may want to think twice before you stop and pick it up. It is incredibly easy to carry bed bugs home in used furniture, used mattresses and in bedding. Therefore, consider avoiding bringing these items into your home.
If you find bed bugs in your furniture, then consider discarding it. Alternatively, you can vacuum the furniture and steam clean it. Make sure to empty the contents of the vacuum into a bag and seal it. Place the bag immediately in an outside trash receptacle.
Laundry
Because it is easy for bed bugs to hitch a ride into your living space on your clothing without you ever noticing, keeping the laundry caught up is essential. If you suspect an infestation, then sort your laundry in the bedroom and carry it to the washer in sealed bags to prevent moving bed bugs from one area of your home to another. Immediately, dispose of the bag by placing it inside another bag and taking it to your outside garbage area.
Make sure to wash everything in hot water and dry itt using temperatures hotter than 120 degrees. You can help kill bed bugs by drying clothes for at least 30 minutes at the highest temperature setting possible.
If you are using a common washing area, then make inspect the washer for bed bugs before using it. Additionally, make sure to not use any common folding areas before you inspect them.
Vacuum
While you will need to contact a professional to kill bed bugs, you can help the exterminator out by vacuuming. Concentrate on the floor under the bed and upholstered furniture. Bed bugs love to hide in the crevices where the baseboard and floor meet, so use your attachments to vacuum this area. Most bed bugs live within 20 feet of beds or upholstered furniture.
The best vacuum to use is one with a HEPA filter system. These systems capture the bed bug allergens instead of causing them to spread. Regardless, make sure to empty the contents of the vacuum into a bag that can be sealed and take them outdoors. Replace the filter if disposable.. Otherwise, wash it in hot water above 120 degrees.
You can help your exterminator kill bed bugs in your Phoenix home by following these methods. Watch your furniture and treat as needed. Be cautions when doing laundry and vacuum regularly.
