What is the Main Cause of Bed Bugs and How to Get Rid of Them?

Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, you’ll likely have to deal with bed bugs at some point. 

There are plenty of options for removing them, but it’s important to know how to do it right. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Try the DIY

Using pesticides to get rid of bed bugs may be hazardous to your health. You need to follow all the directions on the pesticide label to ensure safety. This is especially true if you are using pesticides indoors.

Bed bug infestations can be a serious problem. They are small and hard to see. However, you can control them by vacuuming, sealing crevices, and monitoring your home.

Let’s see what they are exactly, what they really do, and how to possibly try to get rid of them alone. 

Bed Bugs are just Bugs after All

Bed bugs are small insects that cling to fabric and wood. They live in bed frames, mattresses, baseboards, and furniture. Their bites cause severe itching and lesions. They also leave a nasty odor. You can get rid of bed bugs by vacuuming and sealing crevices.

Bed bugs are often found in homes and hotels. You should check for bed bugs when you travel. They are able to travel through suitcases and bags. They can also hide in baseboards and in furniture crevices.

Vacuuming as First Aid

Vacuuming can help to remove bed bugs from mattresses, bed frames, baseboards, and carpets. But it does not remove eggs or feces. A light or magnifying glass can help you to spot the bugs.

Insecticides and Pesticides

Bed bugs are resistant to many insecticides. However, using pesticides on resistant populations can actually increase the problem. It is best to use alternative methods.

Insecticides should only be used when you are sure they will be effective. Pyrethroids are the most commonly used pesticides. However, many bed bug populations have developed resistance to pyrethroids. If you need to use pyrethroids, use them only in areas that are not used by children.

There are several other pesticides that are effective against bed bugs. You can find them on the EPA’s pesticide database. You can search by name or registration number to find the least toxic options. You can also find low-impact methods and pesticides that are approved for indoor use.

If you have a bed bug infestation, it is best to contact a professional. They have the expertise and resources to handle the problem. They may use special equipment or apply stronger pesticides to help.

Heating Treatment

Using heating equipment to kill bed bugs may sound like an oxymoron, but it works. Using a heat treatment machine or portable chamber, you can kill bed bugs throughout your entire property. 

The best part is, the process doesn’t require an overnight stay.

The heat chamber technique uses polystyrene foam to create a heat chamber that emits heat. When the heat is applied, it penetrates the furniture and kills the bugs.

The infrared thermometer is a great way to measure the room’s temperature. A temperature of 118 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for killing bed bugs. The temperature must be maintained for 90 minutes to ensure that the bugs and their eggs die.

A single heat treatment is usually all it takes to fully exterminate a bed bug infestation. However, a second treatment may be necessary if you have used chemicals for an extended period.

A specialized heating system uses propane or electric-based heat to kill bed bugs. The system uses sensors to monitor the temperature and ensure that the process is being done safely.

The best heat treatment systems can heat your home to between 135 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Although this is a lot of heat, it will kill the bugs and their eggs. A heat treatment can be completed in about six to eight hours.

Dispose All Infested Items

It is also important to remove and dispose of all items that are infested. For example, you should remove any stuffed furniture or blankets that you are not planning on using. You should also move any furniture away from walls. 

You should also clean the room you are treating in the least amount of time possible.

Allergic Reactions

Having an allergic reaction to bed bugs is not an uncommon occurrence. However, this reaction can be a severe one. It can cause a variety of problems including breathing problems, anaphylaxis, blisters, fever, and more. 

If you suspect you have an allergic reaction to bed bugs, you should get medical care immediately.

In general, bed bug bites are not contagious. They look like fleabites and mosquito bites, and they tend to be less noticeable than these other types of insect bites. However, you should never scratch a bed bug bite. You may develop a skin infection if you scratch it, which will require medical treatment.

An allergic reaction to bed bugs can be caused by bed bug saliva, which contains proteins that can play a role in your immune system’s response to the bite. Bedbug saliva proteins include nitrophorin and a 17-kDa anticoagulant called Factor X.

Your body produces histamines when you are exposed to an external threat, and these chemicals are the cause of a lot of allergic reactions. An allergic reaction to bed bugs can cause hives, urticaria, swelling, and blisters.

In the case of a serious allergic reaction, you may experience symptoms including trouble breathing, anaphylaxis, swelling of the mouth, and low blood pressure. You may also experience wheezing and confusion. 

You can treat the allergic reaction to bed bugs by using over-the-counter topical antihistamines for symptomatic relief. In some cases, your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids for severe itching. 

Conclusion

The main cause of bed bugs is the lack of proper sanitation and hygiene. This includes not regularly cleaning bedding and mattresses, leaving clutter around the house, failing to vacuum or dust often, and not using insecticides or other pest control methods. 

All these factors can lead to a buildup of bed bug populations in the home, making it difficult to get rid of them. With proper preventative measures, however, bed bugs can be kept under control and avoided altogether. 

Maintaining a clean home environment is the best way to keep bed bug infestations at bay. 

StudentsandScholarship Team.