Getting Rid Of Bed Bugs

Don't let the bedbugs bite you

If you're having problems with bedbugs this summer, you're not alone. Experts say they've been receiving more calls about bedbugs this year than last year.

Bedbugs are flat, wingless, bloodsucking insects (Cimex lectularius is their scientific name) that infest homes, apartments, or anywhere they can get close to their human prey. Although they are not known to carry diseases, their bites usually cause itchy welts and rashes.

Lebanon city health inspectors have noticed an increase in calls about the blood-sucking bugs.

"We get a fair amount of calls (on bedbugs)," said Jerry Fisch, assistant housing and sanitation inspector for Lebanon.

Fisch said city officials began to notice an increase in these types of calls three summer's ago.

"We usually investigate the situation (in rental units) and then call the landlord," he said.

Bedbugs have been a problem around the country, mainly in major cities. In New York City, for example, the number of bedbug cases in the public schools increased from 1,019 in the 2009-10 school year to 3,590 cases this past school year, according to a report last week from the city Department of Education.

"They continue to spread in many areas and locations. Not just in apartments but in single-family homes and places of work," said John Butler, a spokesman with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Region 3.

Butler said he has received more phone calls this year about bedbug infestations from throughout Region 3, which includes Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. He attributed part of that increase to the fact that people are becoming more aware of bedbugs.

In the past, bedbugs had a certain stigma associated with them. Often, families that had a problem with bedbugs would be shunned because they were considered "unclean."

But bedbugs are common and can be found even in the cleanest homes and other places.

L. Philip Hall, an educator for the Lebanon County Penn State Extension Office, said bedbugs have nothing to do with personal cleanliness.

"It has everything to do with travel," he said.

Bedbugs are attracted to warm places where there is a supply of their food - human blood - and plenty of places to hide during the day, such as beds, furniture, walls and in clutter, Hall explained.

Hall said he has received numerous calls from local residents about bedbugs this summer.

"I've been having a lot more calls than is usual," he said.

Bed Bug Extermination - How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs – Tips For Success

Bed bugs are invading the whole country, they have even been discovered in the Empire State Building for Gods sake! With Luck any problem you find yourself having with these incredibly small vampires will be on a much smaller scale but it can still be very disconcerting non the less.

To start with there are the itchy, red welts on your body, some people don’t suffer any reaction to the bed bug bites but for most the intense itching just makes a horrid situation seem a whole lot worse. Next, you have to face the fact that your home has an infestation of bugs and you have to figure out how to get rid of bed bugs as quickly and effectively as possible.

There are a number of uncomplicated steps you can follow which will hopefully get rid of your bed bugs . However, if you discover a large infestation, in more than one room you may need to bring in professional help.

Okay, here is how to get rid of bed bugs the do-it-yourself way!

1. De-clutter and clear the room. Throw away anything you no longer need such as newspapers, magazines, books etc. Place all this “stuff” into plastic bags, seal them up and dispose of them.

2. Remove all bedding, clothing etc. and place these in sealed plastic bags as well. Launder everything at as high a temperature as possible. Garments which cannot be laundered can be placed in your tumble dryer on a high heat setting for around 10 minutes. As an alternative you may want to use a steam cleaner to get rid of bed bugs in garments unsuited to laundering or tumble drying. Once items have been laundered place them in fresh plastic bags, seal them up to avoid recontamination. REMEMBER – you will have to check and treat drawers, closets etc. because bed bugs will hide out everywhere.

3. Once the room is completely clear, vacuum everywhere in a methodical, thorough way this should include the bed, soft furnishings, curtains, inside furniture, even weird places like smoke alarms, light switches and alarm clocks should checked. It is vital that you empty the contents of your vacuum cleaner into a plastic bag and seal it tightly immediately you complete this part of the task.

4. Repeat step three using a steam cleaner. Bed bugs cannot stand heat and a steam cleaner provides an immediate and intense source. This should get rid of bed bugs at all stages in their development from eggs and nymphs through to full grown adult bugs.

5. If you find any small cracks or crevices in walls or floors now is a good time to have them sealed up. This will get rid of bed bug hiding places!

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