Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are an extremely pernicious little pest that can leave you with rashes, bites, and other potential health problems if you don't take care of them. Luckily getting rid of bed bugs is entirely possible. However, depending on the size of the infestation it can be extremely difficult to get rid of them. Here are a few things that you can do to get rid of those problematic bugs.

1. Locate the problem. Very rarely are bed bug infestations located throughout the entire house, at least in the early stages of the infestation. This will allow you the opportunity to identify where the problem is located, and be able to take more workable efforts to ensure you are getting rid of bed bugs. Once you have identified the location of the problem, remove any and all linens in the room so that you can clean it. Run it through the washing machine and dryer at the highest possible temperature settings to kill off and remove any possible bugs that may have been caught in them. This includes not only your bedding, but also the drapes, curtains, and other linens as well.
2. Bomb it. Once you have the room stripped of any and all linens, you can then bomb it. No, not actually bomb it, but rather use a bug bomb. These can often be purchased at all home improvement stores. Just make sure that you carefully follow the instructions, close off the room, and cover all surfaces in the rest of the house. Do not, under any circumstances, remain in the house while the bomb is going off.
3. Clean everything. After the bomb has finished, you can then reenter the house. Once again go through the entire house and clean everything from the pesticide residue that is now on all your surfaces. Do not simply stick to cleaning off the drawers and countertops, but also the clothes (if any) that were in the room as well as the flooring and upholstery. The easiest way to do this is by renting a rug cleaner (if you do not have one already) and then using it to clean the flooring and upholstery.
4. Keep an eye out. Once you have finished cleaning everything, and run the linens through the washer and dryer, you can put everything back where it is supposed to go. After you have done that all you need to do is keep an eye out for any future signs of bed bug infestations. If you see any, repeat the whole process as needed (since the bugs may have moved). Only do this a couple of times before you call a professional. If you don't you run the risk of having the problem getting too large for anyone to handle.

You may need to use these methods several times to ensure that you are successful in getting rid of bed bugs. However, if you continue to have problems after a week or two you may want to go ahead and contact the professionals. In this case you will want to contact two separate professionals to ensure you completely remove the threat. Those two professionals would be first an exterminator, and secondly a professional cleaning service. The exterminator would kill off most (if not all the bugs) and the cleaner would ensure that anywhere any remaining bugs are removed as well.