We’ve all heard people tell us, “Don’t let the bed bugs bite.” Well, despite our best intentions, unfortunately, they sometimes do.
In fact, studies actually show that, though we might not always even notice them, about 1 in 5 households are exposed to bed bug infestations every year. On average, it takes about seven weeks for a bed bug infestation to be discovered.
For the past few years, bed bug infestations have been reported in all 50 states. Bed bugs will frequently lay up to 50 eggs at once, which can cause a small infestation to quickly become quite problematic. Bed bugs typically prefer temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees, though they can also spread during much more extreme conditions—bed bugs are most commonly reported during the summer.
If you have recently found bed bugs in your home, you might be wondering what to do. Below, we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about bed bug infestations, including what they are and how you can get rid of them.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs—scientifically known as cimex lectularius—are small insects (about half a centimeter) that feed on the blood of human beings and some other animals in order to survive. These bugs are most active at night and also tend to nest inside of mattresses and other types of furniture, which is exactly why they are referred to as bed bugs. When a person has been bitten bed bugs, they will likely experience mild itching, blistering, and other possible symptoms.
How do bed bugs spread?
Contrary to many comparable insects, bed bugs do not have wings—the only way they can physically travel from place to place is by crawling. They also might be accidentally transported by humans. Usually, the most common ways bed bugs end up in your home is by attaching themselves to clothing and other linens, crawling into your luggage, sometimes through public storage spaces, and attaching themselves to furniture that has been moved from one place to another.
How can I get rid of bed bugs?
The first thing you should do if you suspect bed bugs are present (such as when you have unexplained blisters) is clean all bedding, linings, curtains, and furniture in your home. Use hot water and the highest possible setting on your dryer—this will help eliminate the bed bugs and prevent them from spreading further. You should also scrub your mattress and other furniture to remove any potential eggs. If the bed bugs disappear after taking these steps, you might not need to do anything further. However, if the bed bug infestation persists, then you might need to conduct a bed bug fumigation.
If I get bed bugs, do I need to throw out my mattress?
When you discover bed bugs in your home, it can be easy to freak out and decide to throw away your mattress. However, doing so is not only unnecessary but it can actually be problematic due to the fact that transporting bed bugs will contribute to the spread. You also shouldn’t throw away your clothes, curtains, furniture, or any of the other items the bed bugs may have infested. Instead of throwing away your mattress, you should scrub it thoroughly with hot water and call an exterminator or pet control professional, as needed.
How much does it cost to get rid of bed bugs?
Bed bug exterminations can be rather expensive, which is why you should start by trying to eliminate them by scrubbing and cleaning all affected surfaces (and even potentially affected surfaces) on your own. Most of the time, this should be effective. However, there are still plenty of occasions where calling an exterminator will be your only option. The cost of fumigating bed bugs can vary depending on where you live and how large your house. Usually, the cheapest fumigations will be about $300, while the most expensive fumigations can be $3,000 or even more. But on average, you should expect to pay about $1,000.
Is bed bug fumigation safe?
Bed bug fumigation is safe, in general, but it should only be done by licensed professionals. The fumes used in the fumigation will almost always eliminate the bed bugs, but they can also cause harm to humans, animals, and plants—it will be important to remove all living things from your homes (pets, plants, people) and wait until you have been given the “all clear” from your exterminator.
How Long Does Bed Bug Fumigation Take?
Bed bug fumigation uses fumes that are initially toxic, but eventually breakdown and harmlessly float away. The exact amount of time it takes to fumigate a home and eliminate bed bugs will depend on several factors, such as the size and shape of the home, as well as the intensity of the infestation. On the lower end, the entire process will take about 12 hours and on the higher end, it will take about 48 hours.
Can I Do Bed Bug Fumigation on my Own?
Fumigating bed bugs isn’t a particularly complicated process but it is something that utilizes potentially harmful chemicals. Because of this, you should not attempt to fumigate your home and should instead call an exterminator.
Conclusion
Bed bugs are, for better or worse, fairly common in the United States. If you notice bed bugs, you should start by cleaning every linen surface in your home. But if they still persist and continue to cause problems, you might need to do a full fumigation.
