Last Updated on April 13, 2024 by Umer Malik
When you wake up with a small red bump on your skin and an itch that you cannot help but scratch, notice if a distinctive odor comes from the irritation. You just might have been bitten by a bed bug – and the likelihood of an infestation is not too far off.
Thankfully, the internet is littered with tips on handling a situation like this. We’ve narrowed down the best – and easiest, ways to keep your home free of bed bugs.
HERE ARE 5 SIMPLE WAYS TO KEEP BED BUGS AWAY
1. Wash and heat-dry your sheets, comforters, and clothes
This method has been used in many and most households to get rid of bed bugs. Not just washing but also cleaning the surrounding area where you do your laundry. Including containers that may encourage bed bugs to seek shelter. Heat drying eliminates bacteria and viruses – and even tiny pests like bed bugs and their eggs.
2. Reduce your clutter
A clutter-free and tidy home makes it difficult for bed bugs to find places to hide and reproduce. Bed bugs can easily keep away from sight by hiding in boxes, trash bins, drawers, and many other nooks and crannies that you can imagine – most often, in dark and less-used areas – especially near the bed where these nocturnal bugs feed on human blood at night. Bedside lamps and books can easily keep them away from you until you doze off. Do yourself a favor and throw out things that are not needed at home – or at least throw out the trash regularly.
3. Use baking soda
Using common household items like baking soda can also help get rid of bugs. Baking soda can be used to dehydrate the area where these flea-like critters linger. Apply it to the area of the infestation, leaving it for some time or until the baking soda dries out or melts. Clean out the area with a vacuum to tidy up the baking soda and any possible dead bed bugs.
Alternatively, silica gel has the same effect of getting rid of moisture. Once you draw out the moisture, you destroy the bugs.
4. Use lemongrass or citrus
Lemongrass contains a high level of acidity that also kills the eggs of bed bugs. Citrus scents and byproducts repel bed bugs and other common pests. They can’t stand the smell of citrus and would eventually die from its acidity. Squeezed lemon juice mixed with water and spritzed on infested areas can kill bed bugs and other common house pests.
It is advised to use natural home remedies rather than pesticides or harsh chemicals. However, remember to rinse the area or surface before using chemicals, especially if the substance reacts with chemicals, like metal or copper, or if the area or surface needs to be cleaned.
5. Check all items you bring into your home
When introducing new objects to your home, particularly furniture, or even when having guests around, you need always be on the lookout and cautious. Verify everything, including any deliveries or purchases you have made.
Perform a spot check on all of your clothing and bags after a trip. Clean them thoroughly after separating them. After washing, you can tumble-dry or air-dry your clothes on the highest setting before putting them back in their proper places in your closet.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry…
These recommendations are just a few, of many, effective ways to keep bed bugs from your home. You can choose from a great variety of tips and instructions on which prevention method is most convenient and easy-to-do, for you. Talk with your neighbors to get new insights and ideas, or speak with a pest control professional to cover your basis.
