Have you noticed bites on your body?
Bedbugs ? Me?
Don’t panic – you can make your bed BEDBUG SAFE
First deal with your bites:
(1) Observe the nature of the bites
a. Single
b. Multiple
c. More than 3 together – typical of bedbugs
(2) Appropriately treat bite locations
a. Don’t scratch – infection
b. Wash with mild soap
c. Use anti-itch cream
(3) Steps to take
a. Don’t panic
b. Check around – any bedbugs reported in building?
c. Any problems in area? Most don’t want to talk about it…
d. Assume that no-one else will take care of your problem.
e. Get supplies and make your bed bedbug safe
(4) Remove and wash bedding
a. Don’t move bedding to another bed
b. Be gentle – don’t scatter any bedbugs
c. Bag bedding for transport to wash – use outside commercial laundry
d. Wash with borax based soap
e. Dry on High heat
(5) Mattress
a. Check all edges & folds for blood spots, bedbugs, cast skins, droppings
b. Spray edges & folds with 70% rubbing alcohol – let dry ( open windows to air room )
c. Vacuum all edges and top ( remove brush heads from vacuum hose beforehand otherwise you may spread eggs around ) put vacuum bag in plastic bag, seal & immediately put in outside garbage container
d. Apply Diatomaceous Powder to all folds and edges and brush in with fine brush
Example of heavy infestation.
(6) Box Spring
a. Check all edges & folds for blood spots, bedbugs, cast skins, droppings
b. Check bottom of box spring for holes
c. Remove cover from bottom of box spring – bag, seal & discard
d. Spray any signs of infestation with 70% rubbing alcohol & let dry
e. Vacuum all edges, folds & interior of box spring
f. Apply Diatomaceous Earth to all folds, edges & interior – spread around with brush
g. Cover with box spring bag (twin and queen sized covers available in our store) – no bedbugs can get in or out
(7) Bed Frame
a. Check frame for spots, cracks, droppings & bedbug evidence
b. Spray & wipe all surfaces with 70% rubbing alcohol ( kills eggs) – let dry
c. Apply Diatomaceous Earth to any cracks ( where they hide) – brush in well
d. Apply Diatomaceous Earth in around each bed leg – spread in circle with brush
This treatment should make your bed a bedbug free oasis. Diatomaceous Earth will last up to 6 months. Re-apply around bedpost after each floor washing or vacuuming. You must maintain your oasis. Bedbugs are active at night. If you have them – they hide in cracks as small as your fingernail. They will be hiding as close to your bed as they can get. Don’t let your bedding touch the floor – especially while you sleep. They will climb up it. As long as they can’t get at you while you sleep – they will eventually move and look elsewhere for food.
Also check our videos on bedbug prevention
