{"id":1476,"date":"2020-11-01T14:34:27","date_gmt":"2020-11-01T14:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/housekeeping.sg\/?p=1476"},"modified":"2022-10-18T14:15:52","modified_gmt":"2022-10-18T06:15:52","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get rid of bed bugs at home"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Waking up with red, itchy spots all over your skin? Spot bloodstains on your bedsheets and linen?<\/p>\n<p>You might have a bedbug infestation at home.<\/p>\n<p>Tiny and difficult to detect, bedbugs are common household pests. And while they don\u2019t spread any disease, having them around can be quite the nuisance.<\/p>\n<p>Not sure how to get rid of bed bugs at home? Read on to find out.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs-at-home\/#What_are_bed_bugs\" title=\"What are bed bugs?\">What are bed bugs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs-at-home\/#What_are_the_signs_of_bedbug_infestation\" title=\"What are the signs of bedbug infestation?\">What are the signs of bedbug infestation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs-at-home\/#5_tips_for_How_to_get_rid_of_beg_bugs_at_home\" title=\"5 tips for How to get rid of beg bugs at home \">5 tips for How to get rid of beg bugs at home <\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs-at-home\/#1_Declutter_your_sleeping_area\" title=\"1. Declutter your sleeping area\">1. Declutter your sleeping area<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs-at-home\/#2_Clean_and_disinfect_bedding_linens_and_clothing_in_hot_water\" title=\"2. Clean and disinfect bedding, linens and clothing in hot water\">2. Clean and disinfect bedding, linens and clothing in hot water<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs-at-home\/#i\" title=\"\u00a0\">\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs-at-home\/#3_Cant_disinfect_Get_rid_of_infested_items_instead\" title=\"3. Can\u2019t disinfect? Get rid of infested items instead\">3. Can\u2019t disinfect? Get rid of infested items instead<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs-at-home\/#4_Vacuum_over_hiding_places\" title=\"4. Vacuum over hiding places\">4. Vacuum over hiding places<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs-at-home\/#5_Call_pest_control_for_long-term_assurance\" title=\"5. Call pest control for long-term assurance\">5. Call pest control for long-term assurance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs-at-home\/#Keep_your_home_bedbug-free_with_us\" title=\"Keep your home bedbug-free with us\">Keep your home bedbug-free with us<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_bed_bugs\"><\/span><strong>What are bed bugs?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1477\" style=\"width: 666px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1477\" class=\" wp-image-1477\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/housekeeping.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/bed-bugs-at-home-1.jpg?resize=656%2C460&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"656\" height=\"460\" title=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-1477\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(image credit: Wikipedia) Bedbugs are small, brownish and somewhat round and flat in appearance.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Bedbugs can be described as small, brownish insects that have a flat, somewhat round appearance.<\/p>\n<p>These bloodsucking critters typically invade homes by clinging onto luggage, clothing, used beds and couches.<\/p>\n<p>Bedbugs also reproduce very quickly, with females able to lay hundreds of eggs at a time. The eggs, and shed bedbug skin, are known to cause allergies.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_signs_of_bedbug_infestation\"><\/span><strong>What are the signs of bedbug infestation?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1478\" style=\"width: 663px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1478\" class=\" wp-image-1478\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/housekeeping.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/bed-bugs-at-home-2.jpg?resize=653%2C367&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"653\" height=\"367\" title=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-1478\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(image credit: Real Homes) The first sign of bedbug infestation? Painless bites that gradually swell.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The first sign of a bedbug infestation usually comes in the form of bedbug bites.<\/p>\n<p>These bites are painless at first, but gradually swell into itchy welts.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike other pests like fleas or ticks, bedbug bites are not concentrated at any part of the body, but tend to be dispersed across areas of exposed skin while sleeping.<\/p>\n<p>Other signs of bedbug infestation can include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bloodstains on bedsheets or pillowcases<\/li>\n<li>Dark spots of bedbug excrement on sheets, mattresses, sleepwear<\/li>\n<li>Strong, foul odour from bedbugs\u2019 scent glands<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_tips_for_How_to_get_rid_of_beg_bugs_at_home\"><\/span><strong>5 tips for How to get rid of beg bugs at home <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Declutter_your_sleeping_area\"><\/span><strong>1. Declutter your sleeping area<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1479\" style=\"width: 783px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1479\" class=\" wp-image-1479\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/housekeeping.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/bed-bugs-at-home-3.png?resize=773%2C451&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"773\" height=\"451\" title=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-1479\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(image credit: Cascade Maids) A messy bedroom is an easy breeding ground for bedbugs\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>A messy room often acts as an excellent breeding ground for bedbugs (and a whole host of other pests too).<\/p>\n<p>Start by removing all items that are unnecessary and do not belong in your room.<\/p>\n<p>When doing so, place them in sealed bags to avoid accidentally transferring bedbugs to other parts of your home.<\/p>\n<p>Also, pick up any items strewn on the floor. Books, magazines, clothes and other items all make perfect spots for bedbugs to hide in and breed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Also read:<\/strong> <em><a href=\"https:\/\/housekeeping.sg\/already-tried-the-konmari-method-try-these-techniques-if-you-want-to-declutter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Already Tried the KonMari Method? Try these Techniques if you Want to Declutter.\u00a0<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Clean_and_disinfect_bedding_linens_and_clothing_in_hot_water\"><\/span><strong>2. Clean and disinfect bedding, linens and clothing in hot water<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1480\" style=\"width: 716px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1480\" class=\" wp-image-1480\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/housekeeping.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/bed-bugs-at-home-4.jpg?resize=706%2C505&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"706\" height=\"505\" title=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-1480\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(image credit: Slumbr) Disinfect bedding, linen and clothing by washing them in hot water first.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The best way to go about cleaning and disinfecting infested bedding, linen and clothing is to wash them in hot water for at least half an hour.<\/p>\n<p>If you have a dryer, you can place the washed clothes in the dryer at the highest heat setting for half an hour too.<\/p>\n<p>While chemical agents can also be effective, it is recommended to minimise their use unless you\u2019re absolutely sure that using them:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Does not damage bedding and linen<\/li>\n<li>Or harm your family\u2019s health<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i\"><\/span><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Cant_disinfect_Get_rid_of_infested_items_instead\"><\/span><strong>3. Can\u2019t disinfect? Get rid of infested items instead<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1481\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1481\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1481\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/housekeeping.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/bed-bugs-at-home-6.jpg?resize=700%2C516&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"516\" title=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-1481\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(image credit: Pinterest) Sometimes it&#8217;s better to simply dispose of infested items.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, bedbug infestations may be so severe that it\u2019s best to simply get rid of infested items altogether.<\/p>\n<p>If you suspect that an item has been infested but can\u2019t be treated in the washer or dryer, place them in a sealed bag and dispose of them.<\/p>\n<p>The same goes for infested furniture, especially for mattresses.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Vacuum_over_hiding_places\"><\/span><strong>4. Vacuum over hiding places<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1482\" style=\"width: 673px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1482\" class=\" wp-image-1482\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/housekeeping.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/bed-bugs-at-home-7.png?resize=663%2C480&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"663\" height=\"480\" title=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-1482\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(image credit: Electrodry) Don&#8217;t forget to give bedbug hotspots a thorough vacuum.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After decluttering your room and getting rid of infested items, you should give these hiding spots a thorough vacuum.<\/p>\n<p>Typical areas that require a comprehensive vacuum include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your bed<\/li>\n<li>Your dresser<\/li>\n<li>Carpets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After vacuuming, seal up the vacuumed contents into a sealed bag and dispose of it immediately. Be sure to also clearly label the bag to avoid accidentally transferring the bedbugs to someone else.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Call_pest_control_for_long-term_assurance\"><\/span><strong>5. Call pest control for long-term assurance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1483\" style=\"width: 712px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1483\" class=\" wp-image-1483\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/housekeeping.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/bed-bugs-at-home-8.jpg?resize=702%2C483&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"702\" height=\"483\" title=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-1483\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(image credit: Commons Marker) If all else fails, seek help from pest control professionals without delay.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Bedbugs are extremely hardy creatures, and it\u2019s not uncommon to still find them crawling around after months of trying to wipe them out.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve exhausted all options, do not hesitate to seek help from pest control professionals.<\/p>\n<p>Take note: it\u2019s unlikely you\u2019ll see immediate progress even with professional pest control. For bedbugs, expect at least 2 to 3 visits before seeing any results.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Also read:<\/strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/housekeeping.sg\/category\/home-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Benefits of a daily housekeeping service\u00a0<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep_your_home_bedbug-free_with_us\"><\/span><strong>Keep your home bedbug-free with us<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Hardy and difficult to spot, bedbugs are troublesome to deal with.<\/p>\n<p>But what\u2019s even more troublesome is trying to get rid of them. Months of hard work will not guarantee a home free from bedbugs.<\/p>\n<p>Protect yourself and your loved ones effortlessly with Housekeeping\u2019s professional house cleaning services.<\/p>\n<p>With a comprehensive range of cleaning, vacuuming, and disinfecting services, bedbugs will have no place to hide.<\/p>\n<p>Specialised chemical cleaning also ensures bedbugs won\u2019t have a chance to breed or re-infest your home anytime soon.<\/p>\n<p>Come home to a goodnight\u2019s rest together with us. <a href=\"https:\/\/housekeeping.sg\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reach out to us<\/a> for a consultation today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Waking up with red, itchy spots all over your skin? Spot bloodstains on your bedsheets and linen? You might have a bedbug infestation at home. Tiny and difficult to detect, bedbugs are common household pests. And while they don\u2019t spread any disease, having them around can be quite the nuisance. Not sure how to get [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":26053,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[778,791],"tags":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/pest-control-worker-lying-on-floor-and-spraying-pesticides-in-bedroom.jpg?fit=2000%2C1333&ssl=1","amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1476"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1476"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1476\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26128,"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1476\/revisions\/26128"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1476"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1476"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1476"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}