How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs: Step-By-Step Plan From Entomologists

Thinking you may have a pest problem is never fun, but most homeowners dread one infestation in particular: bed bugs. It’s understandable why: Bed bugs can be difficult—not to mention expensive—to get rid of.

The reason bed bugs are able to stick around so long, often going unnoticed until they’ve become a bigger problem, is that they’ve evolved to become the “perfect parasite,” says Timothy Gibb, PhD, a clinical professor of entomology at Purdue University who’s studied bed bug infestations.

“They’ve had millions of years of evolution to fine-tune their feeding system and not wake the host,” says Edwin Rajotte, PhD, a professor of entomology at Penn State University. That means you often won’t realize you might have a problem until the bed bug population has become especially pervasive, or until you start waking up with bites you received the night before.

What are bed bugs, anyway?

A bed bug is what is called a blood-feeding ectoparasite, which means its only source of food is our blood, says Kenneth Haynes, PhD, a professor of entomology at the University of Kentucky who specializes in bed bug biology. That need for our blood is why bed bugs are often found exactly where their name implies: our beds. “They like to live near the host, meaning in our bedrooms, near our beds—as close as they can get to where we sleep as is possible,” says Haynes.

But another hard part of realizing you have a bed bug infestation is that bed bugs will remain hidden until nighttime, using a chemical signal to aggregate together in cracks, crevices, or other dark spaces, says Haynes. Then, during the middle of the night—typically between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.—our body odor, body heat, and the carbon dioxide we emit stimulates the bugs to get close to us for feeding. “Once they find us, then they take their soda straw-like mouth part and stick it directly into a blood capillary and tap into their food,” says Haynes.

How to get rid of bed bugs the right way

It’s particularly difficult to get rid of bed bugs because they’re resistant to a lot of insecticides, including many of those you’ll find in bed bug treatments at the hardware store, says Gibb. Plus, in order to truly get rid of bed bugs, you need to banish all of them. “Because all you need is one pregnant female, and you get a whole new population going there rather quickly,” says Rajotte.

That means the best way to get rid of bed bugs is to avoid bringing them home in the first place. But should you encounter a bed bug situation, follow these steps to nix them from your home for good.

1. Prevent bringing them home.

The key to avoiding a nasty bed bug situation is to identify them before you bring them into your home. But where do bed bugs come from? They are often brought into the home after travel, where the bed bugs might have crawled into your suitcase or backpack at a hotel, says Rajotte.

And don’t think just because you stayed at a five-star resort that means you’re exempt from getting bed bugs. “The insidious thing is anybody can get them,” says Rajotte. “It has nothing to do with how good a housekeeper you are or what your socioeconomic status is.”

So whenever you go into a hotel or vacation rental—regardless of the price or quality—expect that bed bugs can be there, says Rajotte. “A good practice is to put the suitcase in the middle of the bathtub until you’ve had a chance to inspect the room,” he says.

Where do bed bugs hide?

Since they’re most likely to be on the mattress, start by looking there first. Pull back the sheets and check the corners of the mattress with special focus on the cord that goes around the mattress—a favorite spot for bed bugs, according to Rajotte—and around the head end of the mattress, as that’s where most people sleep.

You should also look behind the headboard, behind any pictures on the wall, and in any electrical sockets, which are all places bed bugs like to camp out. “If there’s a decent infestation, you should be able to find them,” says Rajotte.

If you don’t spot any bed bugs, you’re probably safe to take your suitcase out of the bathtub and go about your business. But if you do spot bed bugs and suspect they might have gotten into your bag, take all of the clothes out of your suitcase and put them in a plastic bag, taping up the end of the bag, says Rajotte. “The one saving feature about bed bugs is they are killed by heat,” he says. “So if they are exposed to temperatures over 122 to 123 degrees Fahrenheit, they’ll die.”

That said, once you have the clothes taped up in a plastic bag, run them through the dryer at high heat for 30 minutes. “That’s your main defense against bringing them home,” says Rajotte.

2. Identify the problem.

Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, very flat (almost as thin as a piece of paper), and brownish color.

John-Reynolds//Getty Images

Let’s say you went on a trip, came home, and soon after, you start waking up with bites. “If you’re getting strange bites at night, or you wake up and there’s a row of three or four bites on your upper arm or something like that, and you have screens on the windows so you’re not getting a lot of mosquitos in there, I would suspect bed bugs,” says Rajotte.

This is what will start off what experts call your “monitoring” process in which you’ll need to identify: 1) if you have bed bugs, and 2) how big that bed bug population is.

⚠️ If you are waking up with three to four bites in a line or clustered together you may be dealing with bed bugs, especially if they are red, swollen, and itchy.

What do bed bugs look like?

To identify bed bugs, conduct a search in your own home the same as you would in a hotel room. Look for an insect that’s about the size of an apple seed, that’s very flat from top to bottom—almost as thin as a piece of paper—and that has a brownish color, says Rajotte. These would be adult bed bugs. However, you should also keep your eye out for pinhead-sized bugs that are brownish in color, as they could be baby bed bugs, and look for black spots on your sheets, mattress, and mattress cover, which could be bed bug feces.

If you spot bed bugs, then you’re next going to want to determine how big your population is. If it’s smaller and newly established—think 10 to 15 bed bugs—you’ll likely be able to control the situation on your own, says Gibb. However, if it’s a bigger population, your best bet is going to be calling in a pest control management team to get rid of the problem. “If it’s really entrenched and there’s thousands, I just don’t see a person being able to control it themselves,” says Gibb.

3. Control the bed bug population and prepare for treatment.

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Once you know you have a bed bug infestation on your hands, you’re going to want to take steps to control the population and prepare your bedroom for treatment.

Similarly to as you would at a hotel, start by putting your sheets, bedding, mattress cover, and any other fabrics that might have been exposed to the bed bugs—like stuffed animals or clothing—into the washer and dryer at high heat, says Rajotte. “Then, don’t reintroduce those until the bed bugs are gone,” he adds.

From there, you can use other tactics like vacuuming around the areas bed bugs might be—think around the mattress and in cracks and crevices—or steaming those same areas, says Gibb. You can also get a zippered bed bug mattress encasement to prevent bed bugs from further spreading.

4. Kill the bed bugs.

Now that you’ve prepared your room for bed bug treatment and know the population you’re dealing with, it’s time to get ready to kill the bugs. To control the bed bug situation, you’re going to want to use what experts call integrated pest management (IPM), which essentially means using more than one tactic to get rid of the parasites, says Rajotte. “Our recommendation is never to just use one approach, because chances of success there are pretty slim,” adds Gibb.

Once you’ve taken the steps above, then you’re going to want to begin other methods, including heat and pesticide treatment.

When it comes to heat treatments, this is something you’re especially going to want to get done by professionals. That’s because in order to kill the bed bugs via this method, you need to get the room up to at least 119 degrees, says Gibb, including in every crack and cranny where the bed bugs might be residing. Although this can be difficult on your own, pest controllers have the right equipment and training to thoroughly heat the room and kill off the population.

Do bed bug sprays work?

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If you take the pesticide route, you can choose to either hire a professional who will be able to use restricted pesticides unavailable for consumer use—which is what experts recommend—or you can try to tackle the treatment yourself.

If you do decide to try the pesticide treatment yourself, recognize that bed bugs are resistant to lots of different chemicals, including pyrethroids, which are often found in stores and tout false bed bug control labels. Instead, use diatomaceous earth—which is a white powder that you’ll apply directly to wherever the bed bugs are and can be found online—or a bio-oil spray designed specifically to kill bed bugs, like Eco-Raider, says Gibb, which you’ll apply the same way. Both are long-lasting and don’t break down over time like other pesticides, which means you should only have to apply them once.

5. Monitor the treatment to make sure the bed bugs are gone.

After every treatment you perform, you’re going to want to monitor your attempts until all of the bed bugs are gone, says Rajotte. If you hired a pest control company, expect them to check in two weeks after each treatment, he says, and if you did the treatment yourself, perform a similar check at home.

One thing you should expect is that it might take a couple rounds of treatment to consider yourself completely rid of bed bugs. “I think we’ve kind of spoiled our society in terms of, ‘I have a pest problem, come in and spray for it, and I expect it to be gone as soon as you leave,’” says Gibb. “That’s just not the case with bed bugs, unfortunately.”

But the good news is, as long as you follow these measures—and continue to perform tactics like washing and drying materials that might have been affected by bed bugs until the parasites are gone—bed bugs won’t stick around forever. “Anybody can get bed bugs,” says Gibb. “But it takes a concentrated effort to get rid of them.”

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Brielle Gregory

Brielle Gregory previously worked at Men’s Health magazine, where she reported, edited, and fact checked all things health, nutrition, and weight loss related; she currently spends her time digging into similar topics as a freelancer writer and editor. She’s a doting dog mom to a half-corgi and an aspiring world-traveler who’s probably planning her next trip right now (the dog included).

Flea, Mite, or Chigger Bites

ABOUT

CAUSES
DIAGNOSIS

TREATMENT

NEXT STEPS

What are flea, mite, and chigger bites?

Fleas, mites, and chiggers are bugs that are so small you often
need a microscope to see them.   They aren’t dangerous. But their bites cause a very
strong urge to scratch your skin.  

What causes flea, mite, or chigger bites?

Exposure to places (indoor or outdoor) that are infested with
these different bugs is the main reason people are bitten.

• Fleas. They generally live in
  floors and rugs. They are often found in homes with pets.
• Mites. These bugs are so small
  they can’t be seen without a magnifying glass. Crowded living conditions raise
  the risk for mite infestations. Mites can affect people of any age and income
  level.
• Chiggers. Chigger bites are due
  to infestation with chigger babies (larva). They can be found in grasslands and
  forests, and around lakes and streams.

The bites are not serious. It may be hard to figure out which type
of insect caused the bite, or if the rash was caused by something else.

What are the symptoms of flea, mite, or chigger bites?

Symptoms may be a bit different for each person. Symptoms may
include:

• Small, raised skin bumps
• Pain or itching
• Allergic reactions with swelling or blistering

Call your healthcare provider if the symptoms don’t go away or if
you have any concerns or questions.

Call
911 or your local
emergency medical service (EMS) if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction.
The signs include:

• Trouble breathing
• Tightness in the throat or chest
• Feeling faint
• Feeling dizzy
• Raised, red, itchy bumps (hives) over a large part of the
  body
• Nausea and vomiting

How are flea, mite, or chigger bites diagnosed?

• Flea bites. These are often identified when many
  small bumps are grouped together on the skin. They are often seen on parts of
  the skin where clothes fit tightly and on the lower extremities
• Mite bites. A healthcare provider may think you have
  mites based on your health history and a physical exam. Intense itching and many
  small, red bumps, like pimples, are seen. Burrows may also be seen. These look
  like thin, wavy lines.
• Chigger bites. These are diagnosed based on the type
  of rash, and your recent history of being outside in an area likely to have
  chiggers.

The flea, mite, or chigger bites may look like other conditions or health problems.
Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How are flea, mite, or chigger bites treated?

Treatment may include:

• Cleaning the area well with soap and water.
• Using an antihistamine, if needed, for itching. This can be
  in the form of a pill, liquid, cream, or ointment.
• Applying cool compresses or an ice pack to the area to
  decrease itching and swelling. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic
  bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a clean, thin towel or cloth. Never
  put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin.
• Using other creams for swelling or pain.
• Taking acetaminophen, as directed, for mild pain.

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the
following:

• Lasting pain or itching
• Signs of infection at the site of the bite such as increased
  redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage
• Fever

How do I prevent flea, mite, or chigger bites?

• Talk with your healthcare provider about a safe insect
  repellant that you can use.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants outdoors when
  possible.
• Don’t use heavily scented soaps, lotions, or other
  products.
• Use products to protect your pets from fleas.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider if you have:

• Pain or itching that lasts
• Signs of infection at the site of the bite, such as
  increased redness, warmth, swelling, or fluid leaking
• Fever of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher, or as directed by
  your healthcare provider

Key points about flea, mite, or chigger bites

• Fleas, mites, and chiggers are bugs that are so small
  you often need a microscope to see them.
• These bugs aren’t dangerous. But their bites cause an
  almost overpowering urge to scratch your skin.
• Symptoms may include small, raised skin bumps and pain
  or itching. There may also be swelling or blistering.
• Call
  911 if you have
  signs of a severe allergic reaction. These include trouble breathing,
  tightness in the chest or throat, or feeling faint or dizzy.
• Treatment may include cleaning the area with soap and
  water, using antihistamines to stop the itching, and applying a cool
  compress or ice pack.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare
provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to
  happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want
  answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and
  remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and
  any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions
  your provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how
  it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the
  results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have
  the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date,
  time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your provider if you have
  questions.

Medical Reviewer: Eric Perez MD

Medical Reviewer: Paula Goode RN BSN MSN

Medical Reviewer: Maryann Foley RN BSN

© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Bedbug bites, symptoms, photos of bites. How to get rid of bedbug bites?

When you wake up early in the morning, do you notice small red spots on your body? They look a bit like mosquitoes, but these insects are not present at this time of the year. Then you begin to suspect that you have an allergy. You go to a dermatologist, and he just shrugged. Most likely, uninvited “guests” – bedbugs – will start up in your house. It was they who became the culprits of redness on the skin.

Don’t delay! Get rid of bed bugs now!

WE WILL DESTROY
BED bugs FOREVER!

Bed bug bites: main symptoms

• Red spots arranged linearly or in small islands. Basically, insects make several bites in one place, crawling away by 2-3 centimeters.
• The redness is sometimes itchy and causes an itching sensation.
• Bed bug bites are similar to mosquito bites but have more defined edges.
• Slight swelling where the insect was punctured.

Why choose us?

Availability of own vehicle fleet.

Willingness to immediately come to you on any day and at any time of the day.

Conclusion of a formal contract. Guaranteed for all work performed. We are responsible for the safety and quality of processing.

Strict observance of SanPiN. Disinfection center specialists use BAYER and BASF preparations that are safe for you and your pets.

The complexity of an object is not a cost increase for us. Our prices are the perfect combination of price and quality for the service provided.

The symbiosis of in-house developments and insecticides with a cold or hot mist generator guarantees a 100% effect.

Maintaining confidentiality and anonymity. You can be sure that no one will find out about the treatments carried out by the disinfestation station

How to get rid of bedbug bites on the body

1. Take a warm bath. This will relieve itching and reduce swelling./li>
2. Buy antihistamines from the pharmacy to prevent allergies./li>
3. Purchase antiseptic ointments to reduce irritation.

In general, bed bug bites disappear after 3-4 days. If the puncture sites are not scratched, then the swelling and itching will gradually disappear. However, this is possible if there are no new ones. Or if you take steps to destroy them. Otherwise, you will have to see them on your body every morning. Most often, bedbug bites on a person appear on open areas: legs, arms, face, neck, and even back if he sleeps without pajamas or a nightgown. These insects feed on several individuals, so there can be a lot of red spots.

Just a few steps and there is no problem

Call or
application from the site

You call by phone or leave an application on the site

Clarification of details
and calculation of the cost

Our employee will consult in detail and calculate the cost

Departure of a specialist
at the appointed time

We will arrive at the time specified by you, analyze and determine the methodology

Processing the object

We will process the object, protect it from neighbors and give recommendations for prevention

Our advantages

Official contract

Mandatory conclusion of a formal contract guarantees you the quality of work and legal protection. You will never see ants in your home again.

Certified preparations

Rest assured, professionals use only quality preparations from BAYER and BASF. This guarantees safety and reliability.

Disinfectors with at least 5 years of experience

FEDERALDEZ employees are qualified specialists with at least 5 years of experience in the field of pest control.

24 hours a day

We understand the importance of comfort and coziness in the home, as well as anonymity and confidentiality. That is why we are ready to come at any time of the day, 7 days a week.

Don’t delay! Get rid of bed bugs now!

WE WILL DESTROY
BED bugs FOREVER!

Often people who are faced with this problem think about how to quickly get rid of bedbug bites? However, this is almost impossible while you live side by side with these small “vampires”. You may need to turn to professional disinfectors who have extensive experience in this for help. It only takes them a couple of hours. You can also fight insects with folk remedies, but this will take more time and effort.

This photo of bedbug bites shows the characteristic tracks of insects. You can compare them with yours and see what you really have. This should not be delayed! We are members of the professional organization – the national organization of disinfectionists , SRO

Our organization has a quality management system

Symptoms of bed bug bites, photos, how to get rid of bed bugs

What will you encounter in the process of exterminating bed bugs?

What should you know before you start fighting bed bugs?

What kind of inconvenience will you face when dealing with bed bugs?

How to prepare for treatment and what to expect from it?

Choose the option that suits you to get all your questions answered:

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9 0117 How to understand that bed bugs appeared at home?

In recent years, a sharp increase in the population of bed bugs has been observed in the city of Almaty.

First of all, this is due to the secretive way of life of this species of parasites and the rapid rate of reproduction. Often, when bedbugs appear in a house or apartment, we cannot immediately understand that “uninvited neighbors” have appeared in our home.

How to get rid of bed bugs?

It all starts with the fact that one day you find “incomprehensible bites”, red dots, swelling, redness that cause itching on your body. The first thing that comes to mind is: “Is it probably mosquitoes or allergies? It’s okay, everything will pass! But over time, the number of bites increases, and the itching intensifies. What to do? First we need to try to determine who bites us.

Bug bite, symptoms:

It is almost impossible to accurately describe bed bug bites, because in each individual case they manifest themselves in different ways. In most cases, bites appear as follows: Severe itching Redness Many bites all over the body, located at a small distance from each other in a chaotic manner Bites arranged in the form of a “path” To determine that the above symptoms are bedbug bites, you can see a photo with their image , but it is better to resort to the help of a qualified dermatologist.

Bedbug bites photo

Bedbugs are insects that lead a secretive, nocturnal lifestyle and feed exclusively on the blood of humans or warm-blooded animals. Bed bugs come out to feed at night and prefer to spend most of their time near their “food source”, but if the room is heavily infested with bed bugs, they manifest themselves even during the day. Sometimes it happens that not all family members feel bedbug bites, this is due to the individual susceptibility of each household member.

In order to more accurately “diagnose the presence of bed bugs”, you need:

1. Carefully inspect your bed. You should pay attention to the places of compaction of mattresses, cracks in the wooden structures of beds, seams of pillows, feather beds, inspect the cracks in the walls, wallpaper, wooden floors, examine other upholstered furniture located in the apartment or house.

2. Examine bedding for dark spots or small blood stains.