How to get rid of bed bugs
Bed bugs are among the most unpleasant pests that can appear in a household. Once they settle in an apartment or house, they can multiply very quickly and removing them can be difficult. Many people try to solve the problem using home remedies, but it often happens that bed bugs return within a few weeks.
How to recognize the presence of bed bugs, how to try to get rid of them, and when it is better to contact professional bed bug exterminators?
What bed bugs are and why they spread so quickly
The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is a small insect that feeds on human blood. They are primarily active at night, when they leave their hiding places and feed on the blood of a sleeping person.
A major problem is their ability to hide in extremely small cracks and spaces. They most often hide:
- in mattresses and beds,
- in upholstered furniture,
- under baseboards and in cracks in walls,
- in drawers or electrical installations,
- behind pictures or wallpaper.
It is important to know that the presence of bed bugs is not related to household hygiene. They can appear in any apartment – they often get there, for example:
- from luggage after traveling,
- from hotels or hostels,
- from second-hand furniture,
- through neighboring apartments in apartment buildings.
How to recognize bed bugs at home
Bed bugs are small and hide during the day, so people often notice their presence only after some time. However, there are several typical signs that reveal their presence.
Typical signs of bed bug presence
The most common signs include:
- itchy bites on the body, often in lines or clusters,
- small black dots on the mattress or bed frame (bed bug droppings),
- small blood stains on the bed sheet,
- shed skins or bed bug eggs,
- in severe infestations, a sweet, unpleasant odor.
If these signs appear, it is a good idea to inspect the bed, mattress, and surrounding furniture as soon as possible.
Suspect bed bugs?
How to get rid of bed bugs yourself
Many people try to solve the problem on their own. In the early stages, a combination of several steps can reduce the presence of bed bugs, but complete elimination is rarely possible. Therefore, even in this case, calling professionals is usually the safer option. Nevertheless, here are a few tips that may help reduce them:
- Washing and high temperature
It is recommended to wash bedding at a minimum of 60 °C, dry laundry in a dryer, and also wash curtains, blankets, and clothing near the bed. - Thorough vacuuming
Carefully vacuum mattresses, bed frames, carpets, upholstered furniture, baseboards, and cracks in the walls. - Using over-the-counter insecticides (these may kill some bed bugs but often fail to reach all hiding places or eggs)
Various insecticidal sprays, foggers, and powder products are available on the market. However, they are far less effective than professional treatments.
Why DIY bed bug removal often fails
Bed bugs are very resilient and can survive even in extreme conditions. The main problems with home methods include several factors:
- common products contain lower concentrations of active substances,
- bed bugs hide in places where the product cannot reach,
- eggs often remain unaffected,
- using chemicals can scatter bed bugs into other parts of the apartment, making professional treatment more complicated.
The result is often only a temporary reduction in their numbers. After a few weeks, the problem returns—often on a larger scale—and professionals must be called anyway.
When professional bed bug extermination is necessary
If bed bugs have already multiplied in the apartment, the most effective solution is usually a professional intervention by a specialized company.
Professional bed bug extermination is particularly recommended when:
- bites appear repeatedly,
- bed bugs are visible in the bed or furniture,
- home treatments have not worked,
- bed bugs are spreading to other rooms.
Specialized companies like ours use professional insecticides and procedures that are not commonly available to the public.
How professional bed bug elimination works
A professional intervention usually takes place in several steps.
Inspection of the premises
The technician first inspects the apartment and determines:
- the extent of the infestation,
- the locations where bed bugs occur,
- risk areas.
Professional treatment
Professional products are then applied to:
- beds and mattresses,
- upholstered furniture,
- baseboards and cracks,
- other risk areas.
Follow-up inspection
Due to the development of eggs, a follow-up treatment is often carried out, which significantly increases the success of extermination.
How to prepare for professional bed bug extermination
Before the technician arrives, it is usually recommended to:
- wash bedding at least at 60 °C,
- clear space around the beds,
- allow access to furniture,
- not remove infested items from the apartment to prevent the spread of bed bugs.
Our technicians usually provide exact instructions before the intervention.
How to prevent bed bugs from returning after professional treatment
After successful extermination, it is good to follow several preventive measures.
We recommend:
- checking luggage after traveling,
- being cautious when buying second-hand furniture,
- regularly inspecting mattresses and beds,
- acting quickly if bed bugs are suspected again.
The sooner the problem is addressed, the easier it is to eliminate.
Suspect bed bugs? Solve the problem as soon as possible!
Bed bugs can multiply very quickly and spread throughout the entire apartment. If you suspect their presence, it is important to address the problem as soon as possible.
Professional bed bug extermination is often the fastest and most reliable way to eliminate them and prevent further spread.
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