Question:
How to get rid of bedbugs quick?
Allen
2013-08-12 21:11:22 UTC
One of my cats got out for 2 weeks and brought bed bugs into my home. They aren't horrid, but I'm losing sleep over it (that I desperately need!) I called Orkin and they said $1300-$1500 for a full extermination but I don't like the chemicals they use and I don't have any kind of money like that.

Is there anything that I can buy in stores to get rid of these disgusting pests? It actually seems like I've been seeing less of them and more dead ones but I still hate the idea of having any around. Please help!
Five answers:
Jaime
2013-08-16 21:11:18 UTC
You can't get rid of bed bugs "quick". It takes time. Your best bet is to hire a professional exterminator. However, sometimes even an exterminator cannot get rid of bed bugs. If the exterminator fails or if you just cannot afford an exterminator, you can get rid of the bed bugs with baking soda.



Buy about 10 boxes of baking soda. And you'll need more later. You might want to buy in bulk. This site seems to be reasonable: http://www.camdengrey.com/essential-oils/Raw-Materials-Salts-Sugars-Powders/baking-soda-bulk.html?attribute=weight&value=50_lbs



Costco usually carries large bags of baking soda, too.





Start with one room at a time...maybe your bedroom.



1. Vacuum. Then sprinkle the baking soda everywhere on the floor. Make sure you put a good coating around and under the bed. Spread the baking soda with a broom, so you have a fairly even coating. Just leave the baking soda on the floor. Do not vacuum.





2. Remove all sheets and comforters. Wash these in detergent and Hot water. Dry thoroughly.





3. Vacuum the bed extremely well.





4. If you can afford to replace the mattress, replace it. If not, buy a bed bug mattress cover, like these: http://www.google.com/#hl=en&tbm=shop&sclient=psy-ab&q=bedbug+mattress+cover&oq=bedbug+mattress+cover&gs_l=serp.3..0.12994.12994.0.13896.1.1.0.0.0.0.188.188.0j1.1.0...0.0...1c.1.zUBiEhmdhe8&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=e9b38bf81a00f83f&bpcl=40096503&biw=819&bih=508





I'm sure you can find these at Walmart and Kmart if you'd rather not buy on line.



Sprinkle baking soda directly on your mattress before putting the mattress cover on. Make sure you flip the mattress in order to coat both sides with baking soda. Also use a generous amount of baking soda at the edges and in creases. Bed Bugs love the creases at the edges of the mattress. After coating with baking soda, you then put the mattress cover on and just leave it on...do not remove it for a year.





5. Now to create a barrier between you and any bedbugs.



Wrap duct tape or Gorilla Tape around the bed legs STICKY SIDE OUT. This way the bugs will get stuck trying to get to you. Another alternative is to buy some peel and stick tiles and place the feet of your bed on these. (Place a little square of paper towel directly under the feet of the bed to keep the feet from sticking to the tiles.) Place the tiles sticky-side up, so the bugs will get stuck on the tiles. Change the tape or tiles as needed.



Or you can place the feet of your bed in bed bugs traps, such as these:



http://www.amazon.com/Climbup-Insect-Interceptor-Bed-Trap/dp/B004PKKP1K





6. Pull the bed away from the wall so that it does not touch.





7. Remake the bed, but never allow sheets or comforters to touch the floor.





Vacuum the floors as need but re-apply baking soda. (Just leave the mattress covers on.)



Treat all bedrooms this way. Also treat any room that you suspect harbors bed bugs. Treat for a full year. Yes, a year! Bed bugs are extremely hardy and it will take a full year of all out war to get rid of them.



Your bedrooms will look a little funny with baking soda all over the floors, but it beats the alternative.





I would use baking soda, as opposed to Diatomaceous Earth (DE). DE works, but DE also cuts lungs in both people and pets, so it's dangerous. Baking soda is gentle on people and pets but will kill the bed bugs.



I would also use baking soda as opposed to Borax. Borax is a poison that is harmful to people and pets. Plus it has been banned in many countries.



Remember....this will take a full year.



Good luck.
MillwoodsGal
2013-08-13 04:16:13 UTC
Heat is the only thing I know that kills bed bugs, even chemicals don't as far as I know. Throw everything possible into the dryer and out in the hot sun if you can. Otherwise you'll need professional help. First thing is to confirm that you have bed bugs and not something less damaging.
Laurie
2013-08-13 05:11:45 UTC
Your cat didn't bring in bedbugs. lol. You have either seen fleas or ticks. If you do have bed bugs it may be from a trip that you took and brought them home with your luggage or you were at someone's house overnight or they stayed at yours to transfer bedbugs.
Beverly S
2013-08-13 04:14:57 UTC
Bed bugs is very serious You have two choices either throw all your stuff out&replace It.Or burn them out meaning hear kills them.those Only the two options.All those other chemicals dnt work
2013-08-14 09:12:46 UTC
Vacuum the places, that's the fastest.


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