How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

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Bed bugs can spread from place to place by hitching rides in luggage, clothing, furniture, and other belongings. Once inside a home, they can hide in mattresses, bed frames, furniture, cracks, and other small spaces, making established infestations difficult to control.

DIY products may reduce visible activity, but they do not always reach hidden bed bugs or eggs. If bed bugs continue appearing, professional inspection and treatment may be needed to determine how widespread the infestation is and which control methods are appropriate.

Preparing for Bed Bug Treatment

Preparation requirements can vary depending on the treatment being used, so always follow the instructions provided by your pest control technician. Common preparation steps may include:

• Launder bedding and clothing: Place affected items in sealed bags before moving them through the home, then wash and dry them according to the treatment instructions you receive.
• Vacuum affected areas: Vacuum mattresses, bed frames, carpets, furniture, and other areas where bed bugs may be hiding. Dispose of vacuum contents in a sealed bag after use.
• Reduce clutter: Remove unnecessary items from floors and around beds to reduce hiding places and improve access for inspection and treatment.
• Follow furniture instructions: Do not move beds, furniture, or belongings between rooms unless your technician recommends it, since moving infested items can spread bed bugs.
• Prepare pets as directed: Your technician will provide instructions for pets, food, bedding, aquariums, and other items based on the treatment being performed.

Common Bed Bug Treatment Methods

Professional bed bug control may use one or more treatment methods depending on the infestation, property, and areas affected.

• Pesticide Treatment: Products labeled for bed bug control may be applied to targeted cracks, crevices, furniture, and other areas where activity is found.
• Heat Treatment: Specialized equipment may be used to raise temperatures in affected areas to levels that are lethal to bed bugs and their eggs.
• Steam Treatment: High-temperature steam may be used on mattresses, furniture, baseboards, and other suitable surfaces where bed bugs may be hiding.
• Monitoring and Follow-Up: Additional inspections or treatments may be recommended to check for remaining activity and determine whether further treatment is needed.

Why Professional Bed Bug Control May Be Needed

Bed bugs are difficult to control because they can hide in extremely small spaces and spread beyond the areas where they are first noticed. Successful treatment often requires identifying the extent of the infestation and addressing multiple hiding areas rather than treating only the bugs that are visible.

Rocket Pest Control has been helping homeowners and businesses manage pest problems since 1958. Our technicians can inspect for bed bug activity and recommend a treatment plan based on the conditions present.

Think you may have bed bugs? Contact Rocket Pest Control today for a free quote.