Bed bugs are one of the nastiest and hardest to get rid of infestations causing a horrific odor, unattractive red welts, constant itching and even some post-traumatic stress. Becoming educated about these pesky creatures and learning how to kill bed bugs can help reduce the stress involved.

Diagnosing the problem

The first step in effectively knowing how to kill bed bugs is to pinpoint the location and severity of the infestation, and the best way to do that is via a bed bug dog inspection. A thorough canine inspection is the only tool that can effectively find the exact location in order to provide a targeted treatment which often leads to lower remediation costs as well as save time.

The next step: preparing for extermination

Part of the process in how to kill bed bugs is preparing for extermination. All bedding will need to be removed from mattresses as well as all linens, clothing and any materials that may have come in contact with bed bugs. Even clothing and other fabrics that have been in storage should be included and all needs to be washed in hot water and dried in the dryer if possible.

After washing everything, the items should be placed into well-sealed storage bins or bags in a way that prevents bed bugs from entering and hiding in clean materials.

All closets in rooms in which an infestation has been found will need to be emptied and furnishings that are near walls in rooms will need to be pulled away from the wall allowing the exterminator access to all areas. Bookshelves, dressers, etc. will all need to be emptied and the drawers removed. Bed bugs often seek out the nooks and crannies of wooden furniture. If possible, carpets, rugs, couch cushions and floors should be steam cleaned.

Fortunately, companies like Assured Environments can do all of the prep work for you as part of their pre-preparation services.

Treatments

Hiring professionals to eliminate bed bugs is the best avenue for success. Conventional treatments involve high-powered HEPA-vacuuming followed by a steam treatment, dusting of voids to eliminate bed bugs hiding inside walls and applying residual pesticides to cracks and crevices. Assured Environments also installs high quality mattress and box spring encasements designed to protect those items from bed bugs.

Alternatively, Assured Environments offers a one-step structural heat program that is 100% green and can be completed in just one day. This involves minimal preparation, none of your electricity and has been found to be the single most effective way to kill bed bugs in all life stages.

Now that you know how to kill bed bugs, remember to take action sooner rather than later to prevent an even bigger problem.