Nothing is more frustrating than finding evidence of bed bugs in our homes. We feel violated and overwhelmed, wondering what we can do to keep the problem from spreading further.

Depending on how long the infestation has been in place, we may also be dealing with bites, rashes, and other skin issues as a result of their attempts to feast on us while we are at our most vulnerable. Something must be done!

Before you throw out all of your belongings and threaten to move from your current location, take a deep breath—-fighting a bedbug infestation is difficult, but it is not impossible. As you can see when you click here, there are several things that you can do at home to treat current infestation problems and prevent further issues from reoccurring. Bed bugs infestations are stressful, and dealing with them is time consuming. Follow these simple steps to treat and prevent future infestation issues:

1. Make sure you are really dealing with bedbugs

Thanks to the evolution of the internet, we now have thousands of images of bedbugs to compare our sample to. Collect your sample as efficiently as you can and compare it to images on extermination websites. If you are still unsure, you can call in a pest control expert to help you identify your problem.

2. Remove the clutter

Bed bugs love cluttered homes; they will hide in piles of clothing on the floor, behind furniture, and any place that they are hidden from view. Getting rid of some of the excess clutter in your home, and dealing with laundry and bedding on a regular basis is one way to prevent an infestation, and even to control pests that have already taken up residence.

3. Purchase dissolvable laundry bags

Containing bed bug populations that have taken up residence in laundry piles, bedding, blankets, and pillows are done most effectively with dissolvable laundry bags. These bags dissolve in your washer, and they are a great way to contain large numbers of bugs and their debris without contaminating other surfaces in your home. Items in these bags that are subjected to high heat in both the washer and dryer are effectively eradicated.

4. Don’t automatically reach for the spray can

Working with pesticides is dangerous, especially if you do not have experience with handling them. There are other effective methods of eliminating bed bugs that take an integrated approach to pest management. Some of the more common ways to eliminate bed bugs involve high heat or extreme cold followed by the use of a chemical treatment to remove all eggs, debris, and adult bugs. Heating and cooling methods can be done at home, but there are times when special equipment is needed for effective elimination. Talk with your local pest control company to see if you do need specialized equipment to apply the temperature method, and what you can do about obtaining or renting this equipment to get the job done.

5. Vacuum and care for belongings regularly

Maintaining a clean home and regularly washing bedding, clothing, and other material that may be a breeding ground for bed bugs is one of the best ways to reduce or eliminate your pest problem. Regularly inspecting your living space and even your own skin for signs of bites and infestation will keep you in the clear.

6. When in doubt, call in the professionals

Bed bug removal is a difficult task, and one that should be approached with caution. If you do not feel that you will be able to do a thorough inspection and extermination, it’s best to call in a professional pest control company to assess your needs. You deserve to have a clean, pest-free home, and it’s possible to reclaim your living space with some proven steps to eradication success!

Dealing with a pest infestation of any kind is not a pleasant experience, but knowing what to look for and what to do to treat and prevent future infestations is the key to creating a clean, pest-free home. Following these aforementioned steps and enlisting the assistance of professionals, if needed, will help you to reclaim your home once more.