Owners of Beds Know Thy Enemy: Bed Bugs

The re-emergence of bed bugs over the last decade has meant that many people are now seeking relief from these irritating and obnoxious little creatures. There are many misconceptions about what works and what doesn’t and even though the problem continues to increase among households, better ways are being found to eliminate and manage the nuisance that these bugs create. Let’s examine the bed bug problem, how to identify and manage them as well as preventive measures with your bed that will provide better piece of mind.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that you only get bed bugs because you or your home is considered dirty. Absolutely not, this is a very inaccurate statement made by individuals with no knowledge of how the bugs are introduced to properties. The cleanest home can come into contact with bed bugs most often by individuals who have travelled becoming exposed to the bugs themselves. These pests produce a social stigma that unfortunately is because of a lack of good information on how exposure happens and is not based on cleanliness of a household or individual.

Many individuals say that they haven’t been anywhere or travelled to be subjected to the possibility of exposure to bed bugs. Unfortunately this is not the only source of how bed bug exposure happens. Several studies are finding these bugs spreading through public transportation, the workplace, a house guest or even an apartment or house next to the property that is unknowingly contributing to the problem. It would be a good idea to check your bed and living room and other rooms on a weekly basis for evidence that bed bugs may be present.

Bed bugs are approximately 3-5 mm in size and have a slight reddish brown color. Recently hatched bugs are harder to see and are typically 1-2 mm in size. Many people at first think them to be similar to dust particles so if any are beneath your furniture or around your mattress carefully look for eggs as well. Bed bugs don’t spread contagious diseases or transmit diseases. They do however come out in total darkness and will leave bites in triangular shapes on the skin. These can be detected by examining the skin and looking for small red dots in small patterns on the skin. This is also an indication that there is a bed bug issue.

There have been many home remedies that some have found to be successful. Canola oil, pyrethins and rapseed oil seem to attach to the bug’s nervous system and also prove effective in killing the eggs. Lavender has been another home remedy that has proven to be helpful. People have created lavender sachets that use dried lavender flowers that are placed between two pieces of fabric that are sewn together. The lavender oil seems to be a turn off to the bed bugs. So placing these in closets, wardrobes or dressers and chests will provide a pleasant smell and deter the bugs. Many people have also mentioned success when treating their mattress with steam. The high temperature of the steam is very harmful to bed bugs. Washing your sheets, blankets and comforters in hot water also acts as good prevention and would kill any bugs present on them.

Individuals should check under and behind pieces of furniture pulling out drawers or looking beneath chairs and around crevices of any kind. Many people disassemble their platform beds and pull the mattresses off of them for inspection and early treatment. Platform Beds and beds that have holes and slots should also be looked at. Electrical outlet covers can also be removed and inspection inside the wall there may also yield answers of where the problem is coming from.

In conclusion we’ve addressed some of the misconceptions about bed bugs. People don’t acquire them through unclean homes rather they are spread by guests or visiting hotels or places where the bugs sneak into luggage or clothing. While bed bugs aren’t contagious or spread disease, they are a nuisance and people have found many home remedies that seem to do well against them. The best strategy to avoid bed bugs is to be preventive by inspecting furniture, bedding and clothing for the signs. Hopefully these forms of control will help to prevent or alleviate bed bug issues in your home.

About The Author:
Phil Pendleton is a furniture professional with experience in sales, production and manufacturing. He encourages you to visit Platform Beds for more information about wood and metal platform bed models.