Bed bugs love to hang out in areas close to people, and unfortunately apartment buildings provide them with the warmth, food, and shelter they need. These pests multiply quickly and can easily move between neighboring apartments. It’s important to know how to control an infestation. We’ve gathered information to help you get rid of bed bugs in your apartment.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Being able to identify an infestation quickly will make it easier to get rid of these pests. We’ve made a list of warning signs of a bed bug infestation.
- Bed Bug Sightings: Bed bugs are reddish-brown pests with a flat, oval body. They are small, measuring about 1/4". Bed bugs can be found on mattresses, headboards, bed frames, nightstands, dressers, and the floor. You may also notice tiny white eggs or shed skin.
- Dark Spots: If you find brown or black spots on your mattress, furniture, walls, or bedding, it could be bed bug droppings. Red stains can occur if bed bugs are crushed.
- Bites: When bed bugs feed, they can cause bite marks. These bites are red, itchy, and appear in clusters or a zigzag pattern. They are typically visible on your arms and legs or any spots that are exposed while sleeping.
- Odor: When bed bugs are present, you may notice an unpleasant odor. These pests release pheromones, which can result in a musty scent. The larger the infestation, the more noticeable the smell will be.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
If you’re dealing with bed bugs, there are things you can do to get rid of them. Check out a few tips to help keep your apartment free of these pests.
Notify Management
When you first identify an infestation, you’ll want to contact your landlord or property manager. They should have a plan in place to help you with your problem. They will also notify other tenants so that they can check for an infestation in their apartment. It’s important that all infestations are dealt with since these pests can spread to other apartment units.
Clean & Declutter
Bed bugs like to have places to hide. It’s best to avoid leaving your belongings on the floor. This will minimize potential hiding spots. Store your items in containers with lids to keep bed bugs away. Vacuuming can help to remove bed bugs and their eggs. Make sure to dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag by placing it in a sealed bag and in an outdoor trash bin if possible. This will prevent bed bugs from escaping back into your apartment.
Wash Your Bedding & Clothes
You’ll need to wash your bedding and clothes. Use hot water and a high heat setting on your dryer. Leave your dryer running for at least thirty minutes. The heat will help to kill bed bugs and bed bug eggs. Once your items are clean, place them in bins with tight-fitting lids. This will keep bed bugs out of your things until the infestation is eliminated.
Use a Mattress Protector
Mattress protectors can help to keep bed bugs away from your mattress. If you’re dealing with an active infestation, the protector will prevent bed bugs from spreading. Be sure to purchase a protector that is labeled for bed bugs. You can also buy an encasement for your box spring. While protectors can help minimize spreading, they won’t completely get rid of these pests.
Use a Plant-Based Insecticide Spray
Plant-based insecticide sprays can help you fight bed bugs. Our Bed Bug & Flea Killer spray kills bed bugs on contact and has residual repellency. You can spot treat areas where you see bed bugs and their eggs. When spraying your mattress, you don’t want to apply to the entire surface. You can also spray cracks and joints in the bed frame, rugs, and other pieces of furniture.
Use an Insecticide Dust
Insecticide dusts provide a longer-lasting solution. Our Bed Bug Killer dust clings to the exoskeleton of pests and absorbs the waxy coating. This causes dehydration and kills pests. Dust can be applied to bed frames, mattresses, box springs, furniture, baseboards, and other areas where bed bugs have been seen. We recommend using a paintbrush to treat cracks and crevices where bed bugs could be hiding.
Bed bugs can be worrisome, which is why it’s important to know how to properly deal with an infestation. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we’re here to help! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.