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Common Bed Bug Extermination Techniques

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Bed bugs are an increasingly common problem, especially since there are countless people traveling every day and the parasites are immune to most chemical pesticides. A bed bug infestation does not mean that a person keeps a dirty house, or that they are unhygienic, it simply means that the tiny, parasitic insects were nearby and found an individual’s home to be particularly inviting. While it may seem difficult to eliminate a bed bug infestation, there are several common bed bug extermination techniques that are quite effective.

One natural but effective way to get rid of them is to use diatomaceous earth, which is an abrasive powder that dries out bed bugs as soon as they come in contact with it. As there are a few different kinds of diatomaceous earth, it is important to make sure that the purchase is for indoor insect control rather than swimming pool use.

Washing and drying clothing and bedding in hot temperatures is also effective for exterminating bed bugs. High temperatures kill not only the adult insects, but eggs that have not hatched and the juvenile insects (or nymphs) as well. It is important to cover mattresses and other infested furniture with plastic mattress and furniture covers as well, for this will prevent more bed bugs from joining the infestation. The furniture should be placed outside in extremely hot or cold temperatures, or sent to a dry cleaning facility to clean. Though they can be difficult to see, it is also possible to vacuum bed bugs out of furniture before having the furniture cleaned.

Bed bugs can be deterred by what is called “bed bug interceptors,” which are usually sticky cards that are placed beneath bed posts and furniture legs, so long as the furniture legs and bed posts do not have wheels on them. Bed bug interceptors will capture the insects as they try to leave or get atop furniture and they are unable to escape from the sticky surfaces. While it is possible to purchase commercially made bed bug interceptors, it is also easy to make them with double-sided tape and poster board or card stock squares.