It is not an easy job to get rid of the bed bugs, but taking the steps outlined in this article should be a good starting ground to limiting their exposure. In part one of this article I outlined the obvious areas such as the mattress and sofas as problem areas, but you need to dig deeper to completely rid yourself of bed bugs. It’s now time to check the carpet area, especially the areas where there are crevices. Steam vacuuming such areas could help kill the bed bugs and limit their ability to spread.

Keep in mind that bed bugs hatch at a much accelerated rate, so it maybe an ongoing struggle to totally eliminate them. Therefore thorough steam vacuuming should be done regularly until you’ve noticed a reduction in any bites you maybe experiencing. Another area of infestation is wallpaper, paintings and any area that would allow them to hide behind. These items should be removed from the wall and a thorough inspection given. You may even find them hiding within the items themselves and using it as a breeding ground before eventually making their way to areas where they can attach themselves to flesh. It’s very important to note that they can live without attaching to a host for up to a year, so you may have bed bugs in your home without them actually affecting you as yet.

Another area of the home that you’ll need to review is actually your closet. It maybe infested with bed bugs, especially your clothes. To be totally safe, you should wash all the clothes within your closet, ensuring they are washed in hot water. Obviously the more delicate clothes that cannot be washed in hot water, should be left alone, so be sure to read your clothing labels.

Stay away from trying to spray bed bugs, as it won’t help. If possible and you can afford to purchase new furniture, sheets, mattress, then go ahead and do so. This is only in extreme cases. The first option would be to thoroughly clean as outlined above, but if after trying such options and it does not resolve your issue, then it maybe best to totally eliminate that piece of furniture or mattress from your home.

A way to avoid being infested in the first place is to thoroughly inspect anything you buy. Some of us like to buy used furniture or even mattresses. When purchasing these items you maybe getting more than you bargained for, so be sure to inspect all areas of the mattress and furniture. You maybe surprised what you find, so before you place it in your home, thoroughly inspect it.

If all else fails, you can call in a professional. They will be able to thoroughly inspect your home and address all the problems areas. From there they will provide the best options available to eliminating your bed bug issues. Be sure to ask many questions while they are there regarding future prevention, and for tips on keeping bed bugs a thing of the past with regards to them being in your home.