Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite! (Yes, They Are Real): Steps You Can Take to Evict the Pests

The bad news is, they are very hard to get rid of, and you may have to recruit some professionals. They are making a comeback and infesting countless number of homes in the USA, especially in New York. The good news is, they are not disease carriers. These little creatures are nocturnal, and travel 20 feet or more to find a sleeping victim to feed on.

Bed Bugs can live a very long time without feeding (A year!), and are immune to just about all herbal treatments, and most over the counter sprays and bug bombs. So, simply replacing your mattress is not enough to rid yourself of them. They like to hide in small openings, cracks, behind wall hangings, under your carpet, books, furniture, etc.

If you have bedbugs, it doesn't mean you are "unclean" or live in a pigsty. These little creatures are not prejudice and have probably even lived at the White House at some point or another... however, sanitation is going to be key in getting rid of them. They tend to avoid areas that have been cleaned with soap & water, especially if disinfectant was used.

Bedbugs like to hitchike from hotels, hostels, and used furniture or books. (Craigslist freebie hunters beware!). One sign of an infestation is their itchy bites. These usually have a red dot, and frequently show up in a pattern. The bites can't make you sick themselves, but they can get infected. Make sure you wash them with soap and water and use some kind of antiseptic to clean them. One of the best ways to relieve the itch is to use Calamine lotion, or antihistamine cream.

Look for small bloodstains on your sheets, from where the bedbug has bitten you, as the wound may bleed a drop after they are done feeding. Another sign is the smell... some say they smell like sweet rotten raspberries, or even almonds. They will also leave stains on your walls, floor, and furniture as they scurry back to their hiding places after feeding.

Start by doing some deep cleaning. Wash everything you own in VERY hot water... at least 120 degrees. Bag everything up airtight and let it stay in the bags for at least several days. Wash again. If you have one of those steam cleaners, use it on all your furniture frames. Wash the cushions with everything else. Check behind all your pictures and posters hanging on the walls for signs of a colony. Remove all the drawers from your dresser and make sure they aren't hiding in the joints of the wood. If you have a wooden bed frame, be sure to inspect that thoroughly as well. Look for the tell-tale stains from their feces. Spray Lysol on these areas, and along the baseboards until it is really damp, then rub in pine oil. This will discourage them from roaming. Don't forget to wash and bag any curtains or drapes that are hanging. Have your carpet professionally cleaned, and make sure it is thorough. Make vacuuming your floor a ritual... empty the bag outside, to make sure they don't escape and repopulate.

If you find they have infested your book library, you will either have to dispose of the books, or bag them up individually and put them into storage for a year or two.

For serious spraying, I suggest you contact your local pest control/exterminator, so as to not endanger yourself, your family, or pets with the chemicals. Calling a professional is usually the best way to go, as it usually needs to be done anyway. It usually ends up being cheaper if you do your deep cleaning and preparation beforehand, and not spend money out of pocket using over-the-counter sprays that won't work anyway. Professional pest control companies of any reputation really know their stuff, and use a combined method of attack to make sure nothing is missed. If you choose to tackle the bedbugs on your own, it may still be a good idea to call and get an evaluation. Contact a couple companies to compare bids, and get a feel for which company has had better results.