Dealing with Bed Bugs: Effective Strategies for a Restful Night's Sleep
Dealing with bed bugs can be a stressful experience, especially when you are trying to get a restful night's sleep. Bed bugs can infest your home and make your life miserable, but there are effective strategies you can use to control and eliminate these pests.
Why Not Turn the AC On?
Many people wonder whether they should turn the air conditioner on when dealing with bed bugs. The short answer is no. Temperatures need to be regulated to more extreme levels to effectively eliminate bed bugs. Creating an environment much hotter than a typical cooling unit can produce, you would be better off using alternative methods of temperature control.
Using Temperature Control to Eliminate Bed Bugs
Bedbugs can be partially controlled by temperature extremes. When temperatures go above 97 degrees F or below 48 degrees F, bed bugs will be eliminated. To achieve this, you might consider using specialized equipment to heat a room to 130 degrees and allow it to soak for several hours. This ensures that the heat penetrates all areas, including mattresses and bedding.
Professional Treatment Is Key
When it comes to bed bugs, professional treatment is essential. Many companies offer services to rid your home of these pests. However, you will still need to do some work yourself, such as sending all bedding and clothing through the dryer. You can also purchase chemicals or use heat treatment systems. At the end of the process, make sure you replace or steam clean your bed and mattress if they are infested.
Physical Barriers and Prevention
In addition to professional treatment, you can implement physical barriers to prevent bed bugs from accessing your sleeping area. Placing your bed away from walls and ensuring that the legs are placed in tin cans filled with soapy water can effectively deter bed bugs. Glass jars covered in soapy water may also work well since bed bugs cannot climb their slick surfaces.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with bed bugs is not something you should do on your own. These pests are persistent and can reproduce quickly. It is essential to call an exterminator and let them handle the problem. By following the strategies outlined above, you can create a more restful and comfortable sleeping environment free from bed bugs.