Dealing with bedbug infestation on your own can be very difficult and time consuming. The problem could persist for months or even years if you do not manage to completely eradicate the bugs and their eggs. Probably the best method is to hire a professional exterminator. They have insecticides at their disposal that are much stronger and effective than what the average consumer can purchase. In addition, they are trained to locate and close all the possibly entry points the bugs might be using.
Hiring a professional to take care of a bedbug infestation can be expensive, but if you can afford it, it is probably the quickest and most effective method. Bedbug infestations are becoming more and more common, and for this reason, some large extermination companies are offering discounts for the service. If you are renting your home, your property owner may be willing to cover the expense. It is a good idea to check your lease agreement to see if there are any provisions for pest control, and if you are getting ready to rent, make sure your lease clearly states who carries this responsibility.
If you live in an apartment or other type of shared unit, all your efforts to rid your home of bedbug infestation could be in vain. If you manage to run them out of your home, they may simply go to an adjoining residence, then later return. These bugs are microscopic and can be carried in on clothing, shoes, or luggage. Your neighbor could be coming to his apartment and drop the bugs outside your door at any time, and there is little you can do about it.
In cases where an exterminator is not an option, there are a few things you can try on your own, both to rid yourself of an existing bedbug infestation and to prevent one from occurring. The bugs like to burrow into tiny cracks and crevices, but because they feed on blood, they generally will stay in or near places where people spend most of their time. This is why they end up on mattresses, because eventually everyone in the household ends up in their beds. Keeping bed linens changed and washed is a good place to start.
It is also a good idea to thoroughly vacuum everything in your house, and if possible, you might want to purchase a hand-held unit to make it easier to get into the smallest places. Vacuuming not only gets the bugs, but typically gets the eggs as well. This should be done on a regular basis. Make sure you have covered or closed all the possible entry points into your home. You might even consider enclosing your mattress in plastic, though in cases of severe bedbug infestation, some furnishings, including mattresses, should probably be discarded.