The bed bug population has grown rapidly since the mid-1990s. Being bitten by a bed bug — a parasite that feeds on human blood — can cause rashes, allergic reactions and, in rare cases, psychological issues. Bed bug control, as with most infestations, is most effective when both manual methods and the use of pesticides are combined. While some may believe that foggers, or bug bombs, would be best for getting rid of a bed bug infestation, this is typically not the case.
The first step to bed bug control is determining if there is an infestation. These parasites, while native to the Northern Hemisphere, can be found all over the world. They typically reside in places where humans sleep, most commonly mattresses, bedding, sofas and the surrounding clothing or carpet. They also like to stow away behind headboards, especially wooden ones, and in the cloth of box springs. Although small, they are visible to the human eye and an infestation, if one is looking in the right place, is easily spotted.
Once an infestation has been confirmed, bed bug control begins with thoroughly vacuuming the infested areas and spraying the bugs with rubbing alcohol, which instantly kills them and their eggs. Bed bugs are usually found on sofas and mattresses, so the areas surrounding these pieces of furniture should also be vacuumed and all bedding and clothing should be washed in water that is at least 120° Fahrenheit (48° Celsius).
After the manual process, pesticides can be used to treat heavily infested areas. Pyrethroid, dichlorvos and malathion are the most effective pesticides to use in bed bug control, though prolonged exposure can pose health problems for humans, especially small children. It is important to ensure that any pesticide applied directly to a mattress or sofa specifically states that it is safe to use in these instances, because applying any pesticide to a place where people sleep can be detrimental to those people's health.
Following the application of pesticides, the mattress and box springs should be wrapped so they are completely air tight. This will smother or starve any stray bed bugs, ensuring that the infestation does not come back. Sticky traps can also be set near the infested areas to catch any stray bed bugs that are searching for another place to hide.
Foggers, more commonly known as bug bombs, are often thought to be an effective means of bed bug control. Most pest management specialists tend to disagree with this. While the chemicals in foggers are able to kill bed bugs, it is extremely difficult for the chemical to get all or even most of the bugs. Bed bugs are very good at hiding and at avoiding areas where pesticides are present, which is why direct contact needs to be made to eradicate the problem.
Bed bug control can be difficult, costly and time consuming. Therefore, the best step in bed bug control is prevention. Used furniture should be thoroughly inspected before it is brought into the home, and luggage should be elevated when in hotel rooms to make sure that any bed bugs are not transferred from the hotel to the home. Furniture should be thoroughly inspected for any signs of a bed bug infestation. If the infestation is severe or recurring, a professional bed bug exterminator is the best and final option for bed bug control.