How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Permanently and Keep Your Home Safe From Them

By now, you’ve probably heard about them in the news– those tiny bloodsuckers that have the uncanny stealth to invade our homes without us even noticing.

That’s right: bed bugs.

Unfortunately, bed bugs aren’t just mythical creatures brought to life in bedtime rhymes. They’re real, and they are more of a nuisance than you might think – especially when you’re dealing with the well-being of your baby.

Bed bugs are small, brown-colored insects that feed on the blood of animals (including us humans). Adults are the size of an apple seed, roughly 3/16″ long, with flat, oval-shaped bodies. You’ll know you have a bed bug infestation if you notice spots of blood on your sheets, an indicator that bed bugs have been feeding.

You might also notice the droppings – a rust-colored stain on mattresses or bed sheets – or a musty, sweet odor.

This comprehensive guide on how to get rid of bed bugs permanently is for parents, homeowners, and eco-friendly families who are serious about safeguarding their little ones and their living spaces from these pests.

We’ll discuss everything from identifying bed bugs to setting up multiple layers of prevention – and even give you tips on how you can tackle the unexpected guest if they’ve already snuck in.

How to Keep Bed Bugs Out of Your Home

Prevention is the best policy when it comes to bed bugs. The less likely they are to move into your home, the less likely you’ll have to deal with the headache of eradicating them.

Here are some effective tips on how to get rid of bed bugs permanently.

1. Check Your Pets

Pets can be carriers for a variety of critters, including bed bugs. When you’re giving your furry friends some love, take a moment to check for any signs of bed bugs or fleas. Vacuum pet areas regularly and wash their bedding in hot water weekly.

2. Take Precautions When Traveling

Travel is one of the prime times for bed bug interactions. When staying in a hotel or rental, do a quick inspection of the room. Keep your suitcase off the floor and bed, using luggage racks if available.

When you return, immediately wash all of your travel clothing in hot water and vacuum your suitcase, including your baby’s travel stroller.

3. Seal Off Entry Points

Bed bugs are clever hitchhikers and can find their way into your home through cracks in walls, windows, or along baseboards. Seal these off as much as possible to limit their entry points.

4. Inspect Secondhand Furniture and Clothing

Buying secondhand is wonderful for budget and environment, but sometimes it can backfire if you’re not cautious. Before you bring any used furniture or clothing into your home, carefully inspect for any signs of bed bugs.

5. Use Protective Encasements on Mattresses and Furniture

Covering your mattresses and box springs with encasements makes it difficult for bed bugs to get what they’re after – your blood! Be sure to use ones that are specifically designed to keep bed bugs from escaping your mattress or box spring.

6. Be Vigilant With Cleaning

Even the cleanest homes can fall victim to bed bugs, but maintaining a spic and span living space can give them fewer places to hide. Clutter provides ample hiding spots for bed bugs, so declutter your home and especially your baby’s room.

7. Regularly Inspect Bedding

Get into the habit of doing a quick check of your sheets every week. Keep an eye out for tiny, rust-colored spots (bed bug excrement), molted bed bug shells, and the bugs themselves.

Your baby’s crib needs the same level of attention. If bed bugs manage to find their way to your little one’s sleeping spot, it could lead to restless nights and possible bites.

8. Wash Baby Items Often

Babies go through more laundry than most other family members. Fortunately, this is a good thing when it comes to preventing bed bugs. Wash all baby items such as bibs, blankets, and clothes regularly in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting.

9. Avoid Hand Me Downs (or Be Very Careful)

Hand-me-downs can be fabulous, but they can also introduce unwanted pests into your home. Be cautious and inspect thoroughly before bringing them into your home, especially when it comes to baby items.

10. Educate Caregivers

Make sure that anyone who’ll be looking after your baby is educated on the ins and outs of bed bug prevention on how to get rid of bed bugs permanently. This includes babysitters, family members, and even older siblings. Communicate what to look for and what to do if they suspect bed bugs.

how to get rid of bed bugs permanently Is Easy

The mere mention of bed bugs is enough to make your skin crawl, but the best course of action is to tackle the problem head-on.

Start by vacuuming all furniture, including mattresses, to grab any hitchhikers. Be sure to get every nook and cranny. Wash all bedding and clothing in hot water. Dismantle bed frames to expose additional areas where bed bugs may be hiding.

If you’re environmentally conscious and worried about the impact of harsh chemicals, you’re not alone. There are several eco-friendly methods to try before resorting to chemical treatments. These include heat treatments, cold treatments, steam cleaning, and using essential oils known to repel bed bugs.

The preventative and DIY tips described above are a great first step, but you should also call in a professional if you suspect your home has been invaded as bed bugs can be challenging to find and eliminate.

Understanding what bed bugs are and how to keep them out of your home is crucial, especially if you have a baby. Vigilance, prevention, and a good plan of action are your best tools. With the tips provided in this guide, you can rest easy knowing you’ve done everything possible to keep your home and your family bed bug-free.

The techniques above are your first line of defense against bed bugs, but remember, early intervention is key. Don’t wait until the problem gets out of hand; address any signs of bed bug activity as soon as possible.