I never imagined that I would need to know how to get rid of bed bugs. I was absolutely horrified when small red bites started appearing on my arms and legs, and knew I must act immediately. With no money to call in a professional, I knew I had to learn how to get rid of bed bugs at home myself.
My first thought was insecticides, but these cannot be applied to areas in which you sleep. You can, however, use some commonly used roach killing tactics such as boric acid and sticky traps placed under the bed, never on the bed itself though. How to get rid of bed bugs yourself will require some work, but it can be done.
To begin with, I researched how to get rid of bed bugs naturally. To do this I had to clean everything and I do mean everything. While doing this, I disposed of any clutter as to not leave the bed bugs any place to hide. Next I treated the mattress with an organic insecticide, and totally wrapped the mattress in plastic. I washed all the bedding, including the pillows. It is also important to wash all clothing. All of these things should be washed in hot water.
Next I needed to know how to get rid of bed bug bites. What worked best for me was applying antibiotic cream directly to the bites, and covering it with a band aid to prevent me from the temptation of scratching. Some people are actually allergic to bed bug bites. These individuals can take an oral antihistamine to help control a reaction.
With my bites and home under control, my next lesson was in how to make sure I never had this problem again. This can be difficult, especially when traveling. For instance, bed bugs New York hotels are a huge problem. It is best to inspect the bed in any hotel you stay in before lying down for the night. If you discover a problem, notify management. Hotels are terrified of this problem, as it costs them business, so the quicker they can act the better. There may be a different room you can stay in, or you may have to switch hotels altogether.
Do not stay with friends or family members that have recently reported a bed bug infestation. Even if it was a few weeks ago, it is best to stay clear until they are sure that the problem is completely under control.