Taking control of bed bugs

Dr. Edwin Afful

One of the most notorious, difficult pests to control are bed bugs because of their dispersive nature and cryptic behavior. Here are a few tips to increase your chances of full control:

• It is important to complete a thorough inspection to confirm their presence. Use a flashlight to examine cracks and crevices where bed bugs may hide. Look closely for bugs in the bed sheets, along the mattress seams and folds, and in any cracks in the bed frame. The presence of brownish stains on sheets and pillowcases is a tell-tale sign that this is a bed bug problem and not something else.
• Remember, bed bugs love to hide in places such as a pile of clothing or blankets. Any clutter should be picked up, especially in areas where there is a known infestation. Reducing clutter will allow for more thorough treatment and better sanitation.
• Use residual products where bed bugs are found or may be found, such as in the areas mentioned above. Rotate product chemical classes to lower the risk of resistance. Use heat and cold treatments where appropriate, and keep in mind you can combine multiple treatments. Steam cleaners (wet or dry) also can be used as they get into cracks and fabrics to treat carpets, baseboards, bed frames and other furniture.
• Monitor for activity using bed bug traps, if applicable, to ensure early detection of any breakthroughs or new infestations.