Bedbugs are all over the news… and apparently, they're all over a lot of cities too. Bedbugs are a growing problem nationwide and have recently been found in office buildings, hospitals, hotels, theaters and even retail stores.
How much do you know about bedbugs and how to reduce your chances of a bedbug bite?
Where Do Bedbugs Come From and How Do I Get Rid Of Them?
Bedbugs known scientifically as Cimex lectularius (Cimicade) are small insects that feed on the blood of warm blooded animals, including humans. When fully developed a bedbug is reddish-brown color, has an oval shape and does not have wings. Bedbug bites are not known to spread disease, but their bites leave itchy red welts. Over the counter remedies can relieve the discomfort of the itch.
The bedbugs got their name from its favorite hiding place, but despite their name, bedbugs are not only confined to the bed. Bedbugs love dark, secluded spaces with a lot of nooks and crannies they can hide in. Finding bedbugs in your home does not mean you have poor hygiene! It takes only one bedbug to hitch a ride into your home or apartment on a suitcase, backpack, clothing, bedding or furniture, which is the most common way they enter your space. Once the bedbug enters your home an infestation could begin. Bedbugs can also move from one apartment to another without any assistance from you.
An infestation of bedbugs can be hard to get rid of. Start by discarding of all clutter: cardboard boxes, newspapers, stacks of magazines, shopping bags, plastic bags, and stacks of old clothes. Reducing clutter in your living space reduces the number of places for bedbugs to hide. Hiring a professional trash and rubbish removal company to assist with this task would be a good idea. Strip beds and wash all sheets, pillow cases, mattress pads, blankets, comforters and bed skirts. Remove everything from the bedroom closets and dresser drawers and place in plastic bags. Remove headboard and bed frame; remove all curtains and wash. Vacuum all floors in infected rooms. Also vacuum couches, chairs, closets, closet shelves, shoes and dresser drawers. After vacuuming throw away the vacuum bag sealed in a plastic bag.
To get rid of bedbugs effectively, you've got to hit them where they're hiding–in cracks and crevices. Most cases of bedbug infestation will require treatment by a pest-control expert. The pest-control company can help you determine if the mattress, furniture, etc. can be disinfected or mus be discarded. Since beds cannot readily be treated with insecticides, it's often necessary to discard infested mattresses and beds. If you discard of infested furniture, seal it in plastic and clearly label it as bedbug-infested before taking it out of your apartment or home. You should also take steps to make infested furniture unusable by ripping the fabric so that people are less likely to bring it into their homes. Just hauling an unwrapped mattress out to the curb can scatter the bedbugs, which means they'll soon be back in your home. Items infested with bedbugs should also be kept out of common storage areas. It may be in your best interest to use a professional trash and rubbish removal company that specializes in removing bedbug infested furniture with care not to cause cross contamination.
Caring of Your Mattress
Replacing you mattress should not really depend on a specific timetable. You are the best judge of exactly when to replace your mattress. Your decision should be based primarily on the condition of the mattress and your comfort. If your mattress looks old, it probably is old and should be replaced. When you replace your mattress, it is also a good idea to get a new box spring as well.
In answer to the question, "Should I remove the tag on my mattress?" The answer is… it is not illegal to remove the law tag, but the information on the label will be useful should you have a warranty claim.
Regularly vacuuming the mattress is important. While the sheets and mattress cover may help to protect the mattress from the accumulation of shed skins cells, dust, and dander, these particles will find their way to the surface of your mattress. Therefore, a periodic vacuuming will keep the mattress fresh and clean.