How to get rid of bed bugs

Signs of a bed bug infestation

Adult-sized bed bugs are no bigger than the size of a flattened apple pip and they can move at the rate of an ant. A fully grown bug will be brown in colour and oval-shaped. Bed bug eggs, on the other hand, are off-white in colour, no bigger than the eye of a needle and found in clusters. Bed bug droppings are black. If the bed is in use, you may also have bites (usually around the legs) which can leave small blood stains on your sheets. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to act!

Common methods to eliminate bed bugs 

There are a few different ways to get rid of bed bugs:

• have a big clean: i.e. vacuum clean, steam clean, disinfect, freeze sheets and put on a bed bug mattress cover;

• use natural products: e.g. diatomaceous earth, essential oils;

• apply chemicals: e.g. bed bug traps, insecticides, treatments;

• professional treatment: heat or freezing treatments.

As bed bugs are so small, it's important to start by cleaning your home from top to bottom to get rid of as many as possible.

• Vacuum every nook and cranny including under the bed, along the skirting boards and inside your cupboards and chests of drawers. Vacuum your mattress and wash all your bed sheets at 60°C.

• Steam clean: the heat of the steam works to kill bed bugs instantly. It's a good idea to steam clean everywhere you can including your mattress and any furniture surfaces.

• Use a disinfectant: after cleaning, apply a disinfectant to the floor and all your furniture. The smell should prevent bed bugs from coming back.

• Freezing: bed bugs do not like cold temperatures so freezing sheets, cushions or another other linen over night should help to eliminate any remaining bugs.

• Invest in a bed bug mattress cover: a mattress cover specially designed to repel bed bugs should help to keep them at bay.

In addition to a big spring clean, you can use a few natural and safe products to eliminate bed bugs.

Diatomaceous earth

A very effective natural pesticide, diatomaceous earth can be used to deter a wide range of insects. This product comes as a powder and is safe to use around pets.

Application

1. Sprinkle the diatomaceous earth around any areas where bed bugs have been found (i.e. your bed and sheets) and leave the product to work.

2. Vacuum away any product then wash your bed sheets in the machine.

Essential oils

Essential oils are also known to be very effective at combatting bed bugs. Some can be applied in diluted form to the skin to prevent bites. Here are four common ways to use essential oils:

1. Apply diluted oils to skin: tea tree oil, lemon eucalyptus and lavender can be mixed with vegetable oil and massaged into the skin to prevent bites.

2. Sprinkle a few drops of clove oil into your vacuum cleaner bag or dust collector to kill off any stubborn bed bugs and to prevent the eggs from hatching in the vacuum cleaner.

3. In the washing machine: before washing your sheets, mix a few drops of lemon eucalyptus or lavender in with your washing product. In addition to leaving behind a fresh and pleasant smell, these essential oils will also help to kill off bed bugs.

4. Spray diluted oils onto your bed sheets: use a spray gun to mix some lemon eucalyptus, lavender or clove oil with a bit of vinegar to keep the bugs at bay.

If you aren't able to tackle bed bugs using natural solutions, you can either use a specialist product or call on the help of a professional.