Bed bugs are biting me, what should I do? - briefly
Clean all linens in hot water, vacuum and steam‑treat the mattress and surrounding furniture, then apply a labeled bed‑bug insecticide or hire a licensed exterminator for thorough eradication. Seek medical advice if bites become infected or cause severe reactions.
Bed bugs are biting me, what should I do? - in detail
If you notice red, itchy welts that appear after sleeping, suspect a Cimex infestation and act promptly.
First, confirm the presence of the insects. Look for live bugs about the size of an apple seed, dark‑brown or reddish after feeding, in seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and cracks near the sleeping area. Examine bedding for small dark spots (fecal stains) and shed skins.
Next, isolate the sleeping surface. Strip the bed of all linens, wash them in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Place the mattress and box spring in sealed plastic bags or encasements designed to trap insects; leave them on for a minimum of 14 days to ensure any hidden bugs die.
Conduct a thorough decontamination of the room. Vacuum carpets, floors, and upholstered furniture, paying special attention to seams and crevices; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and dispose of it outdoors. Steam‑clean surfaces that can tolerate high temperatures; steam at 100 °C for several seconds kills all life stages.
Apply a targeted insecticide if necessary. Use products registered for bed‑bug control, following label directions precisely. Treat cracks, baseboards, and furniture joints with a residual spray, then retreat after 7–10 days to address any newly hatched nymphs.
Consider professional pest‑management services for severe infestations. Certified technicians have access to advanced tools such as heat‑treatment chambers and desiccant dusts, which can eradicate hidden populations more reliably than DIY measures alone.
Finally, prevent re‑infestation. Keep clutter to a minimum, seal any gaps in walls or flooring, and inspect second‑hand furniture before bringing it indoors. Use protective encasements on all sleeping furniture and monitor for signs of activity with sticky traps placed near potential harborages.
By confirming the problem, removing and destroying infested materials, treating the environment, and maintaining vigilant hygiene, you can eliminate the pests and reduce the risk of further bites.