Bed bugs
About bed bugs
Bed bugs are small, brownish pests that feed on the blood of animals, including people. Bed bugs aren’t dangerous and they don’t transmit disease to humans, but they can leave an ugly, itchy bite.
Don’t be embarrassed if your home has fallen victim to bed bugs; infestations can happen in pristine surroundings where every room is perfectly clean. Unfortunately, bed bugs are difficult to get rid of because they like to hang out in areas where people rest for long periods of time, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture.
How to get rid of bed bugs
Ensure pesticides are marked for use against bed bugs. Use only products marked safe for indoor areas and never use chemicals on mattress or beddings unless the label indicates it’s safe to do so.
Bed bugs are resistant to many chemicals, but currently, the following products are widely recommended:
- Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are botanical products derived from chrysanthemums.
- Insecticidal dusts are effective when applied to cracks and other hard-to-reach areas.
- Aerosol insecticides kill bedbugs on contact.
- Dessicants are products such as silica dust and diatomaceous earth that break down the pest’s waxy outer coating.
- Pheromone-based traps are effective when used to complement other means of control.
