Bedbugs are tiny pests that infest homes worldwide. Reports of bedbug infestations declined in incidence through the mid 20th century, but have since reemerged with many worldwide reports. These insects are commonly transported through luggage, clothing, bedding, and furniture, which causes distribution of the pests. Bedbugs are active during the night, and bite human beings in their sleep, as they survive solely on the blood of their hosts. A bedbug bite may not be felt for several minutes or hours, and may cause an allergic skin reaction to the injected agents. They typically bite every five to ten days, and although their damage is minor, a bedbug infestation can be irritating.

 There are several ways to eliminate a bedbug infestation, including sanitation, chemicals applied to certain targets, and preventive measures. The first step in eliminating an infestation is to check for the infestation. Some common signs include small bites on the arms, neck and shoulders, in addition to spots of blood on the mattress or pillow. The mattress should be checked for a nest, which should be easy to find, as they are larger than fleas. If the bedbugs are brown or black, then they have been feeding on blood.

Bedbug nests may also be found in headboards, or holes in the wall. The bedrooms should be carefully examined for bedbugs, because bedbugs have the ability to live several feet from their feeding site. If an infestation is found, the bed linens and pillows should be washed immediately. Any clutter should be removed in the bedroom and around the bed, because bedbugs may find hiding places in clothing left around the house. The area of infestation should be vacuumed thoroughly, a steam cleaner is also recommended for bedbug elimination.

 Vacuuming will get rid bugs and their eggs from mattresses, carpet, walls, and other surfaces. After vacuuming, dispose of the vacuum’s contents in a sealed trash bag. If garments are not salvageable, it may be best to discard these items, because bedding and other garments cannot be treated with insecticides. Items that are too small to be laundered can sometimes be de-infested using heat. For example, items can be wrapped in plastic and placed in a hot location for at least a few days. Freezing may also work, but items must be frozen for at least two weeks.

It is also important to repair cracks in plaster glue down loosened wallpaper to eliminate bedbug harborage sites. Diatomaceous earth and silica aerogel can also be applied to crevices where bedbugs have been found. Insecticides may also be effective in ridding a home of bedbugs; they are effective for live bugs but may not kill unhatched bugs. Residual insecticides can be applied as spot treatments to cracks, crevices, voids, and other places where bedbugs may be hiding. Using dust formulations may be best for treating voids and attics. Rooms should be well ventilated when insecticide is applied, because insecticides use potent chemicals.  

Insecticide applications should be repeated if bedbugs are present two weeks after the initial treatment, because it may be difficult to find all of the hidden eggs that may have hatched after treatment. If all else fails, it may be best to call a professional exterminator. Professionals know where to look for bedbugs, and have many management tools for bedbug disposal. In some cases, the infested beds must be discarded, and professionals can help discard the item properly. The bite of a bedbug can lead to infection, so it is necessary to get rid of the bugs as soon as they are discovered, and some people may experience worse reactions than others.  

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