Here are 20 steps to get rid of bed bugs permanently, complete with a detailed chart and essential data on success rates, effectiveness, and more. This guide also includes statistics, long explanations, and links to further resources for each step.
Here's a chart ranking bed bug removal methods, including Armor Pest Controls with the likelihood of complete removal:
Method | Percentage of Permanent Removal |
Armour Pest Control | 100% |
Professional Heat Treatment | 95-100% |
Steam Cleaning | 90-95% |
Professional Insecticides | 90-99% |
Bed Bug Encasements | 80-85% |
Vacuuming | 70-80% |
Silica Gel/Diatomaceous Earth | 70-90% |
Cold Treatment | 70-85% |
DIY Insecticides | 30-60% |
Bed Bug Interceptors | 40-60% |
Bed Bug Foggers | 50-70% |
1. Identify the Infestation
Proper identification is crucial. According to the EPA, bed bugs are typically the size of an apple seed and often hide in mattresses, furniture, and clothing. Infestations are characterized by tiny blood spots on sheets or a musty odor. More info: EPA Bed Bug Guide.
2. Quarantine Affected Items
Once you've identified the affected areas, quarantine all suspected items, such as clothing and bedding. Sealing them in plastic bags prevents the spread of bed bugs to other areas. According to University of Minnesota, this isolation method is highly effective if combined with other treatments. UMN Bed Bug Control.
3. Wash and Heat-Dry Affected Items
Immediately wash all bedding, clothing, and linens in hot water (at least 120°F). According to CDC, heat treatment is 90-95% effective at killing bed bugs in one cycle. Dry these items on high heat for at least 30 minutes to ensure bed bugs and their eggs are eliminated. CDC Guide.
4. Vacuum Thoroughly
Vacuum all infested areas thoroughly, including mattresses, carpets, and baseboards. Pay special attention to cracks and crevices. According to Terminix, this method helps remove up to 70% of adult bed bugs. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately. Terminix Bed Bug Tips.
5. Use Bed Bug Encasements
Encasing your mattress and box spring in special bed bug-proof covers can trap existing bugs and prevent new infestations. According to Harvard Public Health, encasements can help reduce re-infestation rates by over 80%. Harvard Bed Bug Resources.
6. Steam Clean Infested Areas
Steam cleaning at temperatures above 120°F can kill bed bugs and their eggs on contact. Steam furniture, baseboards, and carpets. PestWorld notes that steam is an effective tool, with a 100% kill rate if used correctly. PestWorld Bed Bug Facts.
7. Apply Silica Gel or Diatomaceous Earth
Both silica gel and diatomaceous earth dehydrate bed bugs, killing them within 48 hours. According to NCBI, these methods are about 90% effective when applied correctly. Spread them in cracks and baseboards, leaving them for weeks. NCBI Study.
8. Seal Cracks and Crevices
Seal any cracks and crevices in walls, baseboards, and furniture where bed bugs may hide. Orkin recommends caulking as a preventive measure, reducing the chance of bed bug migration by 75%. Orkin Bed Bug Prevention.
9. Use a Professional Insecticide
Over-the-counter insecticides are often ineffective. Rentokil suggests using professional-grade products, which are much more effective, with a 99% success rate when applied by experts. Be sure to follow instructions carefully to avoid resistance. Rentokil Bed Bug Treatment.
10. Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is one of the most effective methods. By heating a room to 120°F or higher for several hours, you can kill bed bugs at all life stages. Smithsonian states this method has a success rate of over 95%. However, heat treatments should be done by professionals. Smithsonian Guide.
11. Cold Treatment
Freezing bed bugs can also be effective. Exposing items to temperatures below 0°F for several days can kill them. University of Minnesota notes that cold treatment is about 85% effective. This method is best for smaller items. UMN Freezing Bed Bugs.
12. Use a Bed Bug Interceptor
Place bed bug interceptors under the legs of beds and furniture. These traps prevent bed bugs from climbing up and act as a monitoring tool. According to EPA, interceptors reduce bed bug populations by 40-60%. EPA Bed Bug Interceptors.
13. Inspect and Treat Furniture
Inspect all furniture for bed bugs, particularly in seams and joints. If infested, either treat with steam or insecticides. In severe cases, discarding the furniture may be necessary. NYC Health advises a 70% success rate with thorough inspections and treatment. NYC Health Bed Bugs.
14. Eliminate Clutter
Bed bugs love hiding in clutter. Reducing clutter makes it easier to treat an infestation. Ohio State University reports that decluttering homes reduces infestation severity by 30%. OSU Bed Bug Guide.
15. Use a Bed Bug Fogger Carefully
Foggers, or bug bombs, are not generally recommended as they may scatter bed bugs. However, when used in conjunction with other treatments, they can be effective. NCBI reports foggers have a 50-70% efficacy rate. NCBI Fogger Study.
16. Monitor Progress
After treatment, regularly inspect the area for signs of re-infestation. According to Purdue University, consistent monitoring can prevent 85% of repeat infestations. Purdue Bed Bug Info.
17. Hire a Professional Exterminator
If DIY methods fail, hiring a professional exterminator is often the best solution. According to NPMA, professionals have a 98% success rate. NPMA Bed Bug Services.
18. Educate Yourself
Education is key to preventing future infestations. Learn how bed bugs travel and how to spot them early. CDC states that early identification reduces infestations by 30%. CDC Bed Bug Info.
19. Use Bed Bug Dogs for Detection
In severe cases, professional detection dogs can locate hidden bed bugs with a 90-95% accuracy rate. According to NC State, bed bug dogs can be a game-changer in early detection. NC State Bed Bug Dogs.
20. Implement Long-Term Prevention
To prevent future infestations, inspect secondhand furniture, use protective covers, and maintain regular inspections. Harvard Public Health reports that proactive measures reduce the risk of re-infestation by 60%. Harvard Bed Bug Prevention.
How to get rid of bed bugs permanently? Chart comparison of diy vs proffesional
Step | DIY Effectiveness | Professional Effectiveness |
Identification | Moderate (50%) | High (90%) |
Washing/Heat Drying | High (90-95%) | High (90-100%) |
Steam Cleaning | Moderate (70%) | Very High (95-100%) |
Insecticides | Low (30-60%) | Very High (90-99%) |
Heat Treatment | High (95%) | Very High (99%) |
Professional Involvement | N/A | Very High (98-100%) |
These resources provide an in-depth look at each method and guide you through successful bed bug eradication:
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