Bed bugs breed quickly, leave itchy bite marks all over your body, and can be quite hard to kill. You have to take action asap to ensure they do not get the chance to breed and increase in number. 

In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll show you how to spot the signs of bed bugs, treat the bites, and get rid of them properly using safe, effective DIY methods.

Signs of Bed Bugs in Your Home

The most obvious sign is finding these creepy crawlies alive and well – crawling throughout your home. Other signs include reddish-brown marks on your bedding, bed bug shells, and red swelling on your skin. 

• Reddish-brown marks on your bedding
• Bed Bug Shells
• Red Swelling

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

They are about 4-5 mm, round in shape, and have a dark brown shell with light brown, creepy-looking legs. Their babies or eggs are about 1 mm long and are white in appearance. 

Where Are Bed Bugs Found? 

You can find the adults in mattress seams, headboards and any other place close to your bed. The eggs are usually found in hidden-away cracks and crevices. They give off a strong, musty odour.  

Other Places Where Bed Bugs Are Found

Even though they are called bed bugs, you can find them in many places in your home. They can hide in your upholstered furniture, clothing, and curtains. They may also be in backpacks and luggage that are near your bed. 

Are Bedbugs Dangerous? 

Not by a long shot. 

However, they are quite annoying and can bring plenty of discomfort and shame to their hosts. If you happen to be allergic, they can cause hives to break out and make you extra itchy. 

Imagine going to bed knowing you have an entire infestation of bedbugs joining you! Yikes!

How to Treat Bed Bug Bites?

Bed bug bites can be quite itchy, cause swelling and bring about quite a bit of embarrassment when interacting with others. There are quite a few methods you can use to treat them and reduce discomfort. All that’s needed is to clean the area, avoid scratching to prevent possible infection, and apply an antihistamine (if you want) to reduce itchiness and swelling. 

• 1. Clean the Affected Area
• 2. Apply an Antihistamine if needed
• 3. Avoid Scratching

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs At Home

Here are simple, effective DIY methods to destroy bed bugs in your home. It basically involves washing them thoroughly at high temperatures to kill these nasty and irritating pests. Follow each step carefully to make sure you don’t miss a single bug or egg hiding in the corners of your home.

Wash, Heat and Dry 

Wash all infested bedding and clothing in hot water (at least 60°C or 140°F) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. This combination of heat and water is one of the most effective ways to kill both adult bed bugs and their eggs.

Vacuuming 

Make sure that you take your time and go through mattresses, bed frames, baseboards, furniture seams, and carpet edges carefully. Also, a very important step is to seal and get rid of the vacuum bag to avoid any possible reinfestation. 

Apply Heat and Steam 

Make sure that you use a steam cleaner with a high heat setting (54°C at least) and apply slowly to mattresses, furniture, carpets and other infested areas. Take your time with this one, as you want the steam to enter all areas for maximum effect. 

Hang Em Out To Dry! 

The final step is to place them in black plastic bags and leave them in a sunny area for a few hours. Once this is complete, it is safe to use your bedding and soft furnishings again. 

Professional Bed Bug Exterminators 

If the bed bug infestation is severe, or you don’t have the time or equipment to deal with these bugs efficiently, then professional pest control is your best option. 

Professionals know what they’re doing—they’ve got the tools, skills, and experience to get rid of roaches fast and properly, saving you time, hassle, and money in the long run. 

Why Northern Pest Solutions? 

Since 1992, Northern Pest Solutions has been helping homes and businesses in Sunderland stay pest-free. We’ll get rid of any pest infestation from your home or place of work—and make sure they stay gone. 

Here are more reasons you should trust us to eliminate your bed bug problem. 

• Quick and Effective Bed Bug Extermination
• Powerful, Professional Equipment 
• Unmarked Vans for Discreet Service 
• Latest, Industry Standard Best Practices 

Thorough Extermination

As experienced professionals, we make sure to cover every area of infestation, including the smallest cracks and crevices that you might overlook. Having professionals handle your pest problem ensures that the pests are removed. We also take steps to stop them from coming back. 

Professional Equipment and Training

We have access to powerful pest control equipment, best practices, and expertise to destroy bed bugs quickly and efficiently. This means faster results, fewer repeat visits, and long-term protection for your home or business.

Fully Accredited Bed Bug Exterminators

We are fully qualified and accredited with major pest control bodies, including CRRU, Prompt, and the NPTA. Get the peace of mind knowing you’re working with proven professionals with access to the latest, industry-standard best practices.

pest control accreditation

Northern Pest Solutions is fully accredited to perform all work related to pest eradication within residential and commercial properties.