3. 3. The Power of Anti-Punaise Covers
Have you ever considered turning your mattress into a fortress? Bed bug covers create an impenetrable barrier between these blood-thirsty beasts and your peaceful sleep. By fully enveloping the mattress and the bed base, they prevent bed bugs from settling there and lay eggs. It is an invisible but terribly effective barrier against nocturnal invasions.
My tip: opt for a strong cover, with a strong zipper, and make sure it is well sealed to prevent passage of these undesirables.
4. Nest management: Fight them on their own land
Bed bugs love to nest in our living spaces. Checking and treating corners where they like to hide, such as cracks in the wall, window sills or bed feet, is crucial. But how do you spot a bed bug nest? Watch out for small black spots (their excreta) or their egg shells that are often a sign of their presence.
How to eradicate a bed bug nest?
When I discovered a nest in the corner of my mattress, panic seized me. My first reflex was to worrisomely suck the infected area, then apply a diatom-based treatment and seal the area with adhesive tape to prevent their return. Finally, increased vigilance was needed for a few weeks to ensure that they were not back.
5. Prevention Before Everything: Keep the Distance Buses
Preventing rather than healing, a saying that makes sense here. Avoiding bringing these tiny illegal immigrants home is the key never to have to deal with an infestation. Be vigilant in hotels, public transport and any public place where bugs may have comfortably settled. Keep your belongings in airtight bags while you’re on the move and be careful with the second-hand items.
My advice: insert a leaf dryer infused with lavender essential oil into your suitcase when you travel. Not only will your clothes smell good, but lavender is also a natural repellent against these little beasts.
6. Complete Decontamination: Attack on Depth
No warrior enters battle without a solid plan. The war against bed bugs requires thorough decontamination. This includes not only visible areas, but also discreet and unexpected corners where these little plagues like to hide. How about a great spring cleaning, but special bed bugs?
A methodical attack may look like:
Step 1: Empty the affected room completely, starting with beds and furniture.
Step 2: Wash all textiles at high temperature and, if possible, use the dryer.
Step 3: Draw every inch of the room, focusing on the potential corners and hiding places.
Step 4: Use steam to clean mattresses, sofas and other non-washed surfaces.
Step 5: Apply anti-bed puside therapy (call to a professional if necessary).
7. Your Travel, Your Protection: Don’t Bring Back Undesirable Guests
Another favorite playground for bugs is… your suitcase. When you travel, bed bugs can settle there and so you take them home unknowingly. So let’s protect our memories and let’s leave the bugs where they are.
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