What to Do About Bed Bugs at Home?

By Home & Garden Last updated Sunday, May/26/2024

Pest Management Plan

Bed bugs have become resistant to some pesticides that have traditionally been used against them, which is why a pesticide-only eradication program is unlikely to work. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend developing an integrated pest management plan to get rid of the bed bugs efficiently and economically. Reducing pesticides also keeps the environment healthier for humans and other living things. An integrated pest management plan consists of reducing access and hiding places for bed bugs, maintaining thorough routine cleaning procedures and using pesticides.

The bed bugs came from somewhere. You may have brought them home from a hotel, or they could have entered your home through cracks and crevices you haven't even noticed. Find and seal cracks and crevices in your foundation and around windows, doors and plumbing. Use a sealant recommended for the material you are patching -- caulking for window and door frames and around plumbing, and epoxy resin or hydraulic cement for concrete foundations.

Thorough cleaning can go a long way toward getting bed bugs under control. Clean up the clutter around your house and in your closets to reduce the number of places where bed bugs can hide. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, floors, curtains, closets and mattresses. Repeat frequently. Wash bedding -- sheets, comforters, blankets, pillows and pillowcases, shams, bed skirts, mattress pads -- in hot water and detergent. Wash any clothing that has come in contact with the bed or been left on the floor, such as pajamas, nightgowns and robes.

Now is the time to bring out the pesticide sprays and bombs. Use only pesticides that have ingredients that the EPA lists as effective against bed bugs, such as: 2-Phenethyl propionate, Bioallethrin, Cyphenothrin, Deltamethrin, Diatomaceous Earth (Silicon Dioxide), Dichlorvos, Esfenvalerate, MGK-264, Permethrin, Phenothrin, Piperonyl butoxide, Propoxur, Pyriproxyfen, Resmethrin and Tetramethrin. Remember that pesticides are poisons; read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions. You can also try non-chemical pesticides such as diatomaceous earth.