Know The Problem So You Can Take Control of the Solution The problem of how to get rid of bed bugs has become so widespread in 21st-century America that The Journal of the American Medical Association published a report in 2009 which said that "transmission of more than 40 human diseases has been attributed to bed bugs" although actual evidence of transmissions is not clear.
Even if bed bugs don't spread hepatitis or AIDS, they can evoke feelings of shame and disgust.
Bed bugs are small wingless insects that feed solely upon the blood of warm-blooded animals, including your children sleeping peacefully and totally unaware of what is happening in their room.
The New York Times reports that infestations have been on the rise in homes, apartments, hotel rooms, hospitals and dormitories in the United States.
The New York Times also says that "international travel, immigration, changes in pest control practices, and insecticide resistance" have ganged up to create "a resurgence in developed countries," including the United States.
Reported infestations in San Francisco doubled in one year.
There's no way to know how many infestations never get reported.
Here Are 4 Things You Can Do Now 1.
Thoroughly clean all the bed bug infested rooms by scrubbing infested surfaces with a stiff brush.
Vacuum every crack and crevice.
Remove the mattresses and dismantle the bed frames for cleaning.
Remove and empty all drawers.
Turn all furniture over for inspection and cleaning.
2.
Cover all mattresses and box springs with special mattress bags.
3.
Pull the headboard and bed frame away from the wall.
Keep blankets and covers off the floor.
Set the legs of the bed frame into cups or dishes of mineral oil.
4.
Caulk and seal all holes where pipes or wires go through walls and floors.
Fill all the cracks around the baseboards and molding.
You may need professional help.
Do not apply pesticides unless you fully understand what you are applying and the risks involved.
Licensed bed bug exterminators are qualified to do that.