There are many things you can do to control bedbug infestation. These simple tips and actions can do a lot to controlling bedbugs. If you do discover signs of infestation here are some things you can try without calling in pest control. One of the main things in controlling bedbug infestation is to be alert and look for evidence of bedbugs. Bedbugs seek out warm and darkly lit nooks and crevices.

Often times before going into an apartment or room you should inspect behind folds in cushions, box springs, pipes, headboards and mattresses. Bedbugs are also attracted to carbon dioxide and blood. Bedbugs often leave excrement and that is easy to spot as dark, small and greasy stains. Make sure to look under mattresses or in piping if it is exposed. They can also be found in folds of cushions and material. 

Another precaution that you can take is to thoroughly inspect any fabrics, pillows, or couches that you purchase or take home. Inspect these before introducing them in to any room of your house or apartment. Adult bedbugs can be seen by the naked eye and are not microscopic. Something else that is a great tool in preventing bedbug sores is an online bedbug tracker called bedbugregistry.com. This is a website that keeps track of motels and apartments that have histories of bedbug infestation. The best way of controlling bedbugs is to not deal with them at all.

If you do find evidence of sores or infestation then there are a couple of things you can do to stop them without calling pest control. One thing is to clean the clutter in the room with the infestation. Clear away things like seat cushions and extraneous materials that may harbor the insects. Clean and thoroughly wash all bed covering. It is important to note that washing the infected materials is not enough. Using high temperature drying is the factor in eradicating these pests. Please make sure to utilize temperatures above 113 degrees Fahrenheit for at least one hour. That should be enough time to kill bedbugs. Another technique in controlling bedbugs is to cover the infected mattress or couch with light colored encasements.

The light colored shade of the fabric will help you easily identify evidence from them like their excrement or eggs. The encasements will help isolate the infestation from spreading to other parts of the house. Unfortunately, bedbugs can live up to several months without feeding so finding them can be hard. If you still have problems eliminating the infestation or it becomes recurring then it may be time to contact a professional. Be sure the professional uses only EPA approved pesticides. The best attack should be to continue to use the approaches listed above as well as the pesticides. Any approach should be comprehensive since some bedbugs have developed a resistance to certain chemicals. 

In conclusion, bedbugs are a source of concern. Using commonsense approaches that emphasize prevention and discovery prior to infestation are your best weapons in bedbug control.

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