Bed bugs brought home from sleep over by: Anonymous
My son and daughter had a sleep-over at a friends house 4 days ago. I knew she had been dealing with a bed-bug problem and had called out professionals to deal with the problem.
Today my son woke up with several bites (they were in a line all along his collar bone) I immediately took his box spring and mattress out side where it has been all day in temperatures of nearly 90 degrees after a thorough examination I found 1 bed bug at least I think that's what it was, but no other visual signs, I have purchased a bomb and some spray which I am about to use shortly and I am going to wrap the mattress in clear plastic I have only seen 3 bed-bugs, but my son has an awful lot of bites. I was told that I will have to throw all his books away is this true?
Editor Tips and Comment
Thanks for your comment.
Regarding your treatment approach, it will not help. Bed bug bombs are ineffective at treating a bed bug infestation. They only cause the bed bugs to scatter more and hide in walls and cracks around the room floor.
Regarding the mattress, 90 degree weather will not kill bed bugs. A mattress would need to heat to at least 120F to kill all bed bugs and bed bug eggs. You are better off 1) treating the mattress by first vacuuming all seams and then 2) use a mattress safe bed bug spray such as Sterifab. Spray lightly along all seams and under the label. Treat the box spring as well. After the spray dries, then purchase and use zippered mattress and box spring covers. You can buy them from WalMart online to save money.
You also need to treat the bed frame, cracks in furniture, along the walls etc. Vacuum first and then treat with either the Sterifab or buy another spray that is made specifically for this purpose - I recommend Phantom.
Also, be sure to wash in hot water followed by 20 minutes in the dryer all blankets, sheets etc. Only carry to the washing machine in a plastic bag.
In terms of the books, you can either inspect them for bed bugs and eggs (see site under pictures), or better yet. go over them with a hair dryer, set on low air, high heat setting for about 30 seconds in each area, particularly around the spine. This should kill all bed bugs and eggs.
You have to aggressive with bed bugs before they spread. Follow the step by step treatment plan. Better yet, call in a professional with experience fighting bed bugs. I'd call a national chain such as Terminix (call 877-291-4849) since they offer a free onsite inspection (so you'll know the extent of the problem. You can also get four free quotes from Service Magic (call 877-233-1145).
