Home » Blog » How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Carpet?
Bed bugs infesting carpets are a genuine concern for any homeowner and require a thorough multi-step treatment plan to eradicate them. These tiny reddish-brown insects can quickly bury themselves in your carpet, which makes it challenging to get them out; they can go without eating for up to a year. Bed bug bites often result in itchy, red, and swollen welts or bumps, thus leading to secondary infections due to scratching or, worse, can cause allergic reactions, like breathing difficulty, blisters, fever, swollen tongue, etc. It is a nightmarish scenario for anyone with or without a phobia of these creepy, uninvited guests. This article will detail how to find, treat, and prevent bed bugs from infesting carpets.
If you want to remedy a bed bug infestation practically, you must first learn how to identify if you have one. The first sign is to spot if your carpet has minute, rust-colored poop stains. While live bed bugs are about four to seven millimeters long, their eggs are even smaller pearly-white ovals, about one millimeter long. Infested carpets often have empty exoskeletons that these insects shed and render carpets a slightly musty odor. Use a magnifying glass and a bright torch to detect these insects, which are usually found at the edges, seams, or under your carpet.
Your first defense against bed bugs is to vacuum your home thoroughly. A cleaner with strong suction and a HEPA filter will prevent these bugs from spreading throughout your home. Vacuum everything from carpets to wall-floor edges, baseboards, around bed frames, and under furniture. Take your time and carry out multiple passes to ensure you get as many as possible. Use vacuum attachments to reach deep into carpet edges and seams; leave no carpet fiber unturned, so to speak. Once done, seal your vacuum bags to prevent any of your newfound prisoners from escaping. If you’re using a bagless vacuum, empty the contents of your device into a container with hot, soapy water. Follow this approach every few days to catch any that may have slipped your grasp the first few times.
Applying intense heat is your next best ally, as steam can reach temperatures of about 130 degrees Fahrenheit, which is sufficient to kill these pesky invaders. Take your time using a steamer to ensure you hit every spot on your carpet, and allow the steam to penetrate the deepest parts of your rug. Do not over-saturate your carpet, as this can cause damage and create the perfect environment for mold growth. Thoroughly dry your carpet before use. If you don’t have a steam cleaner, you can rent one or employ a professional who offers carpet cleaning in Tampa or other areas for the ideal solutions.
Diatomaceous earth, also known as diatomite, celite, or kieselguhr, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that pierces through bed bugs’ protective shells and causes them to dehydrate and die. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth using a duster or sifter and focus on areas like the edges of your carpet, baseboards, and spots where your furniture touches the floor. Brush the powder into your carpet and let it sit for three to seven days for maximum effectiveness. Once you’ve done this, use a vacuum cleaner to remove these particles and any dead bed bugs from your carpet.
Leverage EPA-registered chemical treatment products for the best approach to eliminating stubborn bed bug infestations. These products contain active ingredients like pyrethroids, pyrethrins, desiccants, or neonicotinoids that zap bed bugs upon contact. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying these chemicals to every nook and cranny of your carpet area, and always test a small portion of your carpet before applying it to the entire rug. Most insecticides don’t work on eggs, so you must use a second dose 10-14 days after the first to kill any newly hatched bugs. If you’re unsure how to use these chemicals safely, always seek help from a professional who offers carpet cleaning in Sarasota or other surrounding areas for the best results.
The next and final step to keeping your space free of bed bugs is to wash nearby fabric items, like bedding, curtains, couch covers, etc., in hot water and air dry them for about 30 minutes or more. These insects can easily hop onto these fabrics and restart the infestation process. When cleaning baseboards, use a stiff brush to remove leftover eggs and wipe with isopropyl alcohol. If you can access bug-proof covers for mattresses, use them to trap these pests and prevent them from spreading. Seal any cracks in your floorboards, baseboards, and moldings to close potential entry points and remove clutter around carpeted areas to eliminate hiding spots. Check and clean all areas every two months after your first treatment.
A bed bug infestation might not end your world, but it can make you feel like you want that outcome when infestations get out of hand. To successfully remove any traces of these pests, you must use a multi-pronged approach to curb their spread. While these steps are practical in stopping further spread, they do not offer conclusive results when done alone. If you need assistance and sound advice on eliminating bed bugs from your carpets and home, consult a reliable carpet specialist like Royal Oriental Rugs for the best outcomes. You and your loved ones deserve the peace and sanctity of a bed-bug-free home; let us help you achieve that.
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