At the moment, many articles are being published warning of the proliferation of bedbugs.
Why is this happening? How can you prevent their arrival in your home? And what can you do when bedbugs are there?
Why are bed bugs proliferating?
First of all, it seems that the presence of bed bugs is growing because of travel, which has multiplied in recent months. When you come back from a trip, you can bring bedbugs home in your suitcase or clothes.
It also seems that the sharp rise in second-hand clothing and mattress resales can encourage the proliferation of bed bugs.
Last but not least, the summer season and its high temperatures, coupled with heavy rainfall in July in northern France, have favored the proliferation of bed bugs.
What advice do you have to avoid bed bugs in your home?
- Don't put your suitcases on your bed or in your bedroom when you return from a trip.
- Put your nightwear in the freezer for 3 consecutive days, in a plastic bag, to kill any bedbugs and their eggs.
- Regularly vacuum floors, gaps in floorboards, baseboards and around electrical outlets.
- Priority should be given to regular vacuuming of bed bases and mattress covers. On a slatted base, vacuum the plastic housings in which the slats fit.
- Always place your mattress on a box springnever on the floor.
- Choose a mattress with a removable cover, so you can put the cover in a freezer for 3 days if necessary cover (ticking) of your mattress
- If you buy second-hand clothes or shoes, always put them in the freezer for 3 days.
- Choose mattresses and comforters made from breathable, natural materialsto avoid perspiration and humidity as much as possible. Synthetic foams often encourage perspiration.
- Put double-sided tape on the legs of your box spring, and be sure to replace it every 2/3 months
What to do if bed bugs appear?
- Put all your nightwear and bed linen in the freezer for 3 consecutive days, in a plastic bag, to kill any bedbugs or eggs
- Locate places in your bedroom where bed bugs congregate during the day (baseboards, cracks in the floor, near electrical outlets).
- Vacuum floors, box springs and mattress covers
- If your mattress has a removable cover, put it in a chest freezer for 3 days if necessary
- Use diatomaceous earth (available from biocoop, for example) to sprinkle around the box spring legs and on the box spring.
- Put double-sided tape on the legs of your box spring and diatomaceous earth on the floor, around the foot of the box spring.
- Use a steam cleaner on the box spring and mattress, if the latter is not removable at over 60°C.
Leave a comment