Bed bugs can be a nightmare for parents, especially when it comes to protecting our kids and their bedrooms. As a parent myself, I know how distressing it can be to discover these pesky insects have invaded your child’s personal space. The good news is there are steps you can take to get rid of bed bugs from your kids’ rooms and prevent re-infestation.
Inspecting for Signs of Bed Bugs
The first step is to thoroughly inspect your child’s bedroom for signs of bed bugs. These small, flat, oval-shaped bugs are reddish-brown in color. Some key things I look for include:
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Live or dead bed bugs – Check the folds and seams of the mattress, box spring, bed frame, headboard, and any crack or crevice near the bed.
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Dark stains from bed bug droppings – Look along mattress seams and edges.
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Shedded bed bug skins – These translucent, light brown skins are left behind as bugs molt and grow.
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Rusty red stains from bed bug blood stools on sheets, mattresses, or furniture.
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An offensive, sweet, musty odor from bed bug scent glands.
Thoroughly examining bedding, mattresses, furniture, baseboards, carpet edges, toys, electronics, and clutter near the bed can help locate signs of an infestation. Early detection is key to effective treatment.
Treating Bed Bugs in Kids Bedrooms
If I find evidence of bed bugs in my child’s room, I use a combination of professional heat treatments and thorough cleaning to eliminate them. Here are the steps I take:
Hire a Pest Control Professional
Heat treatments by reputable extermination companies are the most effective way to kill all stages of bed bugs. High temperatures penetrate sofa cushions, mattresses, furniture, and clutter to destroy the bugs and eggs. I discuss options like:
- Whole room heat treatments
- Localized heat equipment for furniture and electronics
- Canine inspections to find all infestations
- Chemical sprays or powders combined with heating
Having professionals handle bed bug removal ensures the infestation is eradicated.
Wash and Dry All Fabrics on Hot
After heat treatments, I wash my kids’ bedding, clothes, backpacks, plush toys, and other machine-washable items on the hottest setting. Then I transfer them straight to the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes. High temperatures further eliminate lingering bugs or eggs hiding in fabrics.
Vigorously Clean the Bedroom
Next I scrub down my kids’ bedrooms using a stiff brush to dislodge bed bugs from cracks and crevices. I pay close attention to:
- Bed frames, headboards, mattresses
- Nightstands and furniture
- Baseboards, moldings, window sills
- Flooring and carpets
- Closets and shelves
Thorough vacuuming helps remove bed bugs and eggs during and after cleaning the space.
Preventing Bed Bugs from Returning
To help keep my kids’ rooms bed bug free after eliminating an infestation, I implement these preventative measures:
- Seal cracks and crevices where bugs can hide using caulk and sealants
- Cover mattresses and box springs with encasements to trap bugs
- Install bed bug interceptor traps under furniture legs
- Keep rooms decluttered and vacuum and steam clean regularly
- Inspect after vacations or sleepovers at other locations
- Limit secondhand furniture and monitor after bringing items home
Staying vigilant and keeping rooms clean and uncluttered makes it harder for bed bugs to thrive. Catching re-infestations right away aids in control.
Eliminating bed bugs from kids bedrooms takes work, but is well worth it for your family’s health and peace of mind. Staying inspecting regularly, using thorough heat treatments, washing and cleaning vigorously, and taking preventative steps can help kick bed bugs out of your kids’ rooms for good. With persistence and diligence, you can protect your children’s space from these irritating insects.
