Let’s face it we have all become a little paranoid about bed bugs. I moved a girlfriend into her new fancy address apartment and in the dumpster I noticed several mattresses and frames. I went over to give them a look over, they didn’t look that old and I was shooed away by some gentleman so I can’t confirm, but …….
Not everyone reacts to the bites. We often hear people saying that only one partner gets bitten. That is likely not true. Both people in a bed are likely getting bitten but only one person is sensitive to the bites. It seems that a high percentage (maybe even up to 70%) do not react to bed bug bites. No wonder these sneaky little guys are invading with a vengeance.
If you are worried but not sure if you have bed bugs there are a few things you can try. The easiest is to make sure that you always have solid, light coloured sheets on your bed. Change them every 4-7 days and give them a very close inspection when changing. You are looking for black smears (fecal matter), little blood droplets and the bugs themselves. Also, flip your mattress once a month and inspect the boxspring for evidence as well.
Empty cat food or tuna tins dusted with baby powder, cornstarch or Vaseline placed under the legs of your bed and couch will trap any bugs. You will need to inspect the bugs, this trap won’t discriminate you may find spiders and other creepy crawlies. Double sided tape is a good tool but it will need to be a high stick quality to trap bed bugs. You can stick it on the box frame, head board or wall near the head of the bed.
After using your dryer, which, if you are in the least bit worried about bed bugs you should make sure to use at high heat for at least 45 minutes with every load. Check the lint trap closely for bed bug carcasses. The same trick can be used with your vacuum or dust buster. I would only rip open a sealed vacuum bag if you are really worried. My vacuum doesn’t use a bag, so I check regularly when I dump it.
Good luck and here’s to not finding anything. This is one hunting trip you want to come back from empty handed!
