Do you remember that saying, “Don’t let the bed bugs bite?” I remember my mom saying that to me when I was a kid and then saying the same thing to my kids at bedtime. In my wildest dreams, I NEVER thought I would be the one actually getting bit by the bed bugs! If you just want to know how I got rid of bed bugs click here.

My Story….

To this day, I still can’t believe it actually happened to us. I was devastated and completely embarrassed. At first I thought the bites were from fleas. I was so angry because all of our animals were treated for fleas each month, including in the winter.

It did not make any sense, but that is all I could figure out. It was disgusting and all I wanted to do was throw the cats and dog outside. Don’t get me wrong, I really love my animals. They have always been spoiled and they were inside animals; however, I just couldn’t stand being around them thinking they had to be the culprits.


It was not long before I realized my animals were being falsely accused. I started seeing dark spots on our mattresses. This totally freaked me out! What was going on? It was not only me that was being bitten, but my husband and children. I felt so powerless and just didn’t know what to do.

Once I saw the dark spots and realized it was not fleas, I started to do some research. That is when I discovered I had bed bugs. How could this be possible? I assumed people that had bed bugs were poor, lived in dirty homes, or lived in run-down neighborhoods. But, there it was. My family was being hunted by bed bugs regardless of the fact that we lived in a good neighborhood and a nice, clean house. This is not to say my house does not get a little messy here and there, but it is to say that it is clean.

Do you have bed bugs?

Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs can be seen from the naked eye. An adult bed bug is about the size of an apple seed. Therefore, you can see them. Here are 7 ways to help you determine if you have been invaded:

#1 – Check for Bites

This is what you will most likely notice first. However, don’t do what we did and assume they are bites from fleas. Immediately look for the dark spots on your mattresses so you can start the elimination process much sooner.  Read my post on how to get rid of them!

#2 – Check for Dark Spots

Do you see dark spots on your mattress, in the box spring, or in your linens? This totally grossed me out! These dark spots are the waste of bed bugs. They consist of blood, feces, shed skin, eggs, dead bed bugs, etc. Nasty!

#3 – Check for Red Spots

Inspect your bed sheets for blood. This is your blood they are feasting on. Yuck!

#4 – Hunt them before they Hunt you!

They are great at hiding. Make sure to check the mattress seam and the area around the mattress buttons. Use a flashlight to check corners. Check along and behind the headboard. Check where two pieces of wood join. They like to hide here.

#5 – Watch for them at Hunting Time

About an hour before dawn, turn on a flashlight and watch your sheets for movement. This is about the time they like to come out. Don’t get up because they will go back into hiding. The problem is that if you only have a few, they only come out once a week. Therefore, just because you don’t see them does not mean you don’t have them.

#6 – Lay out Double-Sided Carpet Tape

Lay this out in strips around your bed and on the sides of the mattress. Keep it out for a couple of days. Eventually, at least a few will be captured.

#7 – Check Areas around the Bed

Look at nightstands, inside any drawers, alarm clocks, lamps and lampshades, picture frames, and behind hanging pictures. Check the baseboard and electrical sockets, as well as any cracks in the walls. Don’t forget the drapes.

Remember, they are excellent hiders. Trust me on this one. We found them in many different places, but the one that shocked me was finding one behind the frame of my hanging wedding picture. That just made me sick and angry!

We did most of the above. The bites were our first sign; however, we mistook them for fleas. So, I would say the dark spots are what clued us in that something was not right. We tried the double sided tape trick and captured a few. Then we did a thorough search.

Click here to read my post on how I got rid of these pests!

Next Post

I hope these tips help you to determine you DO NOT have bed bugs! Before you start looking, you might want to know what the bed bug looks like and the different types you could come across. My next post will cover this so you know exactly what you are up against!

I’m with you. A bed bug is a bed bug and they are all gross! However, it may be interesting to know if you have one that likes to feast on you or would rather feast on bats (even though they will settle for your blood)! Unfortunately like most people, I was stuck with the ones that liked my blood!

In my last post, we talked about ways to know if you have a bed bug infestation. This time, I am going to tell you about the different types you could encounter, with one being the most likely. I will also tell you the affects they can have on your health.

Types

There are three basic types of bed bugs. These are:

Cimex Lectularius (Common or Household Bed Bug)

This is the most common type of bed bug found in households across the world in a variety of temperatures. They live off of human blood, and if they can’t get to you, they will go after your pets.

They do not eat crumbs found in your bed or on the floor, so a dirty house would make no difference to the bed bug. They come out to eat about an hour before dawn while you are still sleeping soundly.

Cimex Hemipterus (Tropical Bed Bug)

The tropical bed bug is limited to the tropical regions, including Florida. Like the household bed bug, they live in the same environment as their hosts and feed off of the host at night. Host being YOU! They do not like light and will hide in very small crevices in the daytime. They like to hide in wood and paper over stone or plaster.

Leptocimex Boueti (Bat Bugs)

These bed bugs are found in West Africa and South America. They are not as common as the household bed bug. They are known to feast on bats, as well as humans.

Description of the Bed Bug

When I realized I had bed bugs in my bed instead of fleas, I automatically thought that bed bugs could jump. Don’t ask me why, but that is what I thought. Turns out, the bed bug does not jump, nor does it fly. They are small wingless insects that have an amazing ability to climb just about anything.

Newborns and adults can be seen by the naked eye. Newborns, also called hatchlings or nymphs are very tiny. They resemble the size of a poppy seed. Adults can actually grow to a ¼ of an inch long. They are oval in shape and are flat.

Some colors you may see include white, light tan, deep brown, or burnt orange. They will molt (shed) at least five times prior to maturity. Right after molting, they appear to be white. After they eat, you may notice a dark red or black blob within their body.

Are they Dangerous?

This is what I wanted to know right away. Do these nasty bugs carry disease? I was literally scared to death when I found out these disgusting bugs were not only feasting off of my kids’ blood, but they were also leaving a little bit of saliva in them. I immediately came to the computer and did some research. This is what I found out….

It does not hurt when they bite. While feeding, they will inject a small amount of saliva into your skin. After about a week or two, you will become more sensitized to the anesthetic in the saliva and can develop a mild to intense allergic reaction. The result is the “insect bites” you see on your skin, which can take up to nine days before they appear. Most of the time, the bites resemble flea bites or mosquito bites.

At least half of the people bitten by bed bugs do not show any signs making it difficult to identify a bed bug infestation. Some people; however, can become ill and/or nauseous. It is also possible to get skin infections and scars from scratching. The good news is that there is no evidence that they carry disease. This is something I was at least grateful to hear.

Next Post

Now that we know what bed bugs are and how they can affect our health, it is time to figure out how they came to invade your home. In the next post, I will tell you exactly how they found their way to my home and how they possibly got into yours.

How did these nasty bugs get into my house? Was it my fault? Did I somehow bring these things into my home to literally eat off of my kids at night? Did I not clean my house enough or use the right bug sprays before being invaded? These are likely the same types of questions running through your head about now.

In my last post, we talked about the different types and possible health effects of bed bug bites. This time, I will be helping you figure out just how those disgusting bugs made it into your home.

Whose Fault is it?

I’m here to tell you that no matter how these bugs got into your home, it is NOT your fault. Even if you are the one that physically brought one of the blood suckers in, it is still NOT your fault. You did not create the bed bug. You had to have picked it up from somewhere.

So, in my eyes, where you picked it up is the one at fault, if you have to place blame. And yes, it does feel better to place the blame somewhere else. However, when placing the blame, please remember that they were likely in your shoes wondering whose fault it was that caused their establishment to become invaded!

My Story….

Thankfully, for my own peace of mind, it wasn’t me who actually brought them into my home. It turns out my daughter was the one who unknowingly became the transportation for our invaders. A little less than two weeks before we noticed the bites, my daughter went on a trip with her cousins.

They went to a very nice hotel and had a blast while they were there. I guess they were not the only ones having a blast. The bed bugs were also having fun making their way into my daughter’s bags. I still can’t believe it.

Where do Bed Bugs come from?

There are many sources for bed bug infestations. The most common sources include infested furniture in hotels, motels, or other public places. They have even been known to be in movie theatres! They are carried around in the luggage of those who travel or stay in temporary accommodations.

Bed bugs have also been known to create an infestation with the exchange of used furniture or garments between people. Once they find their way into your home, they spread throughout it. They can even infest an entire apartment complex!

In fact, I remember a story just recently where bed bugs invaded a homeless shelter. It was such a sad story because the homeless literally had nowhere to go, and I remember it took longer than they expected to get the bed bugs out. The other local shelters took in who they could but there just wasn’t room for everyone. This story broke my heart.

Basically, bed bugs can come from anywhere where they are infested currently. They are highly skilled stowaways. They will hide in luggage, furniture, clothing, boxes, pillows, and any single place they can hide in to get from one place to the next.

Don’t think you are safe if you are moving into an empty, clean apartment. These sneaky insects can go for months without food, just waiting for you to move in. They could also be getting their “food” from other apartment dwellers while they wait because they can travel between adjoining apartments through pipe and wire holes.

Next Post

Now that you know where they came from, the next obvious question is, “How do I get rid of these blood suckers?” I will target this is my next post, as well as share with you what finally eliminated by bed bug infestation. Learn how to get rid of them chemically, naturally, and organically.

What I did….
I have to admit, I strongly believe in the power of nature. Natural products have been in my home for years now and I truly feel they are effective at keeping my family healthy and safe from the harmful effects of harsh chemicals found in many personal care items and cleaning products.

Therefore, while I will give you some tips that may include chemicals, I would not recommend trying the chemical route first. Of course, hiring an exterminator was something I looked into. While they are very good at what they do and probably worth every penny, I simply could not afford to hire one and was not ready to subject my family to harsh chemicals.

However, if this was the only route to take, I would do it in a heartbeat because obviously bed bugs are not healthy for my family either. Through my research, I was shocked to find that bed bugs are becoming immune to many of the chemicals available on the market today for killing bed bugs. That is a scary realization.

Treatment Options

Before you can treat them, you have to find them. Follow the tips in my first post on how to tell if you have bed bugs. Once you discover their hiding places, you can then begin treatment.

I really found this ebook by Michael Romner invaluable.  You can click here for more information about his great book or continue reading my tips below.

Here are some natural, organic, and chemical methods you can try:

Rubbing Alcohol

It has been said that rubbing alcohol will kill them on the spot. However, this will not take care of an infestation.

Launder Bedding and Garments

This is very important. Gather everything you can and wash them in extremely hot water. The absolute minimum should be 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Bed bugs cannot survive in extreme heat (120 degrees Fahrenheit or higher). Put everything in sealed bags directly after laundering to protect them from being infested again.

Vacuum

Vacuuming is extremely important, as well. It will help to remove bugs and eggs from your mattress, the carpet, the walls, and any other surface. Make sure you vacuum the seams, tufts, and edges of the mattress and box springs, as well as the perimeter edge of walls. Throw away the contents in a sealed trash bag.

Steam/Extreme Heat

Things that cannot be washed must be steamed or heated in some other way. Use a steamer to get into the cracks and crevices of the bed and any surrounding furniture. Steaming your mattress and box spring is another way to kill bed bugs. Steam your carpet to ensure you haven’t missed any when you vacuumed.

The Packtite is something to consider for smaller items, such as books. It is a little bit steep in price; however, if you travel a lot, you might want to consider this as an investment. It works by heating up the items to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in a sealed unit.

Bed Bug Powder

There is a natural/organic powder you can try. According to many reviewers, the Diatomaceuous Earth Food Grade – Nature’s Wisdom works wonders. However, it is important that you purchase the food grade form. Diatomaceous Earthbecause processed (calcined) DE may contain far greater amounts of crystalline silica, the potentially harmful form of silica, than natural DE. Crystalline silica is likely to pose health hazard only if inhaled at high levels for a long time.. This form (Crystalline silica) is toxic and can cause silicosis. The food grade form is considered safe and is used as a food additive. It is also fed to livestock to prevent digestive infestations. See this reference by the State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for more health issues about DE.

Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade works by dehydrating the bug when it coats itself by walking through on its way to feast on your blood! Some people have tried flea and tick powder and have had good results, as well. However, they are not generally all natural. Once you make a decision, sprinkle the powder in a perimeter around your room.

Bed Bug Spray

Bed bug sprays used in conjunction with powders will increase the death rate of bed bugs, as well as any other crawling insects you may have. They will also begin to eliminate the breeding cycle. Choosing a bed bug spray is where life can get confusing.

Simply put, there are way too many products available to choose from and it can get overwhelming. I did some research on the “top five” all natural bed bug sprays. I will also introduce you to one that is not entirely all natural, but has been said to be less abrasive for those who would rather go the chemical route.

• BestYet
• BugPatrol
• KleenGreen
• PuraCleen
• Diatect

Through independent research, the following information was obtained on the above top five bed bug sprays. They all kill bugs on contact and kill the eggs. They are all 100% natural and non-toxic; however, it appears that BugPatrol is the only one that offers long-term protection. They are all ready to use and have a pleasant odor. They are all safe for children and pets and none of them require vacuuming.

Sterifab is one that is not completely all natural; however, it is considered less abrasive than chemical insecticides because it does not contain any perfume, dyes, or harsh solvents. It is also very popular because it is the only bed bug control product that is a disinfectant, insecticide, fungicide, germicide, sanitizer, deodorant, mildew, and bactericide that is registered with the EPA. Keep in mind that while it less abrasive, it is still not safe for humans or pets.

When you apply the spray, start in the baseboard areas and under the carpets. Start at the end of the room that is opposite of your doorway, so you can end the treatment at the doorway. Make sure you treat every crevice in the room. Treat the windowsills, electrical sockets, and light fixtures. Don’t forget to treat where your curtains hang.

The areas around your bed should be treated heavily. It is important to spray along the wall where your headboard lies. Spray the box spring, including underneath. All other furniture should be treated. Don’t forget the closets and the bathroom.

Mattress Encasement

Once you have steamed and sprayed your mattress, you will want to enclose it with a mattress encasement. This will keep any bed bugs that “got away” inside and away from you to eventually die from not getting their food source. Choose a high quality and strong mattress cover and be careful not to rip when you are putting it on.

I really  do recommend you read the ebook by Michael Romner.  Click here for more information about his great book.

Next Post

I really hope these steps work for you, as well. Please remember, it will take some time to get rid of them, so be patient. Patience is the key to successful treatment. Once you have finally rid yourself of these disgusting bugs, you are not done yet! My next post will tell you what you need to do to keep the bed bugs out for good!

In my last post, we discussed how to get rid of bed bugs. In this post, we are going to discuss ways to prevent them from ever invading your home again. If I had only known just a few of these tips, my family would likely have not had to endure these pesky blood suckers.

Don’t think that just because you are not a frequent traveler that these will not apply to you. Remember, all it takes is one trip to an infested hotel, apartment, or home. You could become a target when you bring in a used couch or any other infested piece of used or even new furniture. Who says that a furniture store cannot get bed bugs?

Prevention Tips for Traveling

Entering the Room

• Do not EVER put your luggage directly on a bed. Put your luggage on top of a table. If the table is too small, put your luggage in the bathtub until you have been able to check the room.
• Look under the bottom fitted sheet and along the seams of the mattress. Look for dark spots that could be traces of blood, bed bugs, or feces.
• Even if there is a mattress cover, remove it and look directly on the seams and folds of the mattress. There could be a hole in the cover you do not see. Don’t forget to check the button areas.
• Move the mattress to one side and look directly at the top of the box spring. Look for the dark spots here, as well. Check for traces along the folds and seams of the box spring skirt.
• Check around the bed frame and headboard. Look in the screw holes and in any dark spaces formed when two pieces of the frame are joined. Check around any hanging pictures and in and around the nightstand.

Immediately leave the room and take your luggage with you if you find any traces at all. Make a report to the front desk.

Going Home

When you leave, it is important to put all of your clothes in a sealed plastic bag so you can take them directly to the laundry machine when you get home. Wash and dry clothes on the highest setting. For the clothes you have on, get undressed on a hard surface floor to capture any bugs that can fall off your clothes. Put these clothes directly in the wash. Inspect your luggage and other personal items for bed bugs. Vacuum your luggage and items that you cannot wash. Wash everything else by hand with hot, soapy water.

Bringing in Used Furniture or Clothing

Immediately wash clothes in extremely hot water (minimum 120 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not open any bags until you are ready to put them directly into the wash. After you put in the wash machine, check around the area to ensure none have fallen onto the ground.

When bringing in new or used furniture, inspect it carefully. Check the crevices, behind the moldings and other embellishments and check any cracks. Never bring home a used mattress unless you are absolutely sure of the source. Steam the furniture at 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bird and Bat Habitats

Eliminate any bird or bat habitats that are around your home. Bed bugs will seek refuge here, especially right after you have treated your home. To avoid having them stay in your yard just to come back in on the dog or your child’s coat, you have to get rid of these habitats.

Everyday Precautions

Taking simple precautions throughout your day can prevent these horrible bugs from coming into your home.

• Check your pets for bed bugs when they come in from outside. While bed bugs prefer human blood, they will settle for your pet. Once they get in, they will find you!
• Believe it or not, you can get bed bugs from a movie theatre, which is somewhere most of us go for a night out! Inspect your seat for bed bugs before you sit down. When you get home, throw your clothes in the dryer and spray your shoes with alcohol or vacuum them.
• Even the most prominent places can have bed bugs. While you are at work, a meeting, or appointment, keep your belongings off the floor and out of public closets.
• Before you enter your home from being anywhere, check yourself. Simply shake out any loose clothing and pat yourself down with your hand. Vacuum your shoes.

Just keep in mind, they can be anywhere. However, you do not want to become completely obsessed as this can cause stress and anxiety where there may not be a reason.

I am so glad we are finally free of those disgusting bed bugs! I have to say that although they say bed bugs are not too much of a health risk, I suffered from a lot of anxiety and at times depression. Not being able to protect your family can be difficult and can cause a lot of stress. I truly hope the information in these posts have helped you to fight against the bugs that have invaded your home.