If you’ve lived in New York City for a number of years, you’ve probably encountered bed bugs at some point. According to Orkin, a pest control company, NYC is ranked number six in the country for bed bug infestations. The most infested boroughs are Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx according to an infographic from Assured Environments. But how do you spot these small blood-sucking critters in your home?
If you don’t have a trained eye for bed bugs yet, here are some facts on how to identify bed bugs and what an already festering problem may look like:
- Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed.
- Their bodies will appear flat and oval shaped (unfed).
- Bodies will appear balloon-like, reddish brown, and longer (fed recently).
- They have an odor, which has been described as a musty-sweetish smell.
- If you are waking up with itchy areas you didn’t have before sleeping, that is a sign you may have bed bugs.
- Noticeable blood stains on your sheets when you didn’t bleed may also be an indication.
- Bed bug fecal matter, egg shells, or bug skins are found.
Once you have identified an infestation, the next step would be to start treatment and rid your bed, and living space, of bed bugs. If the infestation is only on your mattress and frame, the easiest way can be to throw the whole thing out, or even have a professional deal with it. However, if there are possible infestations other than the bed such as electronical appliances, here are five products that can help solve the issue.
- Ortho Home Defense Bed Bug Killer, $16.97 at Home Depot
This bed bug killer is great for larger areas of the home, and can even kill the toughest bed bugs. The formula is said to be non-staining, unscented, and will dry fast. Bed bugs can be controlled for up to two weeks on carpeted surfaces. It will kill bed bugs in their hidey holes and even bed bug eggs. It is also highly rated, as customers have raved about how effective this spray is.
- Rockwell CimeXa Insecticide Dust, $13.99 on Amazon
If you’re looking for a powder pesticide, this one has some of the highest ratings. This product can be used on a number of different insect infestations, including fleas, silverfish, roaches, and more. It is made from a manufactured silica powder. The silica works like a sponge, as it absorbs water from the bugs to kill them. This one is best for long-term control, if the infestation is far reaching. As long as the applied powder stays dry, it can be effective for up to 10 years. It is suggested to take a brush and apply a thin layer in the cracks and crevices where there are bugs detected.
- Eco Defense Bed Bug Killer, $59.95 on Amazon
If you’re worried about the harsh chemicals in a bug spray, this is a natural alternative that is just as effective. Although a bit pricier than the previous options, this bed bug spray will kill on contact. It is non-staining and has a slight scent to it. Because of the all-natural ingredients, this would be the perfect option to get if your house has small children or pets. Reviews have said that the spread of bed bugs stops after spraying this for a few weeks and that you will have to saturate the spots where bed bugs reside, or it may not work effectively.
- Raid Bed Bug Foaming Spray, $12.99 on Amazon
This brand is known for their insecticide sprays/products and this one is as reliable as the name. This product kills bed bugs and their eggs on surfaces for up to four weeks. The foam from the product will easily expand into hard-to-reach places. If you’re very sensitive to smells, this product is said to have a very strong scent. It has high ratings with customers raving about the effectiveness, though, including: “This product works. It leaves a residue that kills long after it dries. I had a real problem with bedbugs and the first application caused an immediate, dramatic drop in activity. One week later, I made a second application and haven’t been bothered since. Well over 8 months ago.”
- Ecovenger’s Bed Bug and Egg Killer Spray, $18.95 on Ecovenger
Another natural and non-toxic option, this spray has proven performance that is comparable to professional pesticides. Ecovenger’s natural active ingredients block bed bug’s neurotransmitters and the bugs in contact with the spray will gradually lose mobility, become paralyzed, and die. It is another safe product for those who have young children and pets. The spray will kill on contact, but there are customers who don’t love the smell too much. It mainly smells like cedar and eucalyptus. Even though it is a little bit pricey with the amount you get, it has proven to be an effective way to get rid of bed bugs.
