Recomendaciones para eliminar las chinches en casa

Recommendations for eliminating bed bugs at home

Were you surprised by the bedbug plague that affected France a few weeks ago? In a short time, it spread to cities in northern Spain, and it is likely that it won't take long to reach other regions. In this text, we want to show you all the details about these insects and how to combat them effectively.

Characteristics of bedbugs

They are small, reddish-brown parasites that lack wings. Their size is similar to that of a pear seed, and during the day they usually hide in:

  • Cracks in the walls, ceiling, or facade.
  • The headboard of the bed.
  • The structure of the bed (the mattress, the box spring, etc.).
  • Nearby objects to the bed like the nightstand.

The reason for choosing the bedroom as their favorite habitat is that each night they come out of hiding to feed on the blood of those who sleep peacefully.

What is a bedbug bite like?

It can be similar to a mosquito bite, as it causes progressive swelling in the affected area. Most often, the consequences of the bite subside within 14 days without the need for treatment.

Sometimes, more severe allergic reactions can occur. These consequences vary depending on the type of insect involved. The bites of the bedbugs that may spread across Spain will result in hives and redness.

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When should you start worrying?

First of all, you need to know how to distinguish a bedbug from a longicorn beetle. The latter is also known as the oriental plane tree bug, but it only acts in summer. Additionally, it is xylophagous and will not bite you.

It is most common for bedbugs to appear in groups and in increasing numbers if none of the remedies we now provide are implemented. Do so as soon as you detect a bedbug, as it will prevent the spread of the infestation.

Recommendations for eliminating bedbugs from your home

Imagine you have seen such bothersome visitors in your bedroom and don't know what to do. We advise you not to lose your cool and to take note of these tips. They will help you reduce their presence.

Check for Possible Nests

Start by inspecting your bedroom for  any trace of red color. Check if there are open seams on the mattress or if the upholstery of the chairs is correct. Do not forget to look in the cracks you find in the wallpaper, if you have it on the wall. Do not think you will see these parasites daily, as they can go up to 10 days without eating.

Combine Vinegar and Baking Soda

When you locate where they are hiding, mix in a spray bottle  a tablespoon of vinegar with another of baking soda. Shake well and spray the mixture on the most sensitive areas. The smell will scare away those that might arrive, and the baking soda will gradually kill them.

Turmeric Powder

It's very easy to spread it on a mattress or sofa. You just have to add a little and brush the area. This spice  deprives  the parasites of oxygen, causing them to come out of their hiding place immediately. You will be surprised to see how none remain in the affected area.

Bags with Aromatic Plants and Spices

Plants like bay leaf, mint, or rosemary generate  a very potent fragrance  that scares away insects in general. You can cut some leaves and add cloves to a breathable fabric bag or a net used for fruit and vegetables. Distribute each bag under the bed, behind the furniture, and in areas adjacent to the sofa. You will get a pleasant fragrance while enjoying its effectiveness.

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Raise Your Blinds

If the affected area receives  direct sunlight, you will see how the guests come out of their refuge. Once the nest is located, you can take appropriate measures to prevent the situation from repeating in the near future.

Seal the Cracks

It's as easy as acquiring  specific white putty  at any store. Seal each crack well using a spatula. If necessary, apply a second coat of putty to ensure you have achieved your goal.

Increase Cleaning

Parasites always look for both a human to live off their blood and a suitable space to breed. Their preferences are areas like  the bedroom or the kitchen,  given the impossibility of lifting the bed or removing the appliances daily and eliminating the accumulated dirt. You don't need to do it so frequently, but at least once a week. Use cleaning products that complement the one you use to mop the floor. For example, ammonia or bleach.

Clean with a handheld steam cleaner

We recommend the Fush steam cleaner by Mellerware, since thanks to its 1050 watts of power, it disinfects and cleans with great efficiency. With three and a half bars of pressure, you can get rid of dirt with minimal effort. In less than three minutes, you will have a flow of 30 grams per minute for 10 minutes. Its 380 ml tank allows you to clean for longer without needing to refill it. The three-meter cable and its safety cap complete the advantages of such an interesting device.

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The steam has an average temperature of 50º C and you can use it on the entire surface affected by the infestation. Use the handheld steam cleaner once a week to ensure that you have eliminated the adult insects and their larvae. Thanks to the included devices, such as the round brush and nozzles, you will also have access to more complicated areas to clean like the drum of each blind, windows, mattresses, and the sofa.

In short, the bedbugs are on borrowed time if you put into practice the tips we have just provided. Don't forget to protect yourself from an infestation that you can easily control if you take the appropriate measures from day one. Your home will become a cleaner and healthier space while you free yourself from their annoying bite.

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