The goal of this blog is to share valuable pest control knowledge and empower Adelaide homeowners to stay ahead of pest issues. We’re here for you, providing expert pest control tips, insights, and solutions to help keep your home and business pest-free. From rodent control and spider removal to cockroach treatments and wasp nest removal, our goal is to equip you with the best pest prevention strategies for a safer, more secure environment.

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DIY Bed Bug

This Guide to Eradicating Bed Bugs is a DIY on how to get rid of bedbugs without a Pest Controller or Chemicals

Pests can have a significant psychological impact, and bed bugs are particularly notorious for this. They often trigger severe effects such as stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, paranoia, and compulsive cleaning or inspections—especially at night. The constant worry of an infestation can lead to restlessness and heightened anxiety, affecting overall well-being. Addressing the problem quickly with professional bed bug treatment can help restore peace of mind and ensure a pest-free home.

01 - What are Bed bugs?

Bed bugs are tiny, reddish-brown insects that range in size from less than 1mm (eggs) to up to 5mm (adults, about the size of an apple seed). Their flat bodies allow them to hide in mattress seams, bed frames, sheets, and cracks in furniture—especially wooden bed frames. These pests are nocturnal and feed on human blood, making them a persistent nuisance in homes and hotels. Early detection and professional bed bug treatment are key to preventing a full-blown infestation.

02 - Chemicals
What kills Bed bugs and their eggs?

Only a limited number of insecticides remain effective against bed bugs, and due to their potential health risks, these are restricted for professional use. Effective bed bug treatments typically involve specialized pest control solutions designed to target infestations safely and efficiently. Fortunately, there is a proven, chemical-free method that is highly effective in eliminating bed bugs, offering a safe and eco-friendly alternative for pest control.

03- First things first - INVESTIGATION
What are the signs of bed bugs in bed?

People often mistake bed bugs for other pests like lice, fleas, or mites, so a thorough inspection is crucial for accurate identification.

Common Signs of Bed Bugs in Your Bed:

✔ Spots on sheets and bed frames – Small blood stains or dark fecal spots.

✔ Three bites in a row on one side of the body – Often called “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” by pest control experts due to their feeding pattern.

How Do Bed Bugs Get Into Your Home?

Bed bugs are commonly introduced through travel or second-hand furniture, hitchhiking on suitcases, baby strollers, clothing, and other belongings.

They are expert hiders, often found in mattress seams, bed frames, headboards, carpets, floorboards, and even power outlets. A professional bed bug treatment is often the best way to ensure complete removal.

04 - Feeding habits and life cycle

Bed bugs primarily feed on human blood but can also bite pets and other animals.

Their eggs are less than 1mm, making them difficult to detect. As nocturnal pests, they feed every 5-10 days, leaving behind small, red, itchy welts on the skin.

Bed Bug Life Cycle & Reproduction

✔ A single female can lay up to 500 eggs, which hatch within 6-10 days.

✔ Nymphs mature into adults in 4-6 weeks, depending on temperature and food availability.

The good news is that bed bugs don’t transmit diseases to humans. However, like most pests, they won’t just disappear on their own—professional pest control is often required for complete eradication.

05 - DIY: Ho to get rid of Bed bugs?

Bed bugs die when exposed to temperatures above 46°C, making steam treatment and high-heat laundering effective solutions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Treating Bed Bugs with Heat

✔ Use a Steamer – Treat carpets, mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and skirting boards by steaming slowly to ensure effectiveness.

✔ Purchase or Rent a Steamer – Keep in mind that this method requires thorough and patient work for complete eradication.

✔ Wash & Seal Clothing – Remove all clothes from cabinets and drawers, place them in sealed plastic bags with cable ties, and wash them in hot water. Use the hottest dryer setting to kill all bugs and eggs.

✔ Power Outlets & Bed Bugs – Bed bugs can hide inside power sockets, but never steam power outlets, as this poses a safety hazard.

✔ Treating Sofas – Sofas can be tricky to treat due to hidden cracks and crevices. The dust cover or bottom lining may need removal to access inner parts.

✔ Shoes & Small Items – Place shoes and non-washable items in sealed plastic bags, secure them with cable ties, and leave them in the sun on a hot day (above 46°C) to kill bed bugs.

A professional pest control service can ensure thorough treatment and long-term prevention, especially for severe infestations.

06 - Final Considerations

While DIY bed bug treatments can be effective, they require significant effort, persistence, and attention to detail. The process is time-consuming, and success depends on thorough execution.

Key Steps for DIY Bed Bug Treatment:

✔ Use a Mattress Encasement – A fully enclosed mattress cover should remain on for at least one year to prevent bed bugs from escaping and reinfesting your home.

✔ Proper Mattress Disposal – If discarding an infested mattress, cut it open thoroughly and label it “Bed Bug Infested” to prevent accidental reuse.

✔ Avoid Spreading the Infestation – Moving in and out of the affected room can transfer bed bugs to other areas. Always check yourself for signs of hitchhiking pests.

✔ Steam All Bed Bugs & Eggs – The method is 100% effective only if all bed bugs and their hard-to-detect eggs are exposed to sustained high heat (above 46°C).

✔ Vacuum Infested Areas – Use a professional-grade vacuum to clean all infested rooms and dispose of the vacuumed material in a sealed plastic bag.

Why Professional Bed Bug Treatment is More Effective

At House Care Pest Control, we have years of experience in steaming and vacuuming bed bugs. However, due to the labor-intensive nature of the process, we always combine heat treatment with a two-time chemical treatment to ensure 100% eradication.

Want to Learn More?

For a deeper understanding of effective bed bug control, refer to the 4th edition of the Code of Practice for Bed Bug Infestation by the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association:

📄 Read the Full Guide Here

A comprehensive approach is the key to eliminating bed bugs for good—contact House Care Pest Control today for a professional bed bug treatment that guarantees results.

We hope you found this guide helpful!

At House Care Pest Control, we’re committed to educating the Adelaide community and providing expert pest control services for up to 39 pests. Whether you’re dealing with bed bugs, rodents, spiders, cockroaches, ants, or other pest issues, we’re here to support you with safe, effective, and long-term solutions.If you found this information useful, we’d truly appreciate it if you could leave us a Google review. Your feedback helps us improve and allows others to discover our trusted pest control services in Adelaide.Did You Know About Our Year-Round Pest Warranty?Before you go, have you heard about our PestShield Program? It offers year-round protection against rodents, spiders, cockroaches, ants, and 39 different pests, ensuring a pest-free home all year long. Visit HCPestControl.com.au to discover a new way to keep pests under control in Adelaide—with guaranteed results!HC Pest ControlTurning Pest Problems into Peace of Mind.

What Attracts Rats to Your House?

Rats gnawed through a water pipe in a client’s home, causing it to burst and flood the property while they were away.

One surprising attraction for rats is snails. These common garden creatures can act as a food source for rodents, turning your property into an irresistible buffet. Another major factor is shelter. Rats and mice seek out spaces where they can find food, water, and safety, making homes, gardens, and commercial spaces vulnerable to infestations.

Why Snails Attract Rats

Rodents are known to feed on snails, and having an abundance of them around your home or garden can increase rodent activity. Combined with shelter, such as overgrown vegetation, woodpiles, or cluttered areas, these conditions create the perfect environment for rats and mice to thrive.

How to Prevent a Rodent Infestation in Adelaide

To keep your home and garden rodent-free, consider these pest control strategies:

1. Control Snail Populations

• Use pet-safe pest control baits or introduce natural predators like certain birds or beetles to reduce snail numbers.

• Reducing food sources helps prevent rodents from invading your property.

2. Eliminate Hiding Spots

• Clear debris, woodpiles, and overgrown plants where rats, mice, and other pests can take cover.

• Proper garden maintenance minimizes rodent nesting opportunities.

3. Seal Entry Points

• Block gaps around doors, windows, and foundations to stop rodents from entering your home.

• Professional pest control inspections help identify entry points and provide long-term rodent-proofing solutions.

Why Chickens Attract Rodents

Keeping chickens can make your home even more attractive to rodents, as their bedding, feed, and water supply provide a consistent food source for rats and mice. Additionally, having chickens often voids pest control warranties, as they require ongoing rodent control services rather than a one-time treatment.

Get Professional Rodent Control in Adelaide

Combining multiple pest prevention strategies is the most effective way to control rodents. A House Care Rodent Treatment is a key step in protecting your property. Our expert team offers safe, eco-friendly rodent control services that target rats and mice early, preventing them from establishing nests.

Book a professional rodent control service today and keep your home pest-free!

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