Summer in Columbus, Ohio, means more than just patio season and trips to Scioto Mile. It can also mean an increase in bed bug infestations as more people are out and about.
The bad news? These pests are notorious for hitching rides home on luggage, furniture, or even clothing. You’ll find them just about everywhere you go, from hotels to restaurants, to buses and trains and everywhere in between.
The good news? You can fight back—with the right tools.
One increasingly popular tool in combating bed bugs is a vacuum. But is it effective? What is the best vacuum for bed bugs, and should you be doing anything else to get rid of these persistent pests?
Keep reading for everything you need to know to protect your home from bed bugs.
How Can Vacuums Help with Bed Bugs?
Vacuuming is a key part of bed bug control, but it has limitations. It helps, but is not a stand-alone solution.
First, the benefits of vacuuming to get rid of bed bugs:
- Removes live bugs: High-suction vacuums can physically pull live bed bugs off mattresses, couches, and carpets.
- Gets rid of eggs: With proper technique, vacuums can also remove tiny bed bug eggs, which are about 1 mm in size.
- Reduces infestation severity: By vacuuming areas where bed bugs hide (like mattress seams or baseboards), you can reduce their numbers and limit their spread.
Unfortunately, vacuums can’t grab bed bugs hiding deep inside cracks, electrical outlets, or behind wallpaper. They also won’t kill the bugs or eggs you miss, which is why vacuuming should be just one step in your pest control plan.
Signs of Bed Bugs
Not sure if you have bed bugs? Look for these telltale signs, as noted by the EPA:
- Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses caused by crushed bugs.
- Tiny dark spots, roughly the size of a pinhead, which may bleed on fabrics. These are droppings.
- Eggs or shed skins that are pale yellow.
- Live bed bugs hiding in mattress seams, furniture joints, or baseboards.
What Features Should the Best Vacuum for Bed Bugs Have?
Not all vacuums are created equal, especially when it comes to tackling bed bugs. And while vacuuming won’t necessarily solve your bed bug woes, there are a few features you should look for when you’re shopping for the best vacuum for bed bugs.
Start your search by narrowing the list down only to vacuums with strong suction power. Bed bugs hold on tightly to surfaces, so you’ll need a vacuum with high suction to dislodge them effectively.
You will also want to look for one with a HEPA filter. A HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter traps tiny particles, including bed bug eggs and fragments, preventing them from recirculating into the air.
Try to find a vacuum that comes with crevice tools. Bed bugs love tight hiding spots like mattress seams, baseboards, and furniture joints, but crevice tools will help you target these tricky areas. And remember, vacuums that come with a bag are ideal because you can seal the bag and dispose of it without risking bed bugs escaping back into your home.
Skip the Vacuum. Trust Green Shield Instead.
Remember, while vacuuming is helpful, it’s not a magic wand. Bed bugs are expert hiders, squeezing into spaces as thin as a credit card and laying eggs in hard-to-reach places. A vacuum can only do so much.
To fully eliminate an infestation, you’ll need to combine vacuuming with professional pest control treatments. Experts, like our team at Green Shield, use heat or chemical treatments to kill bed bugs in all their life stages.
Vacuuming is an important step in bed bug control (as well as preventing other pests), but it’s not the whole solution. By combining vacuuming with professional treatments like those provided by Green Shield, you’ll get better, faster results.
If bed bugs have invaded your home in Columbus, Ohio, don’t wait. Book a consultation with us and protect your home today!
Did You Know?
One in five Americans reports experiencing a bed bug infestation or knowing someone who has, according to a study by the University of Arkansas. Bed bugs can travel up to 20 feet from their hiding spots to feed and survive in temperatures as low as 46°F. That’s why acting quickly at the first sign of an infestation is so important.
FAQ
Where are bed bugs most often found in homes?
Bed bugs are commonly found in mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, couches, and cracks along baseboards or outlets. They can even hide under loose wallpaper or in the folds of curtains.
How often should I vacuum for bed bugs?
If you suspect an infestation, vacuum daily in affected areas until the problem is resolved. Focus on areas where bed bugs hide, like mattresses, carpets, and furniture joints.
Can bed bugs survive a vacuum?
Yes, bed bugs can survive being vacuumed if they aren’t sucked into a sealed bag or filter. This is why using a bagged vacuum and disposing of the bag immediately is critical.
Do DIY methods work for bed bugs?
While vacuums and DIY methods can help reduce bed bug numbers, they’re rarely enough to eliminate an infestation completely. Professional treatments are often necessary for full eradication.
What should I do after vacuuming bed bugs?
Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag, then wash it in hot water, or if it’s disposable, throw it out in an outside trash bin.
