Common Mistakes When Removing Bed Bugs at Home

A bedbug infestation can quickly turn your peaceful home into a source of stress. These small, hard-to-spot pests feed on human blood, leaving behind itchy bites and sleepless nights. In an attempt to handle the problem, many homeowners turn to DIY solutions. While some home remedies might offer short-term relief, they often fall short of completely eliminating the infestation—and in some cases, can make the situation worse.

At Rentokil PCI, we’ve seen firsthand the missteps people often take when trying to get rid of bedbugs on their own. Steering clear of these errors is key to successful bed bug control and preventing them from coming back. Here are some of the most common mistakes homeowners tend to make:

Misjudging or Misidentifying the Infestation

A major issue is not correctly identifying bedbugs or underestimating how bad the infestation is. These pests are small, reddish-brown, and oval in shape, often hiding in mattresses, furniture, and tiny cracks. Because they’re nocturnal and good at hiding, they’re easy to miss. Mistaking the bites for those from other insects or assuming there are only a few bugs often delays proper treatment—giving the infestation time to grow. A detailed inspection of all potential hiding spots is essential to gauge the full extent of the problem.

Relying Only on Store-Bought Sprays

Over-the-counter bed bug sprays are common go-to solutions, but they usually offer just temporary relief. These sprays may kill bugs on contact, but they rarely reach deep into crevices, furniture, or bedding where bedbugs and their eggs hide. In some cases, improper use can actually scatter the bugs, making them harder to control. Using sprays without a broader treatment plan is one of the biggest reasons infestations return.

Failing to Treat All Affected Areas

Bed bugs don’t just stick to your mattress—they can hide in headboards, bedside tables, carpets, baseboards, picture frames, and even behind wallpaper. Only treating the bed while ignoring these areas leaves a large portion of the infestation untouched. Effective bed bug control requires addressing every possible hiding place.

Vacuuming the Wrong Way

Vacuuming is a useful step to remove visible bugs and eggs, but many people use it incorrectly. Running the vacuum only over the surface won’t capture bugs deep in cracks and fabric folds. It’s important to use a strong vacuum with a hose attachment to target baseboards, furniture seams, and tight corners. Just as important—seal and dispose of the vacuum bag outside immediately to avoid reinfestation.

Washing Bedding and Clothes Ineffectively

Washing and drying items at high temperatures can kill bed bugs and their eggs. However, many make the mistake of using cold or lukewarm water, which doesn’t work. Always use the hottest setting your fabrics can handle and dry them on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Also, remember—treating clothing alone isn’t enough if the bugs are still hiding in your furniture or walls.

Spreading the Problem by Moving Infested Items

In trying to contain the bugs, some people move mattresses, furniture, or clothing to other rooms. Unfortunately, this only spreads the infestation to more areas of the house. If an item must be moved, it should be sealed tightly in plastic and handled carefully—preferably by professionals.

Using Excess or the Wrong Pesticides

Using too much pesticide or choosing the wrong product can be harmful and ineffective. Overuse doesn’t mean better results—it can create health risks without solving the problem. Always follow the label instructions carefully, and only use products specifically meant for bed bug control. Professional pest control teams use advanced, targeted treatments that are both safer and more effective.

Skipping Follow-Up Treatments

Bed bug eggs can survive many store-bought treatments, which is why a single application is rarely enough. Multiple follow-up treatments are needed to kill newly hatched bugs. Skipping these steps often leads to the infestation returning stronger than before.

Overlooking Small Cracks and Gaps

Bed bugs are masters at squeezing into the tiniest spaces. Ignoring cracks in furniture, baseboards, or walls gives them plenty of places to hide and survive treatments. Professionals use special tools and methods to reach and treat these hard-to-access spots.

Waiting Too Long to Call the Experts

While DIY methods can help initially, severe or recurring infestations usually need professional attention. The longer you wait, the harder and costlier it becomes to get rid of the problem. Rentokil PCI’s expert technicians are trained to handle bed bugs with precision, using proven techniques and safe treatments that target pests at every stage of life.

Don’t Let Bed Bugs Take Over – Call the Experts at Rentokil PCI

Trying to deal with bed bugs on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. Avoid these common pitfalls and rely on Rentokil PCI’s expertise for effective, long-lasting bed bug solutions. Our treatments are designed to eliminate bed bugs completely and prevent them from coming back—so you can sleep peacefully again.

Contact Us:

If you’re dealing with a bed bug problem, don’t wait. Call Rentokil PCI today at 022-62604733 for expert help and peace of mind.