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How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In The Couch – The Definitive Guide

Bed bugs have become a huge problem in recent years, and it can be difficult to know what to do if you find them in your home.

While it’s common to come across them where we sleep (hence the term – bed bug), as we spend more and more time in our living rooms, bed bugs can be increasingly found in the couch or sofa.

Fortunately, there are several options to deal with bed bugs, and the following guide will help you make a confident and safe decision.

How Do I Know If I Have Bed Bugs In The Couch?

The easiest way to know if you have couch bugs is to look for their faeces.

These little guys like to live in places that are warm and dark, which can be problematic when you are sitting on a couch all day.

The faecal matter of an infestation is often found around your home or inside furniture where people typically sit or spend a lot of time, so couches and chairs are a prime target.

Often bed bugs won’t be visible just by looking at the couch, so you’ll need to flip the couch and check underneath. If the couch has a pattern, you may be able to find their faecal matter there.

Below are some of the key signs of a couch Infestation:

1. Bed Bug Eggs and Shells

The eggs and shells of bed bugs are easy to spot. The nymphs look like tiny faeces specs that can be found on the couch or other furniture.

You may also find their faeces around your home, especially around walls and voids and crevices.

2. Bed Bug Faeces

Bed Bug Faeces are small, dried spots or lines of faecal matter. They can be found on the couch and other furniture in your home.

Bed bugs like to live in dark, warm places and can leave their faeces near under the sofa or in the material seams.

3. Bed Bug Dried Blood Spots

Bed bug dried blood spots can be found on the infested items where you might be sitting or lying down, so cushions are the best place to look for this evidence. These spots may also contain blood from previous victims that have been bitten by the bug.

You may also notice these spots on clothes if you hang them outside overnight without washing them first.

Bed bug dried blood spots can often be confused with flea bites which are common pests in homes across the US.

4. Dead Bed Bugs

Dead bed bugs are those that have been killed by heat treatment or the pesticide used to kill them.

They usually look like small black dots, but you may also find their dried faeces on the couch as well. You can tell if a bug is dead because it will not move when touched.

What to Do If I Have a Couch Bug Infestation?

If you think you may have an infestation, be sure to contact a professional pest control company right away!

It’s best to take pictures of the problem and send them along with any information about your home for free quotes from local exterminators.

If you decide to treat yourself, you can start by vacuuming your home. Bed bugs aren’t just found in your bed; they thrive in dark places such as couches and behind baseboards where people spend time sitting.

These areas must be cleaned thoroughly so that the pests don’t return easily. The vacuum should be placed over all furniture and under cushions as well.

Different Ways to Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Your Couch

Bed Bug infestations can be highly infuriating and embarrassing. Here are a few reliable options to get rid of them for good.

1. Heat Treatment

This is an effective way to kill bugs, but it’s also very expensive. You will need to contact professionals who have access to heat treatment machines and a good supply of chemicals that work well against bed bugs.

The cost varies depending on what type of machine and how much time is needed for the treatment; however, it usually costs around $600-$800 per room.

Be sure not to use this method if there are children or pets in your home as they could be harmed by the heat generated by the device used in heat treatment 

2. Chemical Fumigation

This is another effective way to get rid of bed bugs that require professional exterminators with access to fumigation equipment and pesticides designed specifically for eliminating them from infested areas such as couches and mattresses. 

It usually costs between $400-$500 per room. If you choose to use this method, make sure your home is empty and that no pets or children are present.

3. Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuuming is a great way to remove bed bugs from your home because it kills them when they’re trapped in the fabric of couches and other furniture.

It’s also possible that vacuums can be used on carpets, rugs, and upholstery if they have not been treated with chemicals yet.

You can also purchase “bed bug bags” which are designed to trap the pests inside them; however, most vacuum cleaners will do just as well because these bags don’t always catch all of the pests so you’ll need more than one bag per room.

4. Steam Cleaning

Another effective way to get rid of bed bugs is by using steam cleaning. This process uses high heat levels to kill any remaining bugs in a sealed space such as a couch or mattress cover. 

It works best for small infestations, but it may not work as well if they’ve spread to other areas of your home.

5. Other Treatments

There are many other treatments you can try such as vacuuming up the bugs that have been killed by heat treatment and then disposing of them in a sealed container or bag; however, this is usually only effective for small infestations. 

Here are some quick tips to follow if you are looking to keep bed bugs away:

  1. Remove Cushions from Sofas and Chairs Before Vacuuming
  2. Cover all Mattresses with Plastic Sheeting
  3. Avoid Allergens
  4. Get Rid of Clutter in Your Home (not just around beds!)
  5. Use Bed Bug Bags
  6. Clean Furniture Regularly
  7. Wash Your Linens Often
  8. Don’t Leave Laundry Inside 

 

Deciding To Go With A Chemical Treatment

If you’ve tried all of the above methods, and your infestation has not been eliminated, the next step is to contact a pest control company that uses chemical treatment. They will look to use the some of the following methods to get rid of the bed bugs, but it will vary between companies.

1. Bed Bug Bags

Bed Bug Bags are plastic sheets that trap bed bugs inside them. They can be used to trap all kinds of insects, but they work best against those pesky bloodsuckers because they’re made from puncture-resistant, waterproof material.

The bags come in various sizes and are designed to fit into a mattress or couch; however, they can also be hung on walls or other surfaces if necessary.

2. Bed Bug Traps

Bed bug traps are another option for using chemical treatment against bed bugs. These devices work by releasing a sticky substance that attracts the pests close enough so that you can kill them with spray or vacuuming.

These traps work best if you have a large infestation and can get them into the area where they’re being used.

 

3. Bed Bug Sprays

Bed bug sprays are another option for using chemical treatment against bed bugs. These products contain insecticides that kill any bugs found within their reach with just one application.

They work best when used in conjunction with vacuuming, steam cleaning, or heat treating your home.

3 Best Alternative Products To Avoid Chemical Treatments

If you’re looking to avoid the nasty chemicals that can come through a pest treatment, then the following products can help both prevent and kill (in some cases) the bed bug infestation.

1. Utopia Bedding Premium Bed Bug Proof Box Spring Encasement

The Utopia Bedding Premium Bed Bug Proof Box Spring Encasement is designed to stop bed bugs from crawling into your bed.

It’s made of 100% waterproof vinyl that’s resistant to mould, mildew, and odour. The encasement can be used in any standard box spring; however, it is best suited for those with a queen or king-size mattress because it covers the entire width of the mattress.

2. MAYTEX Pixel Ultra Soft Stretch Sofa Couch Furniture Cover

The MAYTEX Pixel Ultra Soft Stretch Sofa Couch Furniture Cover is made with stretchy fabric and features a waterproof finish that will keep your couch protected from bed bugs.

The cover can be used on any sized sofa or chair, but it’s best suited for those with an average size piece of furniture because it covers only the cushions and not the back or arms.

3. MAYTEX Encasement for Box Spring Mattress

If you have one box spring mattress, then this encasement might be exactly what you need to protect your mattress from bed bugs.

This encasement is designed to fit over just one side of the box spring so that it won’t interfere with other parts of your bedroom. It has a waterproof vinyl finish that resists mould, mildew, and odour; however, if used on an infected area of your home, it may cause some discomfort due to its tightness around the headboard and footboard.

4. CRESNEL Furniture Cover Plastic Bag for Moving Protection

The CRESNEL Furniture Cover Plastic Bag for moving protection is perfect for protecting your furniture, bedding, and clothing from any insects that may be lurking around.

It’s made of waterproof vinyl that resists odour and mildew while keeping out dirt and dust so that you can pack up your home in no time.

The bag comes in different sizes to fit most pieces of furniture; however, it’s best suited for queen-size or king-size mattresses because it covers the entire width of the mattress.

5. CRESNEL Mattress Protector

If you have a one-box spring mattress, then this encasement might be exactly what you need to protect your mattress from bed bugs.

This encasement is designed to fit over just one side of the box spring so that it won’t interfere with other parts of your bedroom. It has a waterproof vinyl finish that resists mould, mildew, and odour; however, if used on an infected area of your home.

Home Remedies for Treating Bed Bug Bites

Although bed bug bites are very uncomfortable, they’re not dangerous. The bugs will only cause a mild allergic reaction that may last from a few minutes to several hours. Most people who get
bitten by the bugs don’t even realize it because their skin is not so sensitive.

If you do find yourself bitten though, you can try these home remedies for treating bed bug bites:

1. Applying Vaseline or Cold Cream

Applying petroleum jelly or cold cream can help protect your skin from further irritation and itching. 

Simply apply a thick layer of Vaseline or cold cream to any area that has been bitten and keep it there until the symptoms subside.

Don’t use too much Vaseline or cold cream because this could result in excessive drying of your skin and cause more itching when it dries out again.

 

2. Washing Your Skin With Soap

Washing your skin with soap is another great way to reduce the itchiness caused by bed bug bites.

Simply wet a washcloth with warm water and gently rub the affected areas until you feel relief.

 

3. Putting Ice Packs On Your Bites

Another great way to treat bed bug bites is to put ice packs over them for about 10 minutes, which will cause a slight numbing effect before gradually reducing the severity of your symptoms as time passes by.

You can also try using an ice cube wrapped in a paper towel or toilet paper instead of putting it directly on your skin; however, if you do this, make sure not to leave it there for too long because
prolonged exposure could cause frostbite or even hypothermia.

 

4. Washing Clothing In Hot Water

Steaming clothes in hot water is another great way to reduce the itchiness caused by bed bug bites. Simply fill a large pot with hot water and place your clothes in it for about an hour before rinsing
them off in cold water. 

5. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring fossilized sedimentary rock that’s made up of the remains of tiny aquatic organisms that lived in the past.

The key ingredient in diatomaceous earth is silica which is what gives it its abrasive, sharp-edged appearance.

It’s this characteristic that makes it so effective at killing bed bugs; however, be sure to use only food-grade diatomaceous earth because anything else could cause severe irritation and burns on your skin. 

 

6. Dabbing on Pepto-Bismol

 

Pepto-Bismol is another home remedy that can provide relief from bites from bed bugs in the sofa. Simply dab some of this over your bites to relieve the itchiness and swelling caused by red welts that form around them