Bedbugs are on the brain at the moment thanks to the worrying situation in Paris.
As the creepy crawlies continue to sweep through Paris, videos of the little critters have even been captured at the London Underground. Now Brits are starting to fear the worst, as they're worrying that a bug invasion will sweep the nation.
Over the past few weeks, Google searches for "how to get rid of bed bugs" have shot up by 300%. This only works to highlight the growing concern over the creepy crawlies.
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According to experts, those worrying simply need to be pro-active in preventing bedbugs and "keeping a nice and clean environment". According to Nick Small, small appliances expert at AO.com, the key to fighting them off is being prepared.
To help people out Brits have been offered key cleaning advice to help them keep their properties as off-putting as possible for the bugs. Doing a little vacuuming and making sure your bed sheets are washed thoroughly are easy things you can do to keep your bedroom in good shape.
All you need to do is follow a few basic rules to help prevent an infestation. Here is what Nick said you need to do to keep on top of it all.
Vacuum your surfaces thoroughly
Contrary to their name, bedbugs can make their homes in any fabric, be it carpet or clothing. Households are encouraged to vacuum their carpets regularly to remove any larvae or eggs the critters may have laid.
To make things easier in those hard-to-reach places, you should switch to a crevice style tool when vacuuming the skirting boards or corners of your carpet. Consider further treating your flooring with a special pesticide as this may also help to ensure no bedbugs recurs.
Wash fabrics at a higher temperature
If you’re worried that bedbugs have made your sheets into their home, consider turning up the heat on your wash. By putting on a wash with a high temperature of 60 degrees it will eradicate any mite clinging to the fabric and leave you free of bedbugs.
Remember to clean the container/ hamper you put your sheets in as bedbugs can hide in there for longer than you think.
Pay attention to your mattress
When cleaning your bedroom, people tend to think more regularly about washing bed sheets and upholstery rather than your mattress. However, cleaning your mattress is essential to eliminating bed bugs.
It's recommended you vacuum your mattress at the same time you are putting your bedding in the washing machine to ensure that you’re keeping a nice and clean environment.
Before vacuuming, sprinkle your mattress with baking soda to remove any odours.
Clean up the clutter
A little-known trick to keeping a critter-free environment is to reduce the number of hiding places for them. By reducing any build-up of clutter you will make it easier to treat affected areas of bedbug infestation.
Be sure to regularly wash your fabrics with the above steps and keep them from littering your floor or bed.
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