Critters 101

How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs FOR GOOD

At Couch.com, we love couches. Sadly, so do bed bugs... If you have identified some in your living space, it's time to call in the professionals.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
woman sharing a bed with her bed bug

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    How do I get rid of bugs in my couch?

    • Vacuuming: thoroughly vacuum the infested areas, such as your couch and love seat sofa, using a brush attachment to reach all the nooks and crannies. Also, consider dusting once in a while!
    • Steam treatment: use a steamer to treat your furniture with high temperatures that bed bugs can't withstand, especially in the areas where they tend to hide.
    • Encase and isolate: protect your furniture by encasing mattresses, love seats, or sofas with bed bug-proof covers and keep infested items away from unaffected furniture.
    • Consult a professional: if the infestation persists, seek help from a professional exterminator, who has the knowledge and experience to tackle stubborn bed bug problems.

    Remember to be persistent when dealing with bed bugs, and soon your will be bug-free! This will allow you to enjoy your modular sectional or chaise sofa once again.

    Do I need to have a professional exterminator to get rid of bed bugs?

    While you can DIY some of these bed bug treatments, getting rid of bed bugs can be a serious nuisance.

    • Heat treatment: they use commercial-grade heat to bake bed bugs out of existence. They do this by raising the temperature in your home to a level that the bugs can't survive.
    • Insecticides with residual effect: exterminators use specialized insecticides that have a long-lasting effect to target and eliminate bed bugs. By doing so, this ensures that they won't return for a midnight snack.
    • Steam and vacuum: these professionals utilize steam cleaners and vacuum cleaners to vaporize and suck up every last bug and their eggs. This leaves your furniture sparkling clean!

    Remember, if the bed bugs keep haunting your nights, it might be wise for you to call in the professionals. So, if you'd like more information on bed bug extermination, check out these trusted sources:

    How long do bed bugs live after spraying?

    woman sharing a bed with her bed bug

    Now that you know how do you get rid of bed bugs, you're in great shape. After spraying your furniture with the miracle-working insecticide, here's a glimpse into what you can expect:

    • Instant knockout: The insecticide will swiftly eliminate the majority of bed bugs upon contact, giving you some immediate relief.
    • Eternal slumber: Some bed bugs may still survive the initial spray but fear not because their days are numbered. This is because the residual effects of the insecticide will continue to work and exterminate those pesky hitchhikers for weeks to come.

    Now, as for the pressing question on everyone's mind: How long shall these critters linger before their complete disappearance from your life? Well, it typically takes about two to four weeks after spraying for bed bugs to disappear completely.

    Rest easy, friend, for with the power of science, determination, and a well-placed shpritz of insecticide, you shall bid those bed bugs goodbye in no time!

    Can furniture with bed bugs be saved?

    If you feel that multiple pieces of your furniture might be infested with bed bugs, you may consider using this as an excuse for that Spring Refresh you've been talking about forever. That said, here are some details on the situation for you to consider:

    • Exterminators to the rescue: Professional exterminators have techniques such as heat treatment and insecticides. These techniques can banish bed bugs from your furniture for good.
    • Consider the condition: Saving infested furniture is possible if it's in good condition and has sentimental value, but thorough treatment is required.
    • Risk vs reward: Saving furniture is not a guarantee, as bed bugs can hide in the tiniest crevices. Weigh the cost of treatment against purchasing new furniture.
    • Learn from the pros: For more insights, check out this resource from the EPA.

    Remember that the best course of action for you may vary based on the severity of the infestation and the value of the furniture.

    How long does it take for bed bug bites to appear?

    • Typically, bed bug bites will appear on your skin within 1 to 3 days after being feasted upon.
    • These bites may show up as itchy red welts, reminding you that a secret midnight snack session occurred while you slept.

    What happens if you sleep with bed bugs?

    • If you dare to snooze amidst bed bugs, prepare for an unpleasant experience!
    • A night with these nocturnal bloodsuckers may result in itchy bites and an uncomfortable sleep.
    • Bed bugs feed on your blood stealthily, leaving you tossing and turning.
    • To avoid this nighttime horror show, it's best to kick those bugs out of your sleeping quarters.

    In summary, there is hope for you if have an infestation problem with bed bugs! Keeping a very clean couch is a great way to prevent any unwanted visitors...

    A smiling man with short brown hair and a beard stands on a beach during sunset. He is wearing a black short-sleeved shirt with small white dots. The ocean and sandy shore are in the background, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
    Alex Back
    Couch.com CEO & Founder
    Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He has worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.
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