The bedbug plague that ravaged Europe has also reached Spain, France and Portugal. Reports show that the number of bedbug cases in Spain increased by 71% in the first nine months of 2023, according to a report by Anticimex, a company specializing in pest control.

the situation is this Particularly serious in FranceThe infestation of bedbugs in public places such as public transportation, movie theater seats, schools and homes poses serious public health concerns.

In Portugal, pest control companies have warned that demand for the treatment of bedbug problems is increasing, especially in large urban centers such as Lisbon, and this is a real “plague” in the country.

Bedbugs or Cimex lectularius

Scientifically known bed bugs Cimex lectulariusare blood sucking insects They feed mainly on human blood. but they can also be fed with other pets. They usually bite at night and are difficult to detect due to their small size and ability to hide in inaccessible places. Although they do not transmit disease, the infestation can become uncontrollable within two to three months if quick action is not taken.

The best way to detect their presence is to look for physical signs such as: Blood stains on the sheets or dark colored stools in rest areas. If their presence is confirmed, it is crucial to contact pest control experts for eradication as they are resistant to home treatments and each case requires a varied approach for effective control.

How to get rid of bedbugs according to La Ordenatriz

The La Ordenatriz account, which specializes in home cleaning and organization tips and already has over 1.2 million followers on Instagram, got to work and gave us home remedies that we can apply at home if necessary.

First, you should wash all bedding, including pajamas, at at least 60 degrees and put everything in the dryer if possible.

The most common type of bedbugs is nesting in the seams of mattresses and headboards, so we must vacuum these areas very well. Then we spray the bed and all these areas with isopropyl alcohol. In this sense, La Ordenatriz states that “this is not pharmacy or cleansing alcohol (although it may contain it, but not in sufficient quantities to be effective in this case).” They sell in pharmacies, DIY stores and on Amazon. It also has other names such as Isopranol or Propanol. “It is a chemical compound commonly used as a disinfectant (hand wipes contain small amounts) and also in cleaning (part of many products).” It was also warned that this liquid is flammable, so it should not be stored near heat sources and gloves should always be used when handling it. You should also be careful when breathing it in, so you should use a mask to apply it as a precaution.

After an hour, we will once again apply the maximum heat possible to our iron in these areas.

Other areas where bedbugs may be found.

It is also common for these insects to nest in the box spring area and under the mattress, so you will need to repeat the previous process in these areas. Another of their favorite places is cracks in the floor, furniture or baseboards. Therefore the same process and to the extent possible, Seal any cracks with silicone or painter’s tape.

Once you’re done vacuuming, it’s important to remove the ball and throw it in the trash. On the other hand, put the garbage in the container, do not leave it at home to take it out later.

As La Ordenatriz explains, “Cleaning of the bed and affected areas should be done at least three times a week. If there is no improvement within two weeks, there is no choice but to call the pest control company.”

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Other tips from La Ordenatriz against bedbugs

  • Anti-bedbug covers It should be placed at the beginning of treatment to prevent new nests from forming.
  • Do not remove furniture from the room. Take paintings and similar items, clean them and put them in plastic bags in the same room or send them to landfill.
  • Never put your suitcase on the bed, neither at the hotel nor at home.. When you return from a trip, spray the suitcase with alcohol and put it in a plastic bag and avoid using it for as long as possible.
  • In this time of plague, Do not collect furniture or items from containers on the street, no matter how good their situation is.