Getting rid of bedbugs in books: Housekeeping tips

Bed bugs can be your worst nightmare - they aren't easy to notice at first, and then it's often too late to get rid of them completely.

But you still can do it, you manage to find all their nests and destroy their eggs everywhere - including books.

Here are a few tips on what you can do to get rid of bedbugs in your home library.

Isolate the Infested Books

First, you need to find out which books have bedbugs. Look for tiny bugs or small dark spots on the pages or covers. 

Once you find them, separate the infested books from the others to prevent the bugs from spreading.

Freeze the Books

Bedbugs can't survive extreme cold. Put the infested books in a plastic bag and seal it tightly. 

Place the bag in the freezer for about 4 days. This will kill the bedbugs and their eggs.

Heat Treatment

Another way to kill bedbugs is with heat. You can put the infested books in an oven, but be very careful not to damage them. 

Set your oven to the lowest temperature (around 120°F) and put the books inside for a few hours. 

Make sure to monitor them closely to prevent overheating.

Vacuum Thoroughly

After freezing or heating, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to carefully remove any dead bed bugs, eggs, or tiny particles from the books' pages and covers.

Wipe Down

Gently wipe the covers and pages of the books with a damp cloth to remove any remaining traces of bedbugs.

Seal Books in Plastic

To prevent future infestations, store your books in plastic bags or containers with tight-fitting lids. This will help keep bedbugs away.

Inspect Regularly

Keep an eye on your books regularly. If you see any signs of bed bugs returning, repeat the freezing or heating process.

Conclusion

Remember that extreme temperatures are your best tool to fight bed bugs!
 

• Related news:
• bedbugs
• pests
• tips
• 28 September 2023

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