Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite!

I've got to stop watching Doctor Oz. Everyday he has something on there that's going to kill me. Last week he had a disturbing show on bedbugs. They were common in the United States before World War II, but with the widespread use of DDT during the 1940s and ‘50s, the bugs all but vanished. In recent years bedbugs have made a comeback.

I don't want to ruin your day so if you get the HEEBIE JEEBIES about bugs, stop reading NOW!

Dr. Oz says they lurk in the mattress, or under the bed or furniture waiting for us to go to sleep and then they come and feast. There are ways that bedbugs are getting into our homes. Staying overnight in a motel is a main way, they hitchhike home with you. Also they get in your luggage and ride home that way. They showed the bites, and they usually come in 3's. Dr. Oz said, "Think breakfast, lunch and dinner...all in one night!"

I have to tell you that show scared the pants off me. I went to bed thinking about what he had said and about 2 in the morning, I woke up turned the lights on and proceeded to do a search of my covers! I even put my reading glasses on. I did find some burgundy color lint from the sheets and that nearly gave me a heart attack, but I didn't find any bugs, thank God.

So here are the tips they gave for keeping the nasty little buggers out of Home Sweet Home...

Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum
Probably the single most effective invention in pest control is the vacuum cleaner. It's your friend; use it, and use it often.

Travel Safe
When you arrive at a hotel never put your suitcase or bags on the floor, use a suitcase stand. When you come home, don't leave the suitcase unpacked in the guest room for a week. Instead, immediately empty it, washing and drying clothes on high heat before you put them back in the dresser.

Clear the Clutter
Apartment-dwellers, brace yourselves. Don't store stuff under your bed. Keep the floors clear of bins, piles of shoes, and other places where a homeless bug could find shelter.

Cover Up
Invest in a high-quality, bedbug-proof mattress and box spring cover. Keep your mattress off the floor and away from the wall. Make sure no blankets or bed skirts hang onto the floor.

The Dryer Is Your New BFF
To keep your home safe, wash sheets and towels regularly on high heat. Thirty minutes in a dryer on high heat will kill the bugs and their eggs. Use extra detergent when you wash. The bugs don't fare well in sudsy water.

I'm a pretty clean person, other than dust and a few stray spider webs that I can't see unless it's a sunny day...but I draw the line at bedbugs. I don't care how much Orkin would charge to eradicate, I would pay it without complaining. Short of wearing a flea collar, I will do whatever it takes to keep them out of my house. Since Hubby travels a lot with his job I took notes when Dr. Oz said the way to get rid of them on clothes is HOT water and HOT dryer. The way to get rid of them on suitcases is freeze it.

I am so looking forward to Winter here in Arkansas!