You just found out bed bugs have invaded your couch and probably the whole home. It’s vital to take immediate action to prevent the infestation from spreading if they have not already spread.
The first thing to do is to identify how bad is the bed bug problem in your couch.
You need to carefully inspect every corner, crevice, and seam for signs of these tiny pests. Keep an eye out for live bugs, shed skins, or tiny reddish-brown fecal spots.
Once you’re confident in the location of the infestation, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and combat these unwanted house guests.
We will provide a step-by-step guide on how to get bed bugs out of a couch.
Identifying a Bed Bug Infestation
a) Inspecting the Couch with a Flashlight and Magnifying Glass
To identify a bed bug problem in your couch, start by thoroughly inspecting the entire piece of furniture. Use a flashlight to illuminate hidden areas and a magnifying glass to see the ting bed bugs and bed bug eggs.
Pay close attention to seams, folds, and edges of the upholstery. Bed bugs love to hide in the folds or in dark places within a couch. You can even use a credit card to get into tight crevices and separate fabric folds.
b) Signs of Infestation
Some common signs of a bed bug infestation in your couch include:
- Live bed bugs: Small, reddish-brown insects, usually about the size of an apple seed (4-5 mm in length).
- Bed bug eggs: Tiny, white, and oval-shaped, typically found in clusters.
- Skins: Translucent, empty exoskeletons of bed bugs after molting.
- Fecal stains: Dark brown or black spots, often clustered in groups or along seams.
c) Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites are one of the best ways to know if you have a bed bug problem.
These bites generally appear as small, red, and itchy raised bumps on the skin. They may be clustered or in a linear pattern, depending on how the bed bugs have fed.
However, bites alone are not definitive evidence of an infestation, as they can be easily confused with other insect bites or skin conditions.
If a family member comes to me after sleeping and shows me insect bites, I head immediately to the bed to check for live bed bugs or fecal stains.
We actually had a bed bug on our couch years ago that my wife found when she was laying on the couch one night. She was laying there and happened to look over to see a bug crawling towards her and she immediately freaked out.
She was smart because she grabbed a glass and caught it so I could examine it. Sure, enough it was a bed bug. I will tell you what we did to make sure we killed them all in the treatment section.
d) Blood Stains and Feces
Another sign of bed bug infestation is the presence of blood stains and feces on your couch. Bed bugs feed on human blood, and the stains are usually small, reddish-brown spots left behind after they’ve fed.
Their feces appear as dark brown or black smears, often found on seams and folds. If you notice these signs, it’s essential to perform a thorough inspection to confirm the presence of bed bugs in your furniture.
Preparing the Couch for Treatment
Removing Cushions and Bedding
The first step in treating a couch for bed bugs is to remove any cushions, pillows, and bedding from the couch.
Lay them out on a clean surface, preferably on top of a plastic sheet or tarp. This will make it easier to inspect and treat the items for bed bugs.
Vacuuming the Couch and Surrounding Areas
Next, use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the couch and the surrounding areas. Be sure to vacuum all sides of the couch, as well as any crevices and cracks where bed bugs could be hiding.
Pay special attention to seams, folds, and edges, as these are common hiding spots for bed bugs. After vacuuming, immediately seal and dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the container outside to prevent bed bugs from escaping.
Treating Your Couch for Bed Bugs
I. Using Heat Treatment
One effective method to eliminate bed bugs from your couch is by using heat treatments. Bed bugs cannot survive temperatures above 122°F (50°C) and exposing them to high temperatures will effectively kill them.
You will have to hire a company that has special heating machines to do this, and it is not cheap. I did the whole house once when I found bed bugs in one of my rental properties and that cost me $1,500.
II. Steam Cleaning the Couch
Another option for treating your couch is steam cleaning, which also leverages heat to exterminate bed bugs. Here’s how:
- Use a commercial steamer specifically designed for bed bug control, as it can reach higher temperatures than standard steam cleaners.
- Slowly steam the entire couch, paying close attention to seams, folds, and cushions where bed bugs are more likely to hide.
- Allow the couch to dry completely before using it again to avoid mold or mildew growth.
III. Applying Insecticides and Chemical Treatments
Lastly, you can consider using insecticides and chemical treatments to get bed bugs out of your couch. When selecting a product, make sure it is specifically labeled for bed bug control and that you can use it on furniture.
Here are some important steps to follow:
- Read the product label carefully and follow the instructions for proper application and safety precautions.
- Apply the insecticide to the infested areas, focusing on seams, folds, and corners, where bed bugs are likely to be hidden.
- Avoid using repellent insecticides, as they can cause bed bugs to scatter and prolong the infestation.
- Check for re-infestation every two weeks and re-apply treatment as needed, following the product’s label directions.
Remember to take proper safety precautions when using heat treatments, steam cleaning, and chemical treatments to ensure the effective and safe elimination of bed bugs from your couch.
Bed Bug Kit
This is the perfect kit to get rid of bed bugs from your couch and your home if they have spread.
You get four cans of Bedlam, 1 bottle of FenvaStar EcoCap, a bottle of Cimexa Dust, Steri-Fab bed bug spray, and 1 hand dusting tool.
IV. Throw the Couch Out
If the couch is infested just throw the couch out. If your house is infested, you may have to declutter the home to get rid of the bed bugs.
Once they are gone you can buy a new couch. I have seen many people throw out mattresses and couches to get rid of bed bugs.
Eliminating Bed Bugs Other Ways
Using Bed Bug Traps and Interceptors
To help eliminate bed bugs, consider using bed bug traps and interceptors. These devices can help you detect and monitor the presence of bed bugs in your furniture, including couches, mattresses, and box springs.
To use these tools, place them under the legs of your furniture, which will intercept bed bugs trying to climb up or down.
Additionally, some traps and interceptors use adhesive surfaces to capture the bed bugs. You can check these traps regularly and replace them when necessary.
This will not get rid of bed bugs it will help you to know if they are all gone after the treatments from the pest control company.
Hiring a Pest Control Service
If the bed bug infestation persists and you’re unable to eliminate them from your couch and other furniture, it’s time to consider hiring a professional pest control service.
These professionals have the expertise, equipment, and treatment methods to help you get rid of bed bugs effectively.
When hiring a pest control service, be sure to:
- Research and select a reputable company with experience in dealing with bed bug infestations
- Discuss the treatment options available and choose the most suitable method for your situation
- Check out this site to find the right pest control company.
Remember, it’s essential to prepare your home before the pest control service visit. This may include:
- Washing and drying all your laundry, bedding, and clothing at high temperatures to kill bed bugs
- Vacuuming your furniture, floors, and other surfaces thoroughly to remove any visible bed bugs and their eggs
- Encasing your mattress and box spring in bed bug-proof covers to prevent further infestation
By using a combination of pest control methods you can effectively eliminate bed bugs from your couch and other furniture.
Conclusion
In the end, successfully removing bed bugs from your couch requires a thorough and persistent approach. Begin by thoroughly vacuuming your couch, paying special attention to seams, crevices, and other hiding spots for bed bugs.
Next, consider using a steam cleaner on your couch, as the high heat can effectively kill bed bugs at all life stages.
You can also use the commercial insecticide that we have listed. This is commercial grade so make sure to protect yourself and follow the directions.
Take additional steps to prevent a reinfestation, such as:
- Regularly inspecting your couch and other furniture for signs of bed bugs
- Washing and drying any removable cushions or covers on high heat settings
- Encasing your couch in a bed bug-proof cover, if available for your furniture type
Finally, consider contacting a professional exterminator if the infestation persists or worsens. They have access to stronger pesticides and specialized equipment to help eradicate bed bugs from your home.
By following these steps and being vigilant about prevention, you stand a good chance of successfully removing bed bugs from your couch and reclaiming your home from these unwelcome pests.
