How to Get Rid of Bed Lice

A professional can help get rid of bed lice.

If you have identified bed lice in your household, completely getting rid of the infestation will require professional assistance. However, there are things you can do around the house to help manage this pest and prevent it from returning.

1. Hire a pest management professional in your area to inspect your household and eliminate infestations. Removing infestations requires knowing what type of pesticides to use and how to locate and identify infestations. Without the help of a professional, you will not be able to fully rid your home of bed lice, nor will you be able to identify if your home is completely clear of infestation.

2. Vacuum your home on a regular basis, using the hose tool to clean furniture, drapery and other areas where bed lice may hide.

3. Repair the parts of your home where bed lice can live, such as torn wallpaper or cracks in the wall.

4. Fit your bed with a sealed protective cover. This will prevent bed lice from getting into your mattress and will help you preserve the mattress it if is already infested by starving off the existing bed lice. Check the cover regularly for tears and replace when necessary.

5. Wash your bedsheets on a regular basis using hot water and dry with high heat for at least 30 minutes. Switch to light colored bedsheets so that you have a better opportunity to look for the signs of an infestation.

6. Move furniture, storage boxes and other items away from the bed. Isolate the bed away from the walls and remove any bed skirts or ruffles.

Tip

When you travel, immediately wash all of your clothing upon returning home and dry for at least 30 minutes on high heat. Place items you cannot wash in your freezer for two weeks to kill any potential bed lice.

Warning

Do not attempt to use pesticides to handle the infestation yourself. Exposure to pesticides can be harmful to your health and may not be effective in clearing out your infestation. Bed lice build up resistance to pesticides over time and can lay dormant until the pesticide has dissipated.