I found a dead bed bug what do i do?

Did you wake up one morning to find a lifeless body of an unwanted guest on your sheets? Fear not! This article will teach you all about dealing with dead bed bugs (ew, gross). No need to call pest control… yet.

Identifying Dead Bed Bugs

Before we dive into the process, let’s first address how to identify if it truly is a dead bed bug.

Appearance

Don’t be fooled. Just because it’s unmoving does not mean it is necessarily deceased. Look for these key characteristics:

• Flat body shape
• Brownish-red color (if unfed)
• Elongated shape^(1)
• 6 legs and two antennae
  • Pro-tip: If they have shorter front legs than back legs then RUN, you’ve got yourself some spider-looking creature (GAAAHHH)!

If its appearance matches these indicators, congratulations! You have just identified a common enemy of many homeowners across the world.

The smell test

Yes..you read that right…smell them.
Bedbugs give off quite an unpleasant aroma(that’s putting it lightly). So before sending them off, take whiff^(2).

What should they smell like?
None..there should be no scent coming from them whatsoever.

If something smells ‘off’ (read: unbearable horror), then consider contacting an exterminator or professional cleaning service as soon as possible.

Now that that’s out of the way, here are actionable steps for disposal:

Ensure full eradication(disposal) ^(3)

You can’t have little Timmy accidentally sticking his hand into your trash and bringing those suckers[bedbugs] back in again can you now?

Step 1: Collect & Contain Bed Bug Corpse

First things first — place the bug corpse in some sort of container such as a ziploc bag, sealed jar or container with a lid. Restricting movement will definitely bring them and their offspring( shudders) to a screeching halt.

Step 2: Choose a method

Trash Bin

One of the easiest ways is disposing them in your outdoor waste bin but be sure it’s lined especially so that no pesky critters (raccoons, cats etc) can get at it.

Some municipalities also have regulations on how bedbugs should be discarded^(4) which can include proof showing that they’ve been destroyed before discharging into the trash.

Always follow proper disposal procedures depending on where you live as not all locations may accept this option. You don’t want any trouble with management

Burning ; Plant compost Heap

Burning does come off as an eco-friendly (albeit aggressive) way of ensuring full elimination.Not only do you rid yourself of ‘dead weight’ but you’re able to cook marshmallows afterwards as well (read: dont actually try that). But keep in mind-This option requires extra responsibility since open burning isn’t allowed within city limits,gasoline or kerosene(which is bad for the environment unless shrouded by necessary coverings) are dangerous . Be sure to double-check city restrictions and take required safety precautions.

Plant compost heap works too! Stuff the bug corpse somewhere deep within there(it;s browns anyways),and watch nature do its thing!(i mean making fertilizer)

Prevention

You know what’s worse than finding dead bed bugs? Finding alive ones(everytime we mention these pests we start itching randomly,this haba has really done us plenty harm lol).

Preventative measures exclude some methods such using certain types of sprays here(place actual name type I/we aren;t English majors please).

The following tips could absolutely help prevent future infestations:

Keep Things Clean.

It’s time spring clean times 10. Practice cleanliness in areas most prone to bed bug activity, such as beds or upholstered furniture this include being checked into hotels.

Do this by:
– Regularly washing your bed linens (wash up to a temperature of at least 60°C)
(tell me you didn’t know that)
– Vacuuming surfaces (mattress seams and edges especially)
– Disposing clutter on the floor including empty cardboard boxes

Keep Things Organized.

Clutter gives bugs more hiding spots so declutter your environment

Sealable Beddings!

Gosh have we talked about how much stuff bed bugs are able to infiltrate through…including zippers.

• An encasement traps any trapped inside out forcing them starve from lack of food(obviously)(takes approximately upto several months).

If they’re trapped outside then even better for yourself!

Prevention starts with identifying common signs like blood spotting,stains or droppings(if all these don’t gross you out).

The Takeaway

Dead bedbugs should be handled carefully while still adhering to proper protocols when it comes disposal.There isn’t just one solution but depending on the situation some options work better than others considering future impact . Constant vigilance is key – keep living spaces clean and uncluttered along with sealing up potential entry markers^(5), also employing measures(such as protective sealants/bands/mats) goes aways too!

But once again, if you do find resistance(or live where relevant disposal information/materials are inaccessible)-contact professionals immediately..don’t risk losing a precious arm(particularly given its summonistic properties).

Who would have thought that one day our knowledge would extend beyond simply squashing bug corpses! Or worse still using random concoctions purely because Mr Nwosu suggesteed it worked sometime ago lol.We hope that hasn’t left you feeling skincrawls-y ‘cuz it did us!

SOURCES:
1. University of Florida
2. US EPA Guide
3. PestHacks
4. Bed Bug Laws and Regulations
5.Consumer Reports Magazine