Wiping down everything. A common misconception is that a house becomes infested with bed bugs because of nasty or unsanitary conditions. The fact is, bed bugs will inhabit any area that provides them with a place to hide and a food source. However, bed bugs can be discovered and eliminated to a great degree with regular, thorough cleaning. You will need a bucket of hot, soapy water and a cleaning cloth, sticky tape (the wide, clear kind works best), a flashlight, and an old playing card or credit card. Shine the flashlight at an angle so that smaller bed bugs and eggs will cast a shadow for easier detection. Slide the card into cracks and crevices, forcing the bed bugs out into the open. Use a piece of the clear tape to trap the bugs. Dip the cloth into the hot water and wipe down surfaces near where bed bugs have been detected. Be prepared – more bed bugs may appear as they will be attracted to the heat of the water. Be ready to wipe them up with the cloth and deposit it in the bucket of water.
