Pest Control At Home: 6 Ways to Get Rid of Bugs from Your Upholstery and Furniture

There’s nothing more unsettling than discovering bugs have invaded your home, especially when they’ve set up camp in your precious upholstery and furniture. Whether it’s pesky ants, stubborn bedbugs, or voracious termites, these unwanted guests can quickly turn your cozy haven into a nightmare.

Fortunately, there are effective ways to evict them and restore peace to your home. In this article, we’ll explore six strategies for getting rid of bugs from your upholstery and furniture, helping you maintain a clean and bug-free living space.

Regular Cleaning and Vacuuming

The first line of defense against upholstery and furniture bugs is a consistent cleaning routine. Regularly vacuuming your upholstery and furniture will help eliminate dust, crumbs, and other food sources that attract pests. 

Make sure to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to ensure that even tiny bug eggs and larvae are captured. Pay special attention to crevices, seams, and any other hard-to-reach areas where bugs might hide. 

After vacuuming, empty the vacuum bag or canister outside your home to prevent bugs from escaping back into your living space.

Professional Pest Control Services

Sometimes, a bug infestation becomes too overwhelming to handle on your own. In such cases, it’s wise to call in the professionals. Pest control experts have the knowledge, tools, and experience to deal with even the most stubborn infestations.

Consider hiring Terminix Pest Control, a leader in the industry, for top-notch pest control services. They can use specialized treatments to eradicate bugs effectively. 

Additionally, they can provide advice on preventive measures to keep your upholstery and furniture bug-free in the future.

Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning is a powerful tool in the fight against upholstery and furniture bugs. It not only kills bugs and their eggs but also sanitizes your upholstery, making it a less appealing habitat for pests.

You can rent a steam cleaner or hire a professional upholstery cleaner to do the job.

Before starting, remove any loose cushions and washable covers, if possible. Slowly move the steam cleaner over the entire surface of your upholstery, paying close attention to seams and folds. 

The heat from the steam will effectively eliminate bugs and their eggs, leaving your furniture bug-free and refreshed.

Natural Repellents

If you prefer natural solutions for bug control, several household items can help repel insects from your upholstery and furniture. For instance:

• Essential Oils: Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can act as natural bug repellents. Mix a few drops of your chosen oil with water and spray it on your upholstery and furniture. Reapply as needed.

• Diatomaceous Earth: This natural, non-toxic substance is composed of fossilized algae. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on your upholstery and furniture, focusing on bug-prone areas. It acts as a desiccant, drying out and ultimately killing bugs.

• Vinegar: A mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar can deter ants and other insects. Spray it on your furniture, but be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric or finish.

Encase Your Mattresses and Furniture

When dealing with persistent bedbug infestations, encasements can be a lifesaver. Mattress and furniture encasements are specially designed covers that fully encase your mattress or upholstered furniture, sealing bedbugs and their eggs inside. 

They are typically made of tightly woven fabric that bedbugs cannot penetrate. Before encasing your mattress or furniture, thoroughly clean and vacuum the surfaces. Then, carefully install the encasement, ensuring it is securely closed. 

This prevents bedbugs from escaping or reinfesting your sleeping or sitting areas. Regularly inspect the encasements for any tears or damage.

Preventative Measures

Prevention is often the most effective way to keep bugs away from your upholstery and furniture. Here are some preventative measures to consider:

• Regular Inspection: Routinely inspect your upholstery and furniture for signs of bugs, such as droppings, shed skins, or actual insects. Early detection can prevent a small problem from becoming a major infestation.

• Sealing Cracks and Gaps: Seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s walls, floors, and windows to prevent bugs from entering in the first place.

• Keep a Clean Home: Maintain good hygiene and cleanliness in your home. Store food in airtight containers, regularly clean up crumbs and spills, and take out the trash promptly.

• Use Furniture Covers: Consider using furniture covers that are designed to protect against pests. These covers can be particularly helpful for upholstered items.

Bugs in your upholstery and furniture can be a frustrating and unsightly problem, but with the right strategies and consistent efforts, you can regain control of your living space. Whether you choose to go the natural route, use professional services, or adopt preventative measures, the key is to act promptly and decisively. 

By following the tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your upholstery and furniture remain bug-free, allowing you to enjoy a pest-free home for years to come.