How can I get rid of bed bugs?

How can I get rid of bed bugs?
The NJ Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) recommends that
homeowners hire a pest control professional licensed by the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to evaluate what type of pest
is present, and to exterminate them if required.
If bed bugs are suspected then a licensed pest controller
should be consulted. A careful inspection must be
undertaken and all possible hiding places within infested
and adjoining rooms examined. Once all likely sources
have been identified, then an approved insecticide,
which has some residual activity, should be applied to all
harbourages. The synthetic pyrethroids are often the
main chemicals used for control in Australia; however
these are not very effective and can even repel the
bugs. The carbamates and the organophosphates are
far more effective for control, but may not be
recommended for use on mattresses (check the label).
Non-chemical approaches to control involve the use of hot air and/or wrapping up
infested materials in black plastic and placing the articles in the sun, thereby
killing the bed bugs with the heat generated. However this should only be used
for small items, if at all. Clothes can be washed in hot water and dried on the hot
cycle of the clothes dryer. Delicate materials can be placed into the freezer.
Generally, pesticides will need to be applied in conjunction with any nonchemical
means of control. Good housekeeping practices and a reduction in
possible harbourages such as cracks and crevices will discourage repeat
infestations. As bed bugs are cryptic in their habits, complete control is often
difficult to achieve with the first treatment. This is especially so with heavy
infestations and thus a post control treatment evaluation is always advisable.
Licensed applicators should always provide proof of their licensure and their
company’s licensure upon request.