Why You Shouldn't Spray Bed Bugs With Store bought Solutions
Are you dealing with a bed bug infestation and considering using store bought solutions to exterminate them? Bed bugs can attach to items like bed sheets, furniture, and clothing, and when not properly dealt with, bed bugs spread easily.
Many people try to treat bed bug infestations themselves because it seems like the quickest and easiest solution. But when it comes to bed bug infestations, store bought or DIY methods almost always exacerbate the problem.
This blog post explains why you shouldn’t try to deal with a bed bug infestation with store bought solutions, and answers some frequently asked questions about dealing with a bed bug infestation.
Why You Shouldn’t Treat Bed Bugs Yourself
Dealing with bed bugs is no fun, and it is even worse when you unknowingly create a larger issue because you used a solution that simply will not work. A lot of over-the-counter bug sprays are advertised to be effective, but with bed bugs, it is a different story.
Common solutions like “bug bombs” are only effective for flea infestations, not bed bug infestations. Using a “bomb” or a “fogger” will only drive the bedbugs into a different area of your home, allowing them to multiply and be an even bigger headache for you in the future.
Over-the-counter pesticides are both ineffective on bed bugs and dangerous to your loved ones living in your home.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) released a joint statement on bed bugs, which included that, “Residents may use over-the-counter or homemade preparations that are ineffective (or even dangerous) and may promote further resistance.”
Using store bought pesticides not only puts your loved ones at risk, but it also creates a larger
bed bug problem in the long run.
So, what is the quickest and easiest way to get rid of bed bugs?
Hire a Pest Control Company Today
The most effective way to take care of your bed bug infestation is to hire a professional pest control company that has the tools and expertise to successfully exterminate all the bed bugs from your home.
It is important to emphasize that choosing the right pest control company is crucial for receiving effective treatment. Here are a few tips on how to find a reputable pest control company:
- Look for certifications and licensing: Pest control companies that have proper licensing and certifications should be willing to show these documents to you. Certified pest control technicians go through extensive training so that they know exactly how to eliminate many different kinds of pests. Working with companies without certified technicians can pose health threats to your family because the technicians are not held to the higher standards that certified pest control technicians are held to.
- Look at customer reviews: Customer reviews are a valuable tool to gauge the quality of services a company offers, as well as the quality of customer service. You can find customer reviews on a company’s Google Business page, Yelp, and sometimes even the company’s website. Make sure to look at a decent amount of reviews so that you can get a good feel for how it is working with that pest control company.
- Choose an experienced company: When it comes to pest control, a company’s experience is a key indicator of how successful they are going to be in treating your infestation. Be sure to choose a pest control company that has been around for a while. An experienced pest control company will do a much better job than a new one because they have seen and experienced all kinds of pest infestations. They know what they are doing, while new companies may not.
If you would like to learn more about how to choose a pest control company, check out this blog post.
We know that you probably have questions, so we have answers. Let’s take a closer look at some of the frequently asked questions associated with hiring a professional pest control company to eradicate your bed bug infestation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bed Bugs
You may still have some questions about bed bugs and how to get rid of them. Here are some frequently asked questions to look at:
- What are the signs of a bed bug infestation?
There are several signs that you need to look for, including bed bug excrement that looks like tiny spots of blood, crushed dead bed bugs, bed bug bites, and live bed bugs.
- How long does it take to get rid of bed bugs?
It will take at least three weeks to completely get rid of all the bed bugs in your home. This is because while one insecticide treatment may kill the adult bed bugs, there are eggs that do not die from the treatment that will need to be treated once they hatch.
It is a good idea to have the pest control technicians come back out a few weeks after the initial treatment so that they can finish off any hatched bed bugs or stragglers that were missed the first time.
- How do I kill bed bug eggs myself?
If you want to try and kill the bed bug eggs that are on your sheets, blankets, or pillowcases, you can put your items in the dryer at 125F for thirty minutes.
- Are bed bugs a hygiene issue?
No, poor hygiene does not result in having bed bugs, however, it is still important to wash your bedsheets and clothes often. While hygiene does not play a direct role in causing bed bug infestations, it certainly helps to have a clean space so you can see the signs of infestation earlier. Bed bugs feed on human blood, so regardless of whether your space is clean or not, bed bugs will invade your home.
- Do bed bugs carry diseases?
No. Bed bugs are not known to carry diseases. Any infection related to bed bug bites results from scratching the bite and leaving an open wound exposed. Bed bugs do not carry or transmit diseases.
How To Move Forward
With this information, you may not know exactly how to move forward. Start by giving the professionals a call. Here at Bugout, we know exactly how to attack even the toughest infestations. With over 35 years of experience, we know how to quickly and safely get your home pest-free. If you would like to find out more, request a quote or give us a call at 410-648-2370.
