No matter how diligently you tackle one aspect of extermination, you are still just applying one of several needed methods for getting rid of bed bugs.
A Multifaceted Approach:
Killing bed bugs requires diligence and determination, because there are many steps that must be taken in order to get rid of the pests completely. In addition to thorough inspection, cleaning, and sanitation of the home and belongings, an insecticide will need to be administered to the home by a licensed pest control professional.The Need for an Exterminator:
Hiring an exterminator is an aspect of bed bug removal that tempts a lot of home owners to cut corners. Most homeowners share common fears about bringing an exterminator into their homes.Some fears are- being overcharged for insufficient work, or household members being exposed to pesticides that can cause long term health damage. These fears sometimes result in homeowners ditching the option of contacting an exterminator all together, and can actually waste more money than it appears to be saving.
The results of not hiring an exterminator can be more disastrous than dealing with the bed bugs themselves, in most cases:
- Without proper application of insecticides alongside other extermination methods, bed bugs will continue to infest the home, sometimes for months.
- Furniture and personal effects that could have been salvaged initially may have to be discarded, resulting in major emotional and financial loss.
- Residents of bed bug ridden homes that attempt taking matters into their own hands can suffer dangerous health effects, as well as legal consequences. Improper handling of hazardous chemicals is unsafe, and often times illegal. It is against the law in most states for residents of bed bug infested homes to handle and distribute certain pesticides. It is also required by law that landlords over apartments or rental homes contact a licensed pest control professional to assess an infestation upon hearing of any issues from their tenant(s).
Why Can’t I Choose which Methods to Use?
Overall, cooperation with an exterminator is crucial to properly eliminating bed bugs from a residency. There may be methods or materials that you had wished to use for killing bed bugs that are more environmentally friendly, would save money, or that you feel would eliminate the bugs more thoroughly.And although some natural remedies may be administered in the future to work as preventative measures, keep in mind that it is unlikely that these substances alone will kill off bed bugs during an infestation. You need to have an action plan and use many different methods at the same time to kill bed bugs. These basic steps are:
- Organize your furniture
- Vacuum your bed frame every day
- Seal your mattress with mattress cover (no air can go inside)
- Wash, dry with heat and store cloths in sealed plastic bags
- Wash your bed sheets everyday under high temperature
- Store your electronics in sealed plastic bags and put them in the refrigerator
- and more..
Bed bugs are, after all, highly troublesome pests that are not simple to kill. Pesticides will inevitably need to be administered, and would be best done so in the hands of a professional.
What Should I Look for in an Exterminator?
When searching for a good exterminator, seek quality over quantity. Search for a reputable exterminator with good word of mouth, and plenty of experience in dealing with bed bugs. Then work with your exterminator at all times, mapping out a plan of action and sticking to it strictly.When Will I See Results?
Following all instructions carefully and taking steps to clean the home in preparation for the exterminator’s arrival will help things run more smoothly. Be patient, and do not expect an overnight miracle.Killing the bugs can take up to three extermination sessions, which are done in two week intervals. And you should wash your cloths and bed sheets everyday. Hopefully, you can expect the bed bugs to be completely dead within roughly two month’s time.
Good luck!
The information about bed bugs that I have researched, collected is to help the growing numbers of bed bug sufferers.