How Bed Bug Exterminators Find Bugs
Are you having trouble sleeping because of itchy red bites on your skin? Have you noticed rusty brown spots on your mattress or bed frame? These signs could be indicative of a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on blood and hide in the tiniest crevices around your bed and other areas of your home. Don’t worry, though – professional bed bug exterminators have seen it all before and know exactly how to find and eliminate these pesky bugs. In this article, we’ll explore their methods and what you need to know to avoid a bed bug infestation in the future.
What are Bed Bugs and Where do They Hide
Bed bugs are tiny insects that are usually less than five millimeters in length. They are flat and oval-shaped and are commonly found in beds, mattresses, and box springs – which is how they got their name. They can also hide in other furniture like chairs, sofas, and dressers, inside outlets, behind picture frames, and within curtain folds. These bugs are most active at night and feed on the blood of humans and sometimes animals. Look for rusty brown spots on your sheets and mattress, which are from bed bug fecal matter, as well as for their tiny white eggs and translucent shells.
The Different Methods Exterminators use to Identify Bed Bugs
To properly identify a bed bug infestation, a bed bug exterminator will use a variety of methods, such as visual inspections, canine detection, and traps. Visual inspections involve scouring each inch of your home, looking for bed bug evidence, such as bites, fecal matter, skin sheds, live bugs and eggs. Bed bug canines are specially trained dogs that can sniff out hidden infestations much faster than humans, and are used by some professional companies to find even single bed bugs. Traps can also be used to lure bed bugs with heat or carbon dioxide, which they seek out to find their next bloody meal.
Why Proper Preparation for an Extermination is Necessary
Before a bed bug extermination can begin, you will need to prepare your home to make the treatment more efficient. This involves washing and drying linens at the highest temperatures, vacuuming carpets and furniture, and decluttering your home and following any instructions given by the company prior to the start of the treatment. This will ensure that the bed bug exterminators can easily access and treat all the areas where bed bugs may be hiding, making the treatment more effective.
Why Heat Treatments are the Most Effective
Heat treatments are currently the most effective way to eliminate bed bugs. They use high temperatures to kill not only the adult bed bugs but also their eggs no matter where they’re hiding. In just one treatment, your home is bed bug free. The bed bug exterminators use specialized equipment to raise the temperature of your home to 120-150°F, which is lethal to all stages of bed bugs. Heat treatments are environmentally friendly and leave no chemical residue.
Why Chemical Treatments and Other Solutions Don’t Work
While chemical treatments can be an effective method for killing bed bugs, they often require multiple treatments and leave behind chemical residue that can be harmful to pets and humans. Bed bugs have also become resistant to some of the most commonly used pesticides, making chemical treatments less effective. Additionally, DIY solutions, such as essential oils and over-the-counter bug sprays, do not work effectively on bed bugs. They are not designed to penetrate bed bug eggs, so any eggs that are present will eventually hatch, requiring another chemical treatment and leading to a continuous cycle.
Tips to Avoid a Bed Bug Infestation in the Future
To avoid a bed bug infestation in the future, be cautious when traveling and staying in hotels. Always inspect the bed and furniture for signs of bed bugs before settling in and unpacking. Keep your home clutter-free and check second-hand furniture and clothing before bringing them inside. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, call a professional exterminator as soon as possible.
The Cost of an Extermination and What it Entails
The cost of a bed bug extermination varies based on the severity of the infestation and the size of your home. The initial inspection can range from $0-$200, and the treatment can range from $500-$1,500 or more, depending on the treatment method and the size of the home. This cost is well worth it to ensure a good night’s sleep and prevent further infestations.
Hunting Down Bugs
Bed bugs can be a nightmare to deal with, but with the help of an experienced exterminator, you can eliminate them from your home quickly and efficiently. Remember to prepare your home properly for the treatment, and consider heat treatments as the fastest, most effective solution. By following the tips to avoid a bed bug infestation in the future, you can ensure that your home remains bed bug-free. Don’t hesitate to call a bed bug exterminator if you suspect an infestation – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Bed Bug Barbeque
To get rid of bed bugs in your home, contact Bed Bug Barbeque for professional eradication services. We use only the safest and most effective techniques to eliminate every stage of bed bugs in just one day, without leaving any chemical residue. Plus, our bed bug exterminators are experienced and knowledgeable in finding even the most hidden bed bug infestations. Contact us today on our website or by calling (216) 221-1227 and get the peace of mind that comes with a bed bug-free home!
