Many people know the panicky feeling of seeing a bed bug infestation and wanting them gone immediately. These sneaky pests can be passed easily from visitors, hotel stays, or public transportation. Since timing is critical when dealing with pests, property owners have to make a quick decision about which treatment route to take. Some DIY sites advertise methods such as rubbing alcohol and essential oils for attacking bed bugs, but these solutions are not all-encompassing; they have be applied to each individual pest in order to be effective. Self-use bed bug spray can be useful if you know the exact hiding places of all the bugs but is unlikely to be a sustained solution. In addition, chemicals can be dangerous to family members and pets if not handled correctly. A professional pest control provider has experience finding the source of the bugs, identifying their behavior, and using a combination of techniques to eliminate them long-term.

Here are five ways professional exterminators blast bed bugs:

Heat Treatment: Bed bugs and their eggs are unable to survive after 90 minutes at temperatures of 118 degrees or above. Whole room heat treatments involve special machines that raise the temperature significantly higher than this for around six to eight hours can eliminate an existing infestation. This treatment requires that heat-sensitive items be removed from the area to prevent damage. This method is often used in combination with a preventative insecticide application.

Pesticide Dust or Spray: Contact insecticides can be dusted or sprayed on surfaces to both eliminate and prevent bugs in targeted locations.

Crevice Injection (Spot Treatment): Since bed bugs are hiders, and they seek out cracks and voids, additional chemicals are used in these commonly infested areas.

Mattress Encasement: Encasements can also be used reactively or proactively to target bed bugs. Once mattresses are encased, bed bugs are unable to reach the interior of the mattress or box spring, making them easy to detect and eliminate on the outer surface.

Canine Inspection: A less-commonly known method of tackling bed bugs employs dogs. Bed bug canines are fast and efficient at searching entire buildings for the scent of bed bugs and their eggs. These inspections come with minimal disruption to furniture and flooring.

It is unlikely that all the bugs will be eliminated in one treatment, so most professionals recommend at least 2-3 visits for maximum results. In addition to these treatments, exterminators can provide regular, diligent inspections as a preventative measure. For more information about bed bug control services, contact a local pest control company.

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