This post may contain affiliate links which means as an Amazon Associate, this site may earn a small commission on qualified purchases made through links at no extra cost to you. Learn more on Affiliate Disclosure
Bed bugs are a common household pest that can cause a lot of anxiety and discomfort. If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation in your home, you may be wondering when it’s time to call in a professional exterminator. In this article, we’ll explore the signs that you should look out for and the circumstances that may require the help of an exterminator.
While there are some DIY methods that you can try, such as vacuuming and steam cleaning, these may not be effective in completely eradicating the infestation. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of, and trying to eliminate them on your own can be a daunting task. That’s why it’s important to know when it’s time to call in an expert.
If you’re dealing with a significant bed bug infestation, or if you’re unsure of the extent of the problem, it’s best to contact an exterminator. They will have the knowledge and expertise to identify the severity of the infestation and recommend an effective treatment plan that will eliminate the bed bugs from your home. So, when should you call an exterminator for bed bugs? Let’s dive into the details.
Where Do Bed Bugs Come From? Tracing their Roots
Bed bugs are infamous hitchhikers and can travel in on luggage, clothing, furniture, and other belongings. They’re experts at hiding and can go long periods of time without a blood meal. This means they can be long-distance movers and quickly spread to new areas.
While anyone can get bed bugs, some groups are more at-risk than others. College students living in dormitories, for example, are especially vulnerable to bed bug infestations.
This is because bed bugs love to latch onto human warm blood and can easily move from one person to the next. And since people often share beds, couches, and other sleep areas, the chances of an infestation spreading are high.
Understanding the Severity of Infestation
The first step in understanding whether you need to call an exterminator is to understand the severity of your bed bug infestation.
Bed bugs are not known to carry any diseases, but their bites can often become infected, and their presence can be extremely frustrating and stressful.
If you think you might have bed bugs, do a thorough inspection of your home. Look for tiny black dots or blood stains on your sheets, and check in all the nooks and crannies where bed bugs could hide (behind picture frames, in crevices in furniture, etc.). If you find any evidence of bed bugs, it’s time to take action.
Is it Possible to Eliminate Them on Your Own?
Possible but it’s not easy. Even if you’re determined to take a DIY approach, it’s important to know your limits. For smaller infestations, there are a few solutions you can try, but for anything more serious, professional help is the only way to go.
If you’re thinking about tackling bed bugs on your own, here are a few things to keep in mind:
-First, it’s important to correctly identify the insect. Bed bugs look very similar to other common bugs, like fleas and ticks, so getting an accurate diagnosis is key.
-Second, research the best ways to get rid of them. There are a lot of options out there, and what works for one person might not work for another.
-Third, be prepared for a long battle. Eliminating bed bugs can be a time-consuming and frustrating process.
-Fourth, be patient! It may take a while before you see results.
What Kills Bed Bugs Instantly? Instant Solutions for Bed Bug Elimination
Getting rid of bed bugs can be a daunting task, but there are a few steps you can take to make sure that these pests never have a chance to invade your home. The first thing you should do is inspect your mattress and bedding for signs of bed bug activity: look for small brown spots on the fabric, as well as any evidence of bed bug eggs or live insects.
Related Article – Say Goodbye to Bed Bugs in Drawers
Home Remedies to Try Before Calling an Exterminator (DIY Control Methods)
Taking matters into your own hands with DIY control methods is one way to keep bed bugs under control. Keep in mind though, that it may not be the best solution for severe infestations.
But if you are looking to take some preventive steps or just want to know what’s out there as far as DIY methods are concerned, here are a few things to consider
Rubbing alcohol is a popular and effective DIY home treatment for bed bugs. Dilute it and place it in a spray bottle, then spray the infested areas – the alcohol will kill bed bugs almost immediately. There are also chemical treatments for bed bugs on the market, some of which are sold as suitable for use by homeowners directly. Pyrethrin is an insecticide extracted from chrysanthemums that is lethal to bed bugs.
Steam is another effective way to get rid of bed bugs. Apply steam slowly and carefully to the folds and tufts of mattresses, along bed frames and sofa seams, and around edges and corners where bugs may hide – both pests and their eggs immediately die at temperatures of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat treatments are also effective at killing bedbugs quickly. Licensed professionals with specialized equipment will heat your room to between 135°F (57.2°C) and 145°F (62.7 °C). Cryonite treatment is another way to kill bed bugs without using chemicals or heat – it uses carbon dioxide snow to freeze the pests.
It’s important to note that getting rid of bed bugs requires time to apply the treatment and then verify the results.
A professional exterminator might charge about $300 or more per room based on the level of infestation and size of the room You should not throw away your mattress because of bug infestation – instead, you should go for its treatment as it would also prevent it from spreading further.
Doing laundry, scrubbing, using mattress-safe insecticides, and bed-bug-proof covers can help get rid of bed bugs.
The Techniques and Tools Used by Professionals
If the infestation is too severe and you decide to call an exterminator, there are a few things you should know about their techniques and tools. Generally speaking, they use specialized methods such as chemical sprays, vacuuming, steaming, and insect growth regulators (IGRs) to get rid of bed bugs in homes.
Chemical sprays are pest control products that contain synthetic pyrethroid insecticides that kill bed bugs when sprayed. Vacuuming sucks up the bugs and eggs physically. Steaming is used to heat up furniture and other surfaces to a temperature hot enough to kill them. Lastly, IGRs stop or slow down their growth without actually killing the bugs.
Professionals also use specialized tools for detecting bed bugs, such as bed bug traps, monitors, and scent detectors. Bed bug detectors are designed to detect the radiated heat from humans or other warm-blooded animals, as well as the carbon dioxide that these animals produce, which attracts bed bugs. This allows professionals to determine whether there is an infestation or not.
Bed bug traps and monitors work by luring bed bugs into a sticky trap or monitoring device, which can help identify the severity of the infestation and the location of the bed bugs. Scent detectors, on the other hand, use specially trained dogs to sniff out bed bugs and pinpoint their location.
While these detection tools can be effective in identifying a bed bug infestation, they should only be used by trained professionals.
If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation in your home, it’s important to contact an exterminator who has the knowledge and expertise to identify and eliminate the problem.
Related Article – Will Replacing Carpet Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
The Process of Bed Bug Extermination: How Exterminators Tackle the Problem
When it’s time to hire an exterminator to tackle a bed bug infestation, it’s important to understand the process they will use to eliminate the problem. Exterminators use a variety of tools and techniques, such as heat treatments, chemical sprays, and freezing treatments.
Heat treatments are often the most effective method for dealing with a severe infestation. Exterminators will use specialized equipment to raise the temperature of the affected area to a level that bed bugs cannot survive. This method is effective because the high temperatures can penetrate walls, furniture, and other hiding places where bed bugs may be present.
Chemical sprays are another option that exterminators may use to eliminate bed bugs. However, it’s important to note that chemical sprays should only be administered by a professional for safety reasons. Exterminators have the knowledge and expertise to use these chemicals safely and effectively.
Freezing treatments may also be used to kill bed bugs in their hiding places. This method involves exposing the affected area to very low temperatures to freeze the bed bugs and their eggs. Like heat treatments, freezing treatments can be effective in reaching bed bugs in hard-to-reach areas.
No matter which technique is used, professional exterminators are trained in how to properly identify and treat bed bug infestations. By hiring an exterminator, you can ensure that your home will be free from Bed bugs.
When to Call an Exterminator
If you’ve noticed a significant number of bed bugs in your home, it may be time to seek professional help. While it’s possible to tackle the problem on your own, an exterminator is often the best solution, particularly for larger infestations or if you’re unable to identify the source of the problem.
Exterminators have experienced professionals who specialize in pest control. They have the expertise to quickly and accurately assess the extent of your infestation and create an effective plan for eliminating it completely.
Additionally, exterminators have access to insecticides that are more powerful than those available at retail stores, which allows them to take care of any nests or colonies that may be present.
One of the most significant advantages of hiring an exterminator is that they provide ongoing maintenance to ensure your home remains bed bug-free after treatment.
This is particularly important as bed bugs can be notoriously difficult to eradicate completely. An exterminator will be able to monitor the situation and provide follow-up treatments if necessary to ensure that the bed bugs don’t return.
Overall, if you’re dealing with a significant bed bug infestation, it’s worth considering hiring an exterminator to tackle the problem. They have the expertise, tools, and treatments necessary to eliminate bed bugs and keep them from coming back.
Related Article – Bed Bugs in Upholstered Headboard
Factors Impacting the Cost of Bed Bug Treatment
When it comes to hiring an exterminator for bed bug removal, it’s important to consider the cost of the services. However, there are a few other factors that can influence the overall cost of treatment.
One of the most significant factors is the severity of the infestation. The more bed bugs you have in your home, the more treatments will be required to eliminate them completely, resulting in higher costs.
The size of your home is another important factor, as exterminators may need more time and materials to treat larger homes or homes with multiple floors or rooms.
The location of your home can also affect the cost of pest control services. Some states have higher labor costs or additional regulations, which can lead to higher prices for bed bug removal. Each state also has its own laws regarding pesticide use, and certified professionals must follow specific rules and regulations when performing pest control services.
For example, some states require that certified experts be registered for certain specialties like termite control or rodent extermination. It’s important to be aware of these factors when considering the cost of hiring an exterminator for bed bug removal.
Fumigation is the most expensive method and can cost up to $8,000 per 1,000 square feet, while spot treatments with heat, steam, or freezing can cost as little as $1,000 to $3,000]. The length of the guarantee provided by the pest control provider may also impact the cost. Finally, emotional factors such as fear or anxiety about bed bugs can lead to higher costs due to additional treatments or services requested by customers.
Final Thoughts
So, what do you do if you think you have bed bugs? The best course of action is to call a professional exterminator. They will be able to inspect your home and determine the severity of the infestation and the best course of action for treatment.
However, there are some things you can do to try to control the bed bugs yourself in the meantime.
If you suspect you have bed bugs, it’s recommended to contact a professional exterminator. They will be able to assess the situation and provide the most effective solution for treatment.
In the meantime, you can try to control the infestation by following some DIY methods, but it’s important to note that professional extermination is the best option for a complete resolution.
Is it worth getting an exterminator for bed bugs?
Yes, it is worth getting an exterminator for bed bugs because they can be difficult to get rid of and can quickly spread throughout the home. Professional exterminators have the knowledge, experience, and tools to effectively eliminate bed bugs and prevent future infestations.
How fast can an exterminator get rid of bed bugs?
The time it takes to get rid of bed bugs can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the treatment method used. Generally, it can take several weeks to fully eliminate bed bugs with professional treatment.
Do bed bugs come back after extermination?
Bed bugs can come back after extermination if proper prevention measures are not taken. It is important to follow the exterminator’s instructions and take steps to prevent re-infestation, such as regularly washing bedding, vacuuming, and inspecting second-hand furniture before bringing it into the home.
Can you sleep in your bed after bed bug treatment?
It is generally safe to sleep in your bed after bed bug treatment, but it is important to follow the exterminator’s instructions. They may recommend waiting a certain amount of time or using bedbug-proof mattresses and pillow covers.
