Do you wake up every morning with itchy, red welts that seem to worsen with each passing day? Has the most comforting place in your home become a source of misery and frustration?
If so, it’s time to take action – you could be dealing with them. While this is by no means an ideal situation, there are steps you can take to rid yourself of these pests and bring back peaceful sleep.
This blog post will explore the various methods for treating these creatures effectively and humanely and how best to prevent future infestation.
So don’t let this problem linger any longer – read on for tips on getting rid of those pesky visitors with effective Treatment strategies.
Types of Treatment
Treatment can be done in various ways, depending on the severity of the infestation. This may include chemical or non-chemical products, steam treatments, and other methods. Following is an overview of each type:
1. Heat Treatment
Treatment using heat, which does not need chemicals, is becoming more common.
David Hammond first developed heat treatment techniques. He describes the treatment’s mechanism of action and cautions us against common pitfalls while shopping for it to eliminate bed insect infestations.
The widespread and reckless use of pesticides has had severe consequences for both the natural world and the health of those who have come into contact with them.
Bugs, like antibiotic-resistant bacteria, are a significant public health concern due to the widespread development of insect resistance to several common insecticides.
Despite concerns about resistance, it became apparent that thermal technique in furniture and bedding was preferable to relying only on hazardous pesticides.
How does Heat Treatment Work?
Proteins are the building blocks of both humans and insects. Like all other proteins, enzymes are coded for by DNA, and each protein has a specific role in the body, depending on its particular makeup and DNA.
DNA begins to degrade at temperatures of130 degrees Celsius and above, rendering the cell dysfunctional.
Some studies indicate a certain proportion of a certain insect species will be killed after being exposed to a certain temperature for a certain amount of time.
However, a 50°C for 2 hours or 52°C for 1-hour goal temperature is required to offer complete control. This should be applied directly to the bug, not the surrounding area.
2. Fumigation Services
Fumigation Services are designed to get rid of all infestations.
Fumigation is when an insecticide is released inside an enclosed space, such as a room or building, to kill them and other insects.
The insecticide is usually in the form of a gas and is released in large quantities to ensure that all bugs are affected. The process takes approximately one day and requires the occupants of the building to leave for safety reasons.
Fumigation is an effective way to eliminate them, but it does come with some risks. The insecticide must be handled by a professional, and the fumes can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and skin if not properly ventilated.
3. Insecticide Treatment
Currently, over 300 solutions have been approved for use by the EPA. In addition, chemicals containing pyrethrins or pyrethroids are often used to eliminate unwanted insects and rodents from the home.
Compared to other pesticides, they have low toxicity to humans and animals and an immediate effect.
To destroy insects, just a small amount is needed. Still, some insects have developed resistance to these medicines.
In this situation, you or your pest control specialist might have to switch to a different pesticide, for example, a pyrrole like chlorfenapyr or a neonicotinoid like neonicotinic acid.
4. Steam Remediation Treatment
In order to kill any bed insects lurking in a particular area, a steamer will direct hot water toward the target.
If they are just below the surface, steam may kill them and penetrate up to a quarter of an inch through the material. These bugs may be eradicated by directing steam into holes and cracksapproximately 2-3/8 inches deep.
Using an infrared thermometer is recommended to check the affected region’s temperature rise. The surface temperature must be between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit soon after the steam tip has settled to destroy them.
5. Home Remedy/b>
In addition to professional services, you can use a few home remedies for their treatment.
- Vacuum regularly, and make sure to discard the vacuum bag after use.
- Launder all linens, bedding, and clothing in hot water with detergent.
- Steam clean carpets and other furniture. Make sure to use a highly concentrated steam cleaner with at least 145°F of steam temperature.
- Use diatomaceous earth, a natural powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. This powder can be applied to cracks and crevices where they hide.
- Place mattress and box spring encasements on your beds to trap any existing bugs and prevent new ones from entering.
- Use traps or interceptors to monitor the presence of them in your home.
Lastly, use the services of a professional pest control expert. While it can be more costly, their experience and knowledge of the bed bug problem will give you the best chance of completely getting rid of your infestation.
How Much Does The Treatment Cost?
Although there is no single answer to this question, as the cost of treatment depends on a variety of factors such as:
- Size of the infestation area
- Level of activity in the area
- Type and number of treatments required
- Type of treatment used
- Any additional services required, such as mattress encasements or furniture removal.
Removal typically costs $300 to $5,000, estimated at $1,750. Since these insects can survive for extended periods without feeding, removal often costs more than similar treatments targeting fleas.
Even after a thorough treatment, frequent pest extermination checks are recommended due to these parasites’ long incubation period (up to 400 days).
Bed bug examinations typically cost approximately $100 – $150, far less than the first-treatment. Your professional pest service may be required to return for a second visit if extra bugs are found.