What Are Bedbugs And The Dangerous Infestation and How to Defeat Them
Bed bugs are tiny insects that live in beds and feed on blood. They are about the bed bug length of a grain of rice and have a bed bug size that makes them hard to see. Bed bugs look like minor brown bugs. Bed bug signs include tiny bites on your skin and dark spots on sheets.
What are the causes of bed bug infestation?
Bed bugs can infest your home through used furniture, travel luggage, or second-hand clothes. They hide in cracks and crevices. Dirty environments with clutter offer them hiding places. Poor hygiene can also attract them. Regular cleaning and checking for signs can help keep them away.
Types of pest control methods for bed bugs.
There are several pest control methods for getting rid of bed bugs:
- Heat Treatment: Using high temperatures to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
- Chemical Sprays: Special insecticides target bed bugs and their hiding spots.
- Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming can remove bugs and eggs from mattresses and furniture.
- Diatomaceous Earth: A natural powder that kills bed bugs by drying them out.
- Professional Extermination: Hiring experts for thorough treatment.
Each method helps control and eliminate bed bug infestations.
Different types of pest control methods for bed bugs
Here’s a comprehensive comparison table for different bed bug pest control methods to help you decide the best treatment option for your home. Factors like effectiveness, preparation needed, and suitability for specific residents are considered. This table also includes a price estimate for professional treatments in Toronto, GTA, Canada, for a standard 3-bedroom house.
Pest Control Method Spray Treatment Heat Treatment No-Chemical (Biological/Natural) Powder Dusting Treatment
| Pest Control Method | Spray Treatment | Heat Treatment | No-Chemical (Biological/Natural) | Powder Dusting Treatment |
| Effectiveness | High | High | High | Low |
| Time Required to Show Results | 30 days | 1 day | 21 days | 30 days |
| Residual Effect of Pesticide | 90 days | n/a | 90 days | 180 days |
| Use of Chemical Pesticide | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Preparation Needed | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Leave Premises | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Advisable for | ||||
| – Pregnant | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| – Babies | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| – Sensitive Residents (Chemicals, Immuno-compromised) | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| – Senior Citizens | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Points to Consider
- Spray Treatments and Powder Dusting use chemicals, so they may not be suitable for pregnant individuals, babies, or those with sensitivities.
- Heat Treatment is quick and effective but requires leaving your home. It’s safe for vulnerable residents, including pregnant women, babies, and seniors.
- No-chemical treatments (e.g., biological or natural options) are safer for sensitive individuals but take longer and may not have as long-lasting results as chemical methods.
- Cost Estimates for professional services vary, with Heat Treatment typically being the most expensive.
This comparison should guide you toward the treatment that best suits your needs and household conditions.
Spray treatment method to get rid of bed bugs
The spray treatment method is one of the most common and effective ways to eliminate bed bugs. It involves applying chemical or insecticidal sprays directly to areas where bed bugs are known to hide, such as mattresses, cracks, crevices, baseboards, and furniture.
Here’s how the spray treatment method works, its pros and cons, and some critical considerations:
How Spray Treatment Works
Preparation
- Before treatment, you’ll need to clean and declutter your home. This ensures that the treatment reaches all the hiding spots.
- Items like bedding, clothes, and toys should be washed and vacuumed thoroughly. You may need to seal up or remove any personal items from affected areas.
Application
- A pest control professional will use insecticidal sprays designed to target bed bugs. These sprays contain pyrethroids, which are chemicals that paralyze and kill bed bugs.
- The spray is typically applied to areas where bed bugs live, including mattresses, cracks in furniture, baseboards, rugs, and walls.
Time for Results
- Depending on the severity of the infestation, the initial treatment can start showing results within several hours or days.
- Complete elimination may take up to 30 days as the chemicals work to kill bed bugs and their eggs. Multiple treatments are sometimes needed.
Post-Treatment
- After the spray has dried (usually within a few hours to a day), you can go back to your normal routine.
- Regular vacuuming and inspecting the treated areas will help ensure that no bed bugs survive the treatment.
Advantages of Spray Treatment
- Fast Action: Chemical sprays kill bed bugs quickly on contact.
- Effective: Sprays can kill bed bugs and their eggs if used correctly, providing long-term relief.
- Targeted Treatment: It allows the pest control professional to apply the pesticide to specific areas of the infestation.
Disadvantages of Spray Treatment
- Chemical Exposure: The chemicals used in spray treatments can harm humans and pets if not applied correctly, making this method less ideal for sensitive individuals like pregnant women, babies, or those with weakened immune systems.
- Preparation Required: Residents may need to leave the premises for several hours or longer, and thorough preparation is required beforehand (e.g., washing linens and moving furniture).
- Residual Effects: Some sprays leave a residual pesticide that can continue to kill bed bugs for a few weeks, but this may wear off after 90 days, requiring follow-up treatments.
- Chemical Resistance: In some cases, bed bugs can develop resistance to certain chemical sprays over time, making this method less effective in areas with ongoing infestations.
Safety Tips for Spray Treatments
- Follow Instructions: Always follow the pest control company’s instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Protect Your Pets and Children: Keep pets and children away from treated areas until it’s safe to re-enter.
- Ventilation: Ensure that your home is well-ventilated after the treatment to allow any chemical fumes to dissipate.
Cost of Spray Treatment
The cost of professional spray treatment in areas like Toronto GTA, Canada, typically ranges between $300 and $500 for a standard 3-bedroom home. The price can vary depending on the infestation’s severity, the property’s size, and the company’s service rates.
Spray treatments are an effective and fast way to deal with bed bug infestations, but it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons, especially regarding the use of chemicals and preparation required. Alternative treatments like heat treatments or natural methods may be a better option for households with vulnerable residents or those sensitive to chemicals.
How Many Times Does an Exterminator Have to Spray for Bed Bugs
Typically, exterminators must perform 2 or 3 spray treatments to fully eliminate bed bugs and the infestation from your home. This depends on factors like the severity of the infestation, the size of your home, and how well the bed bugs have spread. In most cases, bed bugs are eradicated after the first treatment. However, a follow-up treatment is needed in about 5% of cases to ensure complete elimination.
Recommended Bed Bug Spray and Steam Treatment
Spray and steam treatments are effective for bed bug extermination but may not suit certain residents. It’s important to consider the following groups:
- Pregnant Individuals
- Babies
- Immuno-compromised Individuals
- Those Allergic to Pesticides
- Residents Who Cannot Prepare Their Homes according to the instructions
In these cases, alternative methods, such as heat treatments or natural bed bug control methods, may be recommended to ensure safety.
Pros of Spray and Steam Treatment
- Highly Effective: Provides excellent results when used properly.
- Affordable: Typically cheaper than other methods like heat treatments or professional extermination services.
- Fast Relief: You’ll notice a significant reduction in bed bugs relatively quickly, often after the first treatment.
- Long-Lasting Residual Effect: Pesticides can continue to work for up to 90 days, helping prevent re-infestation.
Cons of Spray and Steam Treatment
- Preparation Required: Residents must follow specific instructions to prepare the home, including washing linens, moving furniture, and sealing personal items.
- Residents Must Leave the Premises: The home should be vacated for 4 to 6 hours during and after treatment to allow the chemicals to settle and dry.
- Use of Chemical Pesticides: Some individuals may be sensitive to pesticides or prefer chemical-free options, which can be a drawback with this treatment.
In summary, spray treatments are generally very effective for bed bug control, often requiring only 2 or 3 sessions. However, before choosing this method, it’s essential to consider residents‘ preparation, health, and safety carefully.
How Heat Treatment for Bed Bugs Works
Heat treatment is one of the most effective ways to eliminate bed bugs and their eggs. Bed bugs are highly sensitive to heat and die when exposed to temperatures of 50°C (122°F) or higher. This biological fact is the foundation of heat treatment for bed bugs.
Raising Room Temperature
- The treatment involves raising the air temperature inside infested rooms to about 60°C (140°F), which is high enough to kill bed bugs and their eggs instantly.
- Propane-fueled heaters generate heat, and heat-mover fans are strategically placed to distribute heat evenly throughout the room, focusing on known bed bug hiding spots.
Treatment Duration
- Each room is heated for approximately 60 to 90 minutes, depending on its size and the amount of furniture present.
- The temperature is monitored to ensure it stays within the effective range for killing bed bugs.
Preparation for Heat Treatment
- You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to prepare your home before the heat treatment. This typically includes removing electronics, heat-sensitive items, and personal belongings that could be affected by high temperatures.
- On the day of the treatment, everyone (including pets) must leave the house for the entire treatment and stay out for at least 2 hours after the treatment is complete to allow the environment to cool down.
Is Heat Treatment the Most Effective Professional Bed Bug Extermination
Yes, heat treatment is considered the most effective bed bug treatment available. It provides instant relief and complete elimination of the infestation in just one day without using chemical pesticides. It is often recommended for quick results and in homes where residents are concerned about the health risks of chemical pesticides.
Why Doesn’t Everyone Choose Heat Treatment
While heat treatment is highly effective, the cost is the primary reason only some choose it. As mentioned in the comparison table, heat treatment is expensive. However, if you can afford it, heat treatment is highly recommended due to its effectiveness and the fact that it doesn’t rely on chemicals.
Another consideration is the risk of property damage and the potential for an unsuccessful treatment if experienced professionals don’t execute the procedure carefully. Therefore, choosing a reliable pest control company with experience in heat treatment is crucial.
Pros and Cons of Heat Treatment
Pros
- Very Effective: Kills bed bugs and their eggs in one day.
- No Chemicals: Safe for homes where residents are sensitive to pesticides.
- Instant Relief: A rapid solution with visible results in just one day.
Cons
- Expensive: Heat treatments tend to be on the pricier side compared to other options.
- Requires Thorough Preparation: You must prepare your home carefully, including removing heat-sensitive items and electronics.
- Residents Must Be Away for 6-8 Hours: The house must be empty during the treatment and for at least 2 hours after completion.
- Risk of Property Damage: Heat can damage certain items in your home, such as electronics or plastic.
Who Should Consider Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is especially recommended for individuals who:
- Are pregnant.
- Have babies.
- Are immuno-compromised.
- Are allergic to pesticides.
- They are willing to prepare their home according to instructions and stay away for the required duration.
Alternative Treatment
No-Chemical (Biological/Natural) Pest Control Treatment
Another highly effective treatment for bed bugs is biological/natural pest control, specifically using Aprehend, a biopesticide developed by Penn State University’s Department of Entomology.
How It Works
- Aprehend is a nonchemical fungal biopesticide. It’s sprayed along the perimeter of mattresses, bed frames, baseboards, couches, and other areas where bed bugs are likely to hide.
- When bed bugs come in contact with the treated surface, the fungus that grows on their exoskeleton infects them and ultimately kills them. The fungus also spreads to other bed bugs when they return to their nests, destroying the infestation from the inside out.
- Residual Effect: This treatment lasts up to 90 days, eliminating any remaining bed bugs or eggs.
Pros
- No Chemicals: Safe for pregnant individuals, babies, and those sensitive to chemicals.
- Easy Preparation: Requires minimal preparation—declutter the room.
- Residents Don’t Have to Leave: No need to vacate your home during or after the treatment.
- Effective: Results in up to 2 weeks and continues to work for 90 days.
Cons
- Expensive: While more affordable than heat treatment, it’s still a higher-cost option than traditional sprays.
- Takes Time to Show Results: It typically takes about two weeks to see noticeable results.
Powder Dusting Treatment
Powder dusting uses a powder called Drione, applied to cracks and crevices around the home. The powder kills bed bugs by dehydrating them when they come into contact with it.
Pros
- Economical: Affordable compared to heat or chemical treatments.
- No Preparation: It doesn’t require significant preparation or leaving your home.
- Low Risk: Minimal risk of damage.
Cons
- Mildly Effective: Requires 2–3 weeks to show significant results.
- May Require Repeated Treatments: Multiple treatments are needed for severe infestations.
Who Should Consider Powder Dusting
This is a good choice for:
- People on a tight budget.
- Non-sensitive individuals who don’t have babies or
Final Words For What are bedbugs
Each bed bug treatment has advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on factors like budget, the size of your infestation, and your household’s sensitivities. Heat treatment is the most effective but also the most expensive, while no-chemical (biological/natural) treatments offer a safer, though slower, solution. If you need something more affordable, powder dusting might be your best bet for a mild infestation.
Personalized Advice
For personalized advice, please consult a BP pest control professional to help you make the best decision for your needs.