Bed Bug Control

Service Process

Effective bed bug control requires persistence and a combination of treatments to fully eliminate the infestation. Would you like more information on specific treatment methods or advice on controlling bed bugs in a particular setting?

1. Inspection

• Objective: To determine the extent of the infestation and locate bed bug hiding spots.
• Areas Inspected:
  • Bed frames, mattresses, and box springs
  • Furniture like sofas, chairs, and headboards
  • Cracks in walls, baseboards, and flooring
  • Electrical outlets, picture frames, and curtains
• Signs of Infestation:
  • Blood spots on sheets or mattresses
  • Fecal stains (small, dark spots) on bedding or furniture
  • Shed skins and eggshells in hiding areas
  • Live bed bugs (small, reddish-brown insects, typically 4-5 mm in size)
  • Musty odor in severe infestations

2. Identification of Species

• Importance: While there is only one common species of bed bug (Cimex lectularius), accurately identifying them ensures the correct treatment plan. Other insects like bat bugs or carpet beetles may be mistaken for bed bugs.

3. Sanitation and Prevention

• Decluttering: Removing excess clutter in rooms helps limit bed bug hiding spots.
• Laundering Infested Items: Wash bed linens, clothes, and soft furnishings in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting. This kills both bed bugs and their eggs.
• Vacuuming: Regularly vacuum the mattress, bed frame, furniture, and floor. Dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag immediately after use.

4. Treatment Methods

Bed bugs are highly resilient, so multiple treatment methods are often required for successful control.

Common Methods:

• Insecticide Treatments:
  • Insecticides are applied to areas where bed bugs hide, such as cracks, crevices, bed frames, and furniture.
  • Some common insecticides include pyrethroids, desiccants, and insect growth regulators (IGRs) that prevent bed bug reproduction.
• Heat Treatment:
  • We can use specialized equipment to heat an entire room or house to temperatures above 120°F (49°C), which is lethal to bed bugs at all life stages.
  • Heat treatments are effective but must be done correctly to reach all areas.
• Cold Treatment:
  • Freezing infested items at temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) for at least four days can kill bed bugs. This method works for smaller items like clothing and electronics.
• Steam Treatment:
  • Steamers can be used to kill bed bugs and their eggs on mattresses, furniture, and other surfaces. Steam treatment requires careful application to ensure all hiding spots are treated.
• Encasements:
  • Mattress and box spring encasements trap bed bugs inside, preventing them from feeding and eventually killing them. Encasements also prevent new infestations from occurring.

5. Follow-Up and Monitoring

• Multiple Treatments: Bed bugs are often resistant to single treatments, so follow-up treatments may be necessary to eliminate the infestation completely.
• Bed Bug Interceptors: Placed under the legs of beds and furniture, interceptors trap bed bugs as they attempt to climb onto furniture. These devices help monitor ongoing infestations and prevent bed bugs from reaching sleeping areas.
• Regular Inspections: After treatment, regular inspections will be carried out to ensure that bed bugs are fully eradicated.

6. Preventive Measures

• Minimize Infestation Risk: Be cautious when bringing used furniture, clothing, or luggage into your home, as these are common ways bed bugs spread.
• Protect Luggage: When traveling, inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs and keep luggage off the floor or beds. Consider using protective covers for suitcases.
• Use Mattress Encasements: Invest in bed bug-proof encasements for mattresses and box springs to protect your bed from future infestations.

7. Professional Assistance

• When to Call a Professional: Due to the complexity of bed bug control, professional pest control services are often required. We have access to stronger insecticides and specialized equipment for heat or steam treatments.
• Service Warranty: We offer a warranty period during which we will return for additional treatments if bed bugs reappear.