It’s a topic nobody wants to discuss. You have bed bugs and you don’t know what to do, so you go to the hardware store and buy a can of “bed bug spray”, which claims to kill things like bed bugs, fleas, and dust mites. Maybe you’re embarrassed to call a professional, or maybe you just think you can handle it on your own.
The truth is, eliminating and controlling a bed bug infestation could be extremely challenging, if not impossible if treated improperly. “Bug bombs” sold over the counter have been proven to be ineffective against bed bugs, as many of the bugs either develop a resistance to the pesticide, or the bed bugs move to remote areas. Pesticides can be very dangerous to you and your family, as well.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are alerting the public to an emerging national concern regarding misuse of pesticides to treat infestations of bed bugs and other insects indoors. Some pesticides, approved only for outdoor use, are being applied indoors, which can cause serious health effects. Even pesticides that are approved for indoor use can cause serious problems if not used properly, or over-applied. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) reported 169 calls from January 2006-December 2010 to their hotline regarding residents or pesticide applicators who have used pesticides improperly, resulting in 129 cases of mild or serious health effects for people living in the affected residences.
If a home has been recently treated with pesticides, it could be dangerous to allow children to reoccupy the home if enough time has not elapsed. Children are more vulnerable to being affected by pesticides since they put their hands in their mouths and touch many objects in the home. Animals who are exposed to the pesticides can also suffer the same health effects as humans. Typically, illness in pets following a pesticide application is the first sign that pesticides have been over-applied or misused.
Fortunately, bed bugs can be treated safely, and pesticide-free. By using a combination of inspection, monitoring, reducing clutter, and using physical barriers, bed bugs can be prevented, controlled, or eliminated. This type of pest control is called “integrated pest management” (IPM), and includes activities as follows:
- Thoroughly inspecting infested areas and the surrounded living space.
- Reducing clutter where bed bugs can hide.
- Installing encasements on box springs, mattresses and pillows.
- Cleaning infested areas and clothing, in conjunction with professional heat treatments of baseboards and other belongings.
- Checking luggage and clothes when returning from a trip or buying second hand clothing, mattresses, or furniture.
If all self-help methods fail, an experienced pest management professional can help you treat the infestation effectively. A pest management professional will thoroughly inspect the residence and provide instructions for preparation and cleaning. Next, a combination of practices will be used, depending on the pest’s life cycle and habitat needs.
At Batzner Pest Management and Batzner Bed Bug Services, there are several bed bug treatment options available for both commercial and residential locations. The first is canine inspection. Our dedicated canine handlers ensure accurate and efficient inspections, as canines are 3x more accurate than humans. One option is heat treatments, which effectively eliminate bed bugs at all stages of their life cycle. This is a good choice for heavily cluttered areas, or when results are needed quickly, or when you need a “green” solution. Another option is conventional treatments, in which three applications are scheduled two weeks apart to coincide with the bed bug reproduction and incubation cycles. Batzner also offers fumigation treatments, which is usually best for large structures that are heavily infested.
The complete elimination of bed bugs requires highly trained and licensed individuals knowledgeable in bed bug biology, behavior, and the proper use of pesticides. We have a wonderful team here at Batzner, and are always here should you need any assistance.