Bed bugs are a growing problem worldwide. Once thought a thing of the past in many countries, cheap travel, and home heating have led to something of an explosion of this parasite.
In short, nowhere is safe and anyone can suffer an infestation. And it has nothing to do with hygiene. Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt, they just want food and lodging. That means your blood and your home.
How do you get rid of bed bugs without using chemicals?
If you are unfortunate and start sharing your home with these pests, you will want to get rid of them fast. In times past that meant chemicals. Insecticides can work but are difficult to use efficiently and are toxic. Though there are some on the market that advertise their low toxicity they tend not to be particularly effective against bed bugs.
Fortunately, there is a remedy that is both effective and completely non-toxic: heat. Heat is not only safer than spraying with insecticide, it is also quicker and far more effective.
How do heat treatments work?
Heat treatments essentially use large fans in an enclosed space (typically a room, a number of rooms, or a small apartment) to heat the space to over 120℉ for at least 90 minutes.
By doing this, you destroy not only the adults and nymphs but, most importantly, the eggs. This is something that chemicals won’t do and is why many pest control companies have to come back many times before the problem is solved, leaving you with a room that’s heavily covered in toxins – not good.
Heat treating your home for bed bugs is the one sure way of eliminating the problem in one hit – problem solved.
Are any home remedies effective?
Few people want to drench their houses in poison so what non-toxic options are there? While some home remedies may help catch or repel one or two, you’re simply not going be able to deal with bed bugs with a home remedy. They’re too crafty and they’ll stay far out of your reach until you let your guard down.
How do I heat treat my home to get rid of bed bugs?
To get rid of bed bugs in your home or business to get rid of bed bugs, you have 3 options:
- Hire a pest control company to do the heat treatment for you
- Rent a heat treatment package
- Buy a heat treatment package
Hiring a professional will give you peace of mind and prove affordable, while getting you the results you need. This is a good option if you’re busy and do not believe you’ll need regular heat treatments.
Hiring the equipment needed for heat treatment is another option. That will save you money, but you’ll not have the guidance of professionals ensuring everything is done correctly.
Finally, if you travel regularly for pleasure and/or work or own a hospitality business, buying a heat treatment package may prove the most affordable option for you over the long term.
Find the help you need
Bed bugs multiply quickly – miss a few and you will be back at square one in no time. A first-class pest control company will almost always get it right first time and will often offer a K-9 follow-up just to make sure. If you’re ready to find a bed bug professional near you, click here. If you’d prefer to go the DIY route, click here.