Understanding Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small in size, 1/16 to ¼ inches long and this is often thought to be the reason why they are not seen. However, they are usually not seen because they are nocturnal and can hide in the cracks and crevices of furniture and fabric seams. Bed bugs about the size of an apple seed with a wide flat body. They will look larger after feeding and will be reddish-brown after feeding.
This pest is a formidable foe for home and business owners. Despite this, many people faced with an infestation attempt to eliminate them on their own. For various reasons, people choose to DIY pest control when it comes to bed bugs; the main reason is they believe doing it yourself is cheaper. However, this belief is untrue and may end up costing you not only money but time and stress as well.
DIY Bed Bug Solutions
A bed bug infestation may not seem as bad as it is. This gives DIY’ers a false sense of confidence in setting out to rid their property of the critters. There are two types of pest solutions used to treat a bed bug infestation, non-chemical and chemical. The following are non-chemical DIY methods:
- Place clothing and bedding in a sealed bag and leave them in the freezer for several days below 0º F. This will kill off bed bugs on these items.
- Use heat to rid your property of bed bugs and place your clothing and other fabric items in the dryer on the highest setting. If you live in a hot climate, you can put the items in garbage bags and leave them inside your car for several days.
- For large items such as furniture and appliances, you can use a steamer with a temperature higher than 130º F to target hot spot locations.
Although chemical solutions may seem more effective when it comes to pest control, they pose health concerns. Chemical solutions include foggers, desiccants, and pesticides. Non-chemical solutions are relatively cheap as they utilize items most people have at home. Conversely, chemical methods become increasingly more expensive as you use them. At $20+ a bottle, spray pesticides can run you a decent amount. Add the items you will have to discard, your time, and stress you will find that DIY pest control is not as easy as it appears. If you want to save money and stress, you should look for professional help with bed bugs.
The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc.
If you are in South Carolina, The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. is here to help. Our licensed professionals inspect each property and find the right treatment plan that works. This helps ensure that you will be rid of bed bugs for good.
The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. uses modern bed bug treatments to eliminate the problem and prevent future infestation. You will be given the tools you need to keep bed bugs out of your home or business. With residential programs and commercial programs, our treatments are customizable, cost-effective, and will get the job done. Contact The OriginalBugman Pest Elimination, Inc. to learn more and get started with a pest control treatment.
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