Getting rid of bed bugs requires professional treatment. Research shows that do-it-yourself methods are rarely effective for complete elimination, as bed bugs hide in difficult-to-reach locations and have developed resistance to many over-the-counter pesticides.
Why DIY Methods Often Fail
Bed bugs hide in cracks, crevices, inside walls, behind baseboards, and deep within furniture. Over-the-counter pesticides typically only kill bed bugs that come into direct contact with the chemical, missing hidden populations. Additionally, research shows many bed bug populations have developed resistance to common pesticides found in retail products.
Professional Treatment Options
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment uses specialized equipment to raise indoor temperatures to 130-140°F throughout the structure. Studies show heat treatment achieves 95-100% elimination rates in a single treatment. Heat penetrates areas chemicals cannot reach, including inside walls and furniture. Bed bugs die at temperatures above 120°F when exposed for sufficient time.
Chemical Treatment
Professional chemical treatment involves applying pesticides to bed bug hiding spots. Chemical treatment typically requires multiple applications over 3-4 weeks. Research shows chemical treatments achieve 60-70% elimination rates, often requiring follow-up treatments to eliminate newly hatched nymphs from eggs that weren't killed.
What to Expect During Treatment
Heat treatment typically takes 6-8 hours. You'll need to leave your home during treatment and can return the same evening once temperatures return to normal. Chemical treatment requires multiple visits over several weeks, with 2-3 week intervals between treatments.
Preparation Requirements
Heat treatment requires removing heat-sensitive items like candles, medications, and aerosol cans. Most furniture and belongings can remain in place. Chemical treatment may require more extensive preparation, including bagging items and extensive cleaning.
Prevention After Treatment
After treatment, prevention measures can help reduce the risk of reinfestation. These include: inspecting luggage after travel, avoiding used furniture, using bed bug-proof mattress encasements, and regular inspections. Heat treatment eliminates existing infestations but does not prevent future infestations from new sources.
When to Contact a Professional
Contact a professional bed bug specialist if you identify signs of bed bugs, including bites, blood spots, fecal spots, or visual sightings. Early treatment is more effective and less costly than treating severe infestations. Look for companies that specialize in bed bug treatment rather than general pest control.