Every year, 1 in 5 households report a bed bug infestation. Have you been feeling itchy lately? Do you have mysterious bites?
If you’ve got bed bugs, you’ll want to deal with them as soon as possible. You have two options: professional bed bug extermination and DIY bed bug extermination.
DIY bed bug extermination is a complicated process with mixed results. Keep reading to learn whether DIY bed bug extermination is worth your time.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on blood. They look round and flat with a brown-red exterior, ranging in size from 1-7mm. Though they can be as little as a speck of dust, their bodies will swell after feeding.
These parasites live in hidden areas and breed quickly, which is why exterminating them can be such a challenge. Female bed bugs can lay hundreds of eggs in their short lifespan.
What Are the Signs for Bed Bugs?
Finding bed bugs is the easiest way to confirm an infestation. However, sometimes it’s difficult to spot these tiny bugs. Bed bugs are easy to mistake for other bugs and vice versa if you don’t know what to look for.
Signs of bed bug infestation:
- Live bed bugs in mattress or furniture folds
- Small, itchy bug bites
- Bloodstains or dark spots in the bed
- Musty odor
- Eggshells or molten skin in common bed bug hiding areas
You can find bed bugs anywhere, though they usually live in areas with more people. Always check for bed bugs when you travel or move, especially in apartments, hotels, cruises, and public transportation.
Check around and under your bed carefully to find bed bugs or signs of them. If you’re not sure, you can request a bed bug inspection in Columbia, SC from pest control professionals.
Does DIY Bed Bug Extermination Work?
DIY bed bug extermination sounds like a great alternative to hiring a pest control service.
However, because bed bugs are so sneaky and little, a bad DIY job can lose you more time, money, and effort in the long run. In some cases, you’ll be putting your health at risk as well.
The risks of DIY bed bug extermination:
- You can spread bed bugs to different rooms
- Chemical treatments can contain hazardous material
- Heat treatments are fire hazards
- Shelf brand powder products can cause serious lung issues
As you can see, some treatments are a hazard to your health and home. Let’s take a look at the most popular DIY bed bug treatments.
DIY Heat Treatments
Don’t use DIY heat treatments! They pose a serious fire risk when used indoors.
Not only are they a serious fire risk, but they don’t even kill bed bugs effectively. The kerosene heaters used for DIY heat treatments don’t reach the temperature necessary to get rid of an infestation.
These kerosene torpedo heaters also release dangerous fumes that can lead to respiratory problems and even death. Heat treatments should only be performed by professionals. They know how to set up, ventilate, and operate the equipment safely.
DIY Alcohol Treatments
Alcohol treatments are dangerous for your home and yourself. Using alcohol, especially as a spray, to kill bed bugs puts you at risk of a fire. This is because alcohol is extremely flammable.
You can also develop respiratory problems from spraying alcohol into the air.
Alcohol can shock bed bugs, but it usually won’t kill them. Using pure alcohol will not get rid of your bed bug infestation.
DIY Pesticide Treatments
Most DIY bed bug treatments with pesticides are repellent-based, which means they won’t effectively get rid of your infestation. Instead, the surviving bed bugs will spread to new locations, creating an even worse situation.
Contamination is another serious risk of using pesticides in treatments. With the improper application, you can add dangerous chemicals to your food and the air around you.
Be very careful with shelf brand products for bed bug extermination. A DIY bed bug treatment is not worth the cost to your health.
How Does Professional Bed Bug Extermination Work?
Cayce Bugs uses professional equipment and pest management experts to exterminate pests. As a professional exterminator in Columbia, SC, we can get rid of your bed bug infestation and prevent them from coming back.
First, we’ll inspect your home to determine whether you have an infestation. Based on the inspection, we work with you to create a Preparation Checklist and a bed bug treatment plan.
Our standard bed bug plan includes:
- Applying a non-repellent pesticide in cracks and crevices
- Applying dust in walls and outlets
- Using localized heat treatments on large furniture
- Providing bed bug mattresses and box spring encasements
- Eliminating live bed bugs and eggs
- Following up to ensure complete extermination
We will individualize the plan based on your situation. Our bed bug detection dog can even help with inspections before and after treatment.
Because we’re licensed professionals, we have access to commercial-grade bed bug treatment and the expertise to use them effectively.
The Best Home Pest Control in Columbia, SC
If you have a bed bug infestation, hire a pest control professional whenever possible. Pesky bed bugs are difficult to get rid of and often come back with DIY bed bug extermination.
If you do choose to DIY bed bug extermination, make sure you’re using safe, non-hazardous treatment options.
Contact us today for professional bed bug extermination or bed bug inspection in Columbia, SC. At Cayce Bugs, we’ve provided local, reliable pest control services in South Carolina for over 50 years.
