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Why You Shouldn't Spray Bed Bugs With Store bought Solutions

Jun 28, 2024

Are you dealing with a bed bug infestation and considering using store bought solutions to exterminate them? Bed bugs can attach to items like bed sheets, furniture, and clothing, and when not properly dealt with, bed bugs spread easily. 


Many people try to treat bed bug infestations themselves because it seems like the quickest and easiest solution. But when it comes to bed bug infestations, store bought or DIY methods almost always exacerbate the problem.


This blog post explains why you shouldn’t try to deal with a bed bug infestation with store bought solutions, and answers some frequently asked questions about dealing with a bed bug infestation.


Why You Shouldn’t Treat Bed Bugs Yourself

Dealing with bed bugs is no fun, and it is even worse when you unknowingly create a larger issue because you used a solution that simply will not work. A lot of over-the-counter bug sprays are advertised to be effective, but with bed bugs, it is a different story. 


Common solutions like “bug bombs” are only effective for flea infestations, not bed bug infestations. Using a “bomb” or a “fogger” will only drive the bedbugs into a different area of your home, allowing them to multiply and be an even bigger headache for you in the future.


Over-the-counter pesticides are both ineffective on bed bugs and dangerous to your loved ones living in your home. 


The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) released a joint statement on bed bugs, which included that, “Residents may use over-the-counter or homemade preparations that are ineffective (or even dangerous) and may promote further resistance.”


Using store bought pesticides not only puts your loved ones at risk, but it also creates a larger 

bed bug problem in the long run. 


So, what is the quickest and easiest way to get rid of bed bugs?


Hire a Pest Control Company Today

The most effective way to take care of your bed bug infestation is to hire a professional pest control company that has the tools and expertise to successfully exterminate all the bed bugs from your home. 


It is important to emphasize that choosing the right pest control company is crucial for receiving effective treatment. Here are a few tips on how to find a reputable pest control company:


  • Look for certifications and licensing: Pest control companies that have proper licensing and certifications should be willing to show these documents to you. Certified pest control technicians go through extensive training so that they know exactly how to eliminate many different kinds of pests. Working with companies without certified technicians can pose health threats to your family because the technicians are not held to the higher standards that certified pest control technicians are held to.


  • Look at customer reviews: Customer reviews are a valuable tool to gauge the quality of services a company offers, as well as the quality of customer service. You can find customer reviews on a company’s Google Business page, Yelp, and sometimes even the company’s website. Make sure to look at a decent amount of reviews so that you can get a good feel for how it is working with that pest control company.


  • Choose an experienced company: When it comes to pest control, a company’s experience is a key indicator of how successful they are going to be in treating your infestation. Be sure to choose a pest control company that has been around for a while. An experienced pest control company will do a much better job than a new one because they have seen and experienced all kinds of pest infestations. They know what they are doing, while new companies may not. 


If you would like to learn more about how to choose a pest control company, check out this blog post. 


We know that you probably have questions, so we have answers. Let’s take a closer look at some of the frequently asked questions associated with hiring a professional pest control company to eradicate your bed bug infestation.


Frequently Asked Questions About Bed Bugs

You may still have some questions about bed bugs and how to get rid of them. Here are some frequently asked questions to look at:


  • What are the signs of a bed bug infestation? 


There are several signs that you need to look for, including bed bug excrement that looks like tiny spots of blood, crushed dead bed bugs, bed bug bites, and live bed bugs. 


  • How long does it take to get rid of bed bugs?


It will take at least three weeks to completely get rid of all the bed bugs in your home. This is because while one insecticide treatment may kill the adult bed bugs, there are eggs that do not die from the treatment that will need to be treated once they hatch. 


It is a good idea to have the pest control technicians come back out a few weeks after the initial treatment so that they can finish off any hatched bed bugs or stragglers that were missed the first time. 


  • How do I kill bed bug eggs myself?


If you want to try and kill the bed bug eggs that are on your sheets, blankets, or pillowcases, you can put your items in the dryer at 125F for thirty minutes. 


  • Are bed bugs a hygiene issue?


No, poor hygiene does not result in having bed bugs, however, it is still important to wash your bedsheets and clothes often. While hygiene does not play a direct role in causing bed bug infestations, it certainly helps to have a clean space so you can see the signs of infestation earlier. Bed bugs feed on human blood, so regardless of whether your space is clean or not, bed bugs will invade your home.


  • Do bed bugs carry diseases?


No. Bed bugs are not known to carry diseases. Any infection related to bed bug bites results from scratching the bite and leaving an open wound exposed. Bed bugs do not carry or transmit diseases. 


How To Move Forward

With this information, you may not know exactly how to move forward. Start by giving the professionals a call. Here at Bugout, we know exactly how to attack even the toughest infestations. With over 35 years of experience, we know how to quickly and safely get your home pest-free. If you would like to find out more, request a quote or give us a call at 410-648-2370.


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Dealing with pests on your property can be a daunting and frustrating experience. Whether it's termites damaging your home's structure, ants invading your kitchen, or bedbugs disturbing your sleep, pests can cause significant health and property issues if not handled properly. This is why selecting the right pest control company is crucial. With so many companies out there, it can be difficult to know which company will address your pest problems while ensuring the safety of your home and family. This blog post will walk you through the important factors to consider when choosing a pest control company, helping you make an informed decision to restore peace and comfort to your property. Factors To Consider When exploring your options for pest control companies, it is important to look out for certain factors to ensure that you not only receive quality pest control, but also pest control services that are safe for your family and pets. Here are some important things to look for when choosing a pest control company. Certification and Licensing When weighing your options for pest control, make sure you consider companies that have certified and licensed technicians. You may not think that this makes much of a difference, but it ultimately determines the quality of service you will receive. Certified pest control technicians are highly trained and experienced professionals who know how to deliver high quality, safe pest control services. Wondering how you can verify a company’s credentials? For starters, you can contact the company directly to request to see documentation of their certification and license. Companies who are genuinely certified will be transparent and willing to present these documents. If you do not want to contact them directly, you can contact your state licensing board or visit their website to verify a company’s certification. Another good thing to look for is if the company is a member of a state pest control association, such as the Maryland State Pest Control Association. Members of these associations are trustworthy and are held to higher standards. They also have access to resources such as training for their technicians which helps ensure that they are properly trained. Experience and Expertise In the pest control industry, experience matters. Choosing an experienced pest control company is crucial to successfully terminating the pests on your property because experienced technicians will know exactly how to approach different kinds of pest infestations. They will know the life cycle and behavior of various pests, which allows them to create an effective plan to get rid of them. This will make the entire process a lot faster and with reliable results. Another reason why experience matters is because experienced pest control technicians know how to handle and apply pesticides safely, keeping your family and pets safe. Usually a company will openly talk about how many years they’ve been in business to let potential clients know that they have adequate industry experience. Look for an establishment date on their website, or you can also explore their “About Us” page, which typically has that information. Something to be aware of is a company’s area of expertise. You definitely do not want to hire a pest control company that does not specialize in the type of pest control services you need. Reputation and Reviews This may seem obvious, but it is a good idea to look at customer reviews before hiring a pest control company. Reviews are a great way to see if a company provides quality services to their customers. There are a few places that you can check reviews including Google, Yelp, and sometimes even on the company’s website. Reputation is another important factor to consider. You have probably gotten word-of-mouth recommendations for lots of different companies, and for pest control companies, this is no different. See what companies your neighbors, friends, and family recommend. When someone recommends a company by word-of-mouth, it is usually because they have a great reputation and are a trusted company in your community. Safety Measures and Environmental Practices If you have children and/or pets, it is important to choose a pest control company that uses solutions that are safe for children and pets to come into contact with. Another factor is whether they use eco-friendly pest control methods. To figure out if a company uses eco-friendly and safe solutions, you can contact them directly and ask about the products and techniques they use. You can ask questions like, ‘What types of pesticides or treatments do you use?’ or ‘are your products safe for children, pets, and people with allergies?’ Ask any questions that you have so that you can determine if a company is the right fit for your situation. Customer Service and Communication When it comes to service-based companies, customer service is a crucial part of their business. You can look at reviews of the company you are considering hiring to see what customers say about the quality of customer service they received. This may seem obvious, but if a company does not have good customer service or communication with its customers, they are most likely not going to put any more effort into the quality of the services they provide. Always choose a pest control company that has great customer service so that you can easily communicate and coordinate with them. Experienced and honest companies will be very open and good at communicating with customers. Cost and Value When selecting a pest control company, it’s crucial to understand their pricing and obtain detailed quotes. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you’re getting value for your money. To explore a company’s pricing, first take a look at their website and look for anything that mentions getting a quote. Sometimes, these will take you to an online form to fill out with your information and the pest issue you are having. You can also call the pest control company to inquire about pricing for your pest control needs. Once you get a price from the company, it is up to you to decide whether to move forward with them. A few factors play a role in pricing, including the quality of the products they use and the techniques they use. Experienced companies with certified technicians may also charge a little bit more because they consistently provide high quality pest control services. Choosing the Right Company is Worth the Effort! Choosing the right pest control company requires careful consideration but it is worth the effort! You want to ensure that the company you choose is experienced, professional, and can get the job done right. When you’re dealing with pests, the last thing you want is uncertainty. Will this company rip me off? Will their pest control solutions actually work? Are the bugs going to come back in few weeks? A good pest control company will help you understand the process and most importantly help restore peace in your home after an infestation. Here at Bugout, we pride ourselves on being more than just experts in pest control. We know the feeling of being harassed by pests so we work hard to offer friendly, quick, and thorough service. If you have any questions or would like to request a free quote, feel free to give us a call at (410) 648-2370.
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