Killing bed bugs is a hot topic. You can call an exterminator, or kill them yourself with pesticides or use natural methods.
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Calling An Exterminator
While calling an exterminator may be the fastest and easiest method it is also the most expensive. You may live in an apartment building where the property owner will pay for this expense. But even there you could be liable for the costs depending upon the terms of your lease.
It’s also important to realize that even if you call a bed bug exterminator – it could be for nothing unless you do your part. This includes preparing your home for the exterminator and following through after the extermination.
Following through and having your home re-treated as needed may be the most important part of any extermination effort.
You see, bed bugs lay eggs that hatch around 14 days after they are laid. These eggs can be really difficult to kill and can hatch new bedbugs to start a new infestation. This means that you can have a new bed bug infestation start again even after treatment by a professional.
Landlords can also be reluctant to retreat because of the cost. The bugs are mobile and can move between apartments using wiring and plumbing. They can also be carried on clothing or furniture. This makes tracking them down and killing them can be difficult.
You should also realize that not all exterminators know how to deal with this bug. Treating for bed bugs is different from treating for other bugs. Make sure that anyone you hire or allow in your home knows what they are doing.
Pesticides
Pesticides that you can get at your local store are probably not going to be as powerful as an exterminator can acquire. There is also the chance that you could misuse them These are dangerous chemicals that must be used correctly.
Bed Bugs will usually be found in the areas where you spend a lot of time or sleep. These bugs like to come out at night when you are sleeping and they can crawl 20-25 feet to get to you. This gives you the area where you should treat.
Pesticides for bed bugs generally come in two forms. You can get a contact killer where it kills on contact. These are usually short-acting sprays. Or you can get residual sprays and powders that last longer but aren’t as powerful. In either case, you need to be careful to follow instructions on the package.
Here is my favorite place for these chemicals and much more!
Natural Methods
There are also a lot of natural methods to kill bed bugs that you can use alone or along with either of the methods described above.
One of my favorites is Diatomaceous Earth. This is a totally natural product that is safe for pets and people. It’s a powder made of finely ground shells. These microscopic shards have sharp edges that rip holes in the abdomens of the bugs when they crawl over them. This dries out and kills the bugs.
One common area for bedbugs to hide is in your mattress and bed frame. You’ll find bed bugs, their eggs, blood smears and fecal droppings here. The natural reaction is to toss your mattress and get a new one.
The problem is that your new mattress will get infected unless you treat the bugs. So a cheaper – and far more effective strategy is to get a bed bug mattress protector.
These completely encase your mattress. They both protect your mattress from getting infested and lock any bugs that are already in your mattress inside – away from you.
There are also more ways that you can naturally treat for bed bugs. Check Them Out Here
Conclusion to Killing Bed Bugs
The bottom line – no matter how you choose to handle bed bugs – is that the sooner you start the sooner you’ll be rid of this bug.