The bed bug belongs to the arthropods known as “Cimicidae”, which, in turn, has over 90 different species. However, the common bed bug (C. lectularius) is one of the most notorious. This is the species that continues to bug the entire US, including Mississippi.
Now, many health experts say that bed bugs aren’t known to cause diseases. However, scientists have found them to carry at least 45 pathogens. Whether they transmit these diseases or not remains a mystery.
Still, all that should be enough reason for you to want to know how to get rid of bed bugs permanently. After all, even if these bugs don’t cause or spread diseases, they can still cause sleepless nights. Indeed, the CDC says that bed bug bites can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and skin issues.
Don’t worry, though, as we’re here to discuss your options when it comes to bed bug treatment. Keep reading to discover what you can do to kick them out of your home for good.
Most Common FAQ’s about Bed Bug Treatments
1.Bed bug heat treatment cost?
2.Bed bug treatment walmart?
3.Bed bug heat treatment success rate?
The Most Effective Bed Bug Treatment Options
Professional bed bug extermination using heat and conventional treatments are most effective. The addition of prompt spot treatment and mattress encasement also yields better results. The use of bed bug barriers after a successful treatment also keeps them from coming back.
What Science Has to Say About Bed Bug Heat Treatment
Many scientific studies have proven that heat does kill bed bugs. However, the “lethal” point depends on the phase or “age” of the bed bugs.
For example, a study found that a temperature of 104 °F killed bed bugs regardless of their life stage. However, this heat was only effective if applied for a sustained 24-hour period.
Another group of researchers tested the lethality of 111.2 °F on bed bugs. They found that this killed adult bed bugs after a sustained exposure of one hour. They had to increase the heat to 113 °F to kill bed bug eggs within an hour.
The thing about bed bugs is that they’re so great at adapting to their environments to avert death. That’s why other scientists say that a temperature of at least 119 °F to 131 °F may be more effective. Indeed, they found that these ranges led to a 100% death rate in both adult bed bugs and their eggs.
What About Conventional Bed Bug Treatments?
Conventional bed bug treatments include the use of chemicals and physical barriers. Chemicals include pesticides like pyrethrins, dessicants, neonicotinoids, and insect growth regulators (IGRs). They can also be in liquid, solid, or aerosolized form.
One thing to note is that bed bugs have been developing insecticide resistance. These include pyrethroids and neonicotinoids, and more recently, bifenthrin and chlorfenapyr.
The good news is that IGRs still work on these resistant species. IGRs are chemicals that make insects stop maturing. In this way, IGRs can also cut their populations since immature bed bugs can’t reproduce.
Scientists also say that IGRs can help reduce the severity of bed bug bites. One way they do so is by lessening the impact and pressure of the bites themselves. This means two things: one is less painful bites for you, the other being starvation on the part of the bugs.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Permanently: Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a mix of physical, chemical, and non-chemical controls. They provide not only prompt treatment but also ongoing bed bug prevention. In this way, IPM is one of the most effective bed bug treatment and control.
Physical Control
Physical control refers to activities like cleaning, vacuuming, and encasements. For example, if you clean and vacuum your whole house, you can already cut bed bug populations. Proper disposal of clutter also helps get rid of adult bed bugs and their eggs.
Washing fabrics in hot water and detergent and then drying them in high heat can also help. You need to do this for all your beddings, curtains, clothes, mats, rags, and pet beds, though.
Barriers and Traps
Some bed bug barriers are devices placed under or around the bed. Their goal is to prevent the pesky bugs from climbing onto the bed to feed on their host. These can help reduce bed bug bites, but they don’t actually kill the bugs themselves.
However, barriers are often helpful, while other mitigation methods are in place.
For example, the use of barriers goes hand in hand with traps, which aim to detect bed bug locations. Moreover, these devices capture live bed bugs, and in doing so, helps cut bed bug populations.
Chemical Methods
Aside from IGRs, insecticides like pyrethrin and pyrethroids also kill non-resistant bed bugs. These chemicals flush them out, too, boosting the effectiveness of traps and baits.
Desiccants, another type of pesticide, are chemicals that induce dehydration in insects. In bed bugs, desiccants work by tearing down the waxy outer layer of the insects’ bodies. Once destroyed, the bed bugs then become dehydrated, which then kills them over time.
Non-Chemical Treatments
Heat isn’t only one of the best bed bug treatments; it’s also one of the most eco-conscious options. It utilizes only heat and no chemicals at all. However, it’s also more expensive than other control methods.
Still, if you dislike the thought of using insecticides, heat maybe your best option. Prepare for a lengthy process, though, as each bed bug heat treatment session may take six to eight hours. That’s a lot of time, but it’s necessary to ensure maximum bed bug lethality.
How Much Does Bed Bug Treatment Cost?
The average cost of bed bug extermination in the US ranges from $1,000 to $3,500. The severity of the infestation and the size of the treatment area are the top deciding factors. The specific type of treatment also affects the final rates.
The best way to determine how much it will cost you to get rid of bed bugs is to get in touch with a pest control expert. However, you should do so right away, as an adult bed bug can lay up to 250 eggs within its lifetime. From here, it takes about a week for the eggs to hatch and start seeking a host.
What’s more, most adult bed bugs can live for two to four months. Doing the math, that means they can produce about four to 20 eggs per day! That’s a horrifying thought, so it’s best that you get your home treated as soon as possible.
The Disastrous Effects of Bed Bug Infestations
Many scientific studies link bed bugs to psychological trauma. Some victims have even developed severe anxiety due to these pesky bugs. Others also experience signs akin to those of post-traumatic stress disorder.
At the very least, bed bug bites can cause incessant scratching. This, in turn, can lead to wounds that can develop infections. Scars are also common in people who’ve had severe bed bug bites.
Prompt bed bug bites treatment helps reduce itchiness and infection risks. These include anti-itch creams and calamine topical lotions. Sometimes, doctors may also prescribe oral antihistamines to ease swelling, itching, and burning.
Severe bed bug infestations can also lead to sleep problems, or worse, sleep disorders. As mentioned above, it’s possible to develop insomnia and anxiety due to these pests.
Moreover, lack of sleep can hurt your cognitive functions. At this point, your bed bug nightmares may already affect even your driving. Do note that about 100,000 to 328,000 road accidents involve drowsy drivers.
All these should prompt you to take action against those bed bugs infesting your home ASAP. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get their populations under control. As soon as they’re out, preventive measures can keep them from coming back.
Permanent Bed Bug Eradication Relies on Ongoing Prevention
Always keep in mind that bed bugs are global travelers and wanderlusts. They can cling to clothes, bags, shoes, people, and even animals. All of us can be “vectors,” and we can all bring these resilient pests into our homes.
As such, even if IPM methods work against bed bugs, it’s best to maintain your home’s defenses. Exterior and interior barriers are therefore valuable in long-term bed bug prevention. These can help kill new bed bugs before they get the chance to mate and lay eggs.
Get Rid of Bed Bugs Now and Keep Them Out for Good
There you have it, your ultimate guide on how to get rid of bed bugs permanently. The most crucial thing is to have your home treated right away to curb their populations faster. It’s also a smart idea to install long-term protective barriers to keep these pesky pests out of your home.
Is your home in Mississippi infested with bed bugs or other pests and vermin? If so, then please know that our team here at Synergy² can help. Get in touch with us now for prompt pest treatment and ongoing prevention!
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