5 Reasons Why Most Bed Bug Treatments Do Not Work

Five Key Reasons Why Many Bed Bug Treatments Fail

1. Lack of Specialization in Bed Bug Extermination: Most companies offering bed bug treatments primarily focus on general pest control, like dealing with termites or mosquitoes. However, bed bugs are a unique challenge and need a different strategy and specific training and tools.
2. Ineffective Pesticides: Commonly used pesticides might work well for various household insects, but they fail against bed bugs. Unfortunately, there aren’t pesticides specifically made for bed bugs, which leads to many unsuccessful treatments.
3. Improper Preparation: Proper preparation is crucial in tackling a bed bug issue. This includes carefully packing up clothes and belongings for laundry or fumigation, and correctly setting up mattresses and box springs for treatment. Many companies overlook this step or leave it to the homeowner, which can lead to poor results. A thorough and professional approach is essential here.
4. Homeowner Involvement: There’s no magic solution for bed bugs. Effective treatment requires effort and cooperation from the homeowner. It’s important for the exterminator to clearly explain what responsibilities the homeowner has, and for the homeowner to be fully aware and involved in the process.
5. Lack of Follow-Up and Monitoring: After the initial treatment, it’s important to keep an eye on the situation. Properly installed monitoring devices and a follow-up visit within 2-4 weeks are key to ensuring the treatment is working and addressing any remaining issues. This follow-up step gives peace of mind to the homeowner and keeps the exterminator accountable.

Steam Treatment For Bed Bugs

 Proper steaming is essential if you wish to get rid of bed bugs quickly, safely, and without dangerous pesticides. The temperature of the steam must be high enough and the pressure high enough to penetrate cracks and crevices but not too high so it doesn’t just blow the bed bugs around before steam kills them. If you are treating hard-to-reach, deep creases on upholstered furniture generally the pressure should be higher. A variety of nozzles should be used as well to penetrate deep or to trap the heat more on the surface. The speed with which you move the nozzle should be uniform and around 12-15 seconds per foot. Going slower will not hurt but going too fast might adversely affect the steaming process.