Individuals dealing with bedbug infestations will need to choose a solution as quickly as possible. Each delayed minute is only going to give the problem time to worsen and become more difficult to resolve. Three primary options are available, including heat, steam, and bio-pesticides.
Before choosing one, it’s wise to learn about the pros and cons of each. Working with a professional can be an effective way to ensure that you choose the best solution for your unique infestation. Otherwise, refer to the information below.
Heat Treatments
First, consumers have the choice of using heat treatments to eliminate bedbugs in their residences. Heat treatments are highly recommended because they come with an array of perks. Basically, bedbugs cannot tolerate extremely hot temperatures. When they’re exposed to temperatures above 113 degrees, they will die within 90 minutes.
If they’re exposed to 118 degrees, they will die within 20 minutes. Bedbug eggs must be exposed to temperatures of at least 118 degrees to kill them. An exterminator will increase the temperature throughout the home to kill bedbugs. Usually, the professional will attempt to use 120 degrees or higher to guarantee satisfactory results.
Heat Treatment Pros
Heat treatments provide an abundance of benefits. Experts agree that this method is safe and effective. Furthermore, it can be completed quicker than some of the others. In general, a professional exterminator can treat the entire home during one visit so there is no need for a follow-up visit. Still, most exterminators will return again to ensure that all bedbugs are gone.
Heat treatments are relatively safe. Only certain items must be removed from the residence before the treatment can begin. The method tends to be convenient since the client won’t have to do much. Finally, chemicals are not used when eliminating bugs using heat.
Heat Treatment Cons
Heat treatments are generally reliable, but they still have a few cons. For starters, there are certain issues that can arise. The professional must be precise to ensure that satisfactory results are delivered. Otherwise, the temperature may climb too high and damage valuables in the residence. On the other hand, the residence may not reach the appropriate temperature. If that happens, the bedbugs will remain.
Another issue is that certain items can be damaged when exposed to excess heat. These items must be removed first. Furthermore, any flammable items must be removed from the home. If flammable items remain in the home, this treatment could be deadly.
Steam Treatments
Some homeowners have used steam to eliminate bedbug infestations. The method is similar to heat treatments with a different slight differences. For instance, steam also uses heat to eliminate bedbugs. The steam gets hot enough to kill the bugs on contact. The professional will use an industrial steamer to apply hot steam to likely hiding places. Once the steam touches the bedbugs, the bugs will quickly die.
In some cases, the method may be faster than heat treatments. Remember that conventional steam machines will not do the trick because they do not get hot enough. Usually, a professional machine will reach temperatures of 200 degrees although only 120 will be required.
Steam Treatment Pros
Steam treatments are recommended for a handful of reasons. The method can eliminate bedbug infestations without using chemicals. Therefore, it tends to be safer than pesticides. Furthermore, the method is reliable. As long as the bedbugs are exposed to the hot steam, they will die. Usually, the method is convenient for clients who won’t need to prepare. Some items will have to be removed from the home though. This includes flammables that shouldn’t be exposed to excessive temperatures.
Steam Treatment Cons
One thing about steam is that it requires water. Therefore, there is a risk that some of your items are going to get wet. Usually, the steam is going to be hot enough to keep everything dry though. Nevertheless, it is wise to protect items that could be damaged by water. Another issue is that the steam must make direct contact with the bug. If this doesn’t happen, the bedbug doesn’t die.
The professional has to be diligent about resolving the problem. Otherwise, they’ll likely miss a few bedbugs and the infestation will worsen again. Another issue is that DIY methods are more difficult because the machines can be expensive.
Bio-Pesticide Treatments
This bedbug treatment is the only one that uses chemicals to eliminate bedbugs. Pesticides are also available, but it is best to avoid them because they’re hazardous. Instead, professionals are using bio-pesticides to eliminate infestations. These products use Beauveria bassiana which is a natural fungus. The fungus has proven to be effective in eliminating bedbugs. Although the fungus is dangerous to bedbugs, it does not impact humans.
A professional will administer the treatment throughout the home. Then, it will take between four and seven days for the bugs to die. Bio-pesticides do not have to be sprayed directly on the pests. Instead, they can be sprayed where the pests will walk. Bedbugs will also pick up the fungus and carry it back to others.
Bio-Pesticide Treatment Pros
Some professionals prefer using bio-pesticides because they’re safe and reliable. Again, these products do not pose any risks to humans although they’re deadly to bedbugs. Consumers can choose this method knowing that it’ll work and that they won’t put their loved ones at risk. It also helps that the chemicals won’t need to be sprayed all over the home. Instead, bio-pesticides only need to be applied to the areas where bedbugs are likely going to walk.
The bedbugs will walk through the chemicals and die. They’ll also carry the bio-pesticides back to other bedbugs and kill them. Bio-pesticides are more effective than conventional pesticides.
Bio-Pesticide Treatment Cons
Although bio-pesticides are growing in popularity, they have a handful of flaws. For starters, this treatment is newer than others. Therefore, the research is limited. Future research may change the way people look at bio-pesticides. They may not be as effective or safe as people claim now. Another thing to remember is that this method is very slow. It can take up to seven days for bio-pesticides to kill bedbugs. Most people don’t want to wait for that long.
There is a risk that the exterminator will apply the mixture in the wrong areas. If this happens, the method will not be effective.
Which Is Best?
Each treatment method has unique pros and cons. Therefore, it is hard to say which method is best. Ultimately, it depends on the customer’s situation and their preferences. Each customer should get in touch with an area exterminator who can help them find the best solution. Regardless, either of these treatments would be suitable for most.
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