Bed Bug Treatment

DEFINITIONS: Pesticide – anything used to kill a pest. This is usually chemical in nature. Technically by definition a fly swatter is a pesticide. Residual – This means that the application remains potent for “X” amount of time after it is applied. Each product will have a different amount of residual effect. Non Residual – This type of product does not leave behind any pesticide after it is applied. Essentially these are contact killers and usually come in an aerosol. Contact Killer – Essentially the substance must come in direct contact with the pest in order to kill it.

1) Bed Bugs are not a pest that the general public should attempt to treat on their own. These are hardy insects that the professionals have a difficult time treating. A mistreatment could cause a population to migrate, split into small populations, or even result in pesticide resistance.

a) In many Provinces and States throughout North America it is illegal to use pesticides of any kind outside of your own personal living space. This means that an apartment landlord is likely not legally able to treat someone else’s suite. Please check your local legislation for more details.

2) Not all pest control companies are equal. The decision to choose one pest control company over another should not be based soley on the price they charge. The old saying; “You get what you pay for” holds true in most cases. Some things to look for:

a) How reputable is the company?
b) Are they a member of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or the Canadian Pest Management Association (CPMA)?
c) How experienced are they with bed bug treatments?
d) Is there a contract involved?
e) Is there a guarantee offered?
f) How many treatments does the price include? Most jobs will require a minimum of two treatments (spaced roughly 2 weeks apart).
g) Does the company have insurance?

3) There are many products on the market that claim to kill bed bugs or repel them. Challenge these companies to provide conclusive scientific data to support their claims. There are many snake oil salespeople out there flogging miracle cures for bed bugs.

a) If the product does not have a PCP# (Canada) you might not legally be able to use it to kill bed bugs.
b) If the product does not have an EPA# (US) you might not legally be able to use it to kill bed bugs.
c) If it seems too good to be true; it probably is. There is no “magic wand” for treating these insects.

4) Home remedies typically are not successful in ridding a bed bug population. They may let you know of their presence, but they will not eliminate them.

5) Targeted vacuuming with a HIGH POWERED vacuum cleaner MIGHT eliminate a bed bug problem in its earliest stages (ie a few were introduced to a room) but it will not work to rid of an established population, other measures will need to be employed.

a) If one female bed bug has laid eggs it is next to impossible to rid them entirely with only the use of a vacuum alone.

6) Steam treatments can be very effective in eliminating bed bugs. However; it has its limitations. If the bed bugs are tucked up in an area that the steam can not reach (ie in a wall void) it will not kill them. It is a contact killer only.

a) Often steam treatments are followed up with a residual pesticide application.

7) Nothing in the room should be disturbed until the pest control professional arrives. They will then direct the resident how they can help.

8) Bed sheets and pillow cases will need to be laundered on the hot cylce and placed immediately in the dryer. The heat produced by the dryer will cook any eggs that may have survived the wash. Box springs and mattresses should be encased (more here).

9) Electrical plates will need to be removed and in some cases baseboards. It is best to do this with a vacuum handy.

10) Dressers will need to be emptied and all contents laundered if bed bugs are suspected in the furniture.

11) All items suspected of being infested that can not be laundered should be tightly sealed in bags. Available treatment options from this point will vary depending on the region you live in.

12) The resident will need to arrange to be out of the residence for a minimum of 4-6 hours. The elderly, sick, and the very young should stay out for 24 hours. It is best if the resident sleeps in the room following treatment as this will draw the bed bugs out and in contact with the pesticides. If no host is present the bed bugs may enter dormancy or migrate. Commercially available bed bug monitors (CDC 3000 or NightWatch) mimic a host and would be a suitable substitute for those unwilling to act as bait.

13) A followup inspection and possible treatment will need to be done 10-14 days later to ensure newly hatched bed bugs are treated accordingly.

14) Repeat all steps until the infestation is eradicated.