Since bed bugs can go a significant amount of time without eating it is strongly recommend that if you decide to vacate your home that you do so for an extended period of time. This will ensure that all of the bugs will die due to the lack of food source and the treatments provided by the exterminator.
It is recommended to wait 4-6 hours after the treatment for bed bugs is complete before returning home. This is especially important if any chemical pesticides were used in getting rid of the bed bugs as these need to dry completely. If you are unsure, ask your exterminator for their recommendation.
It really is better if you leave the house, unfortunately. Most treatments involve treating all the living areas (bedrooms, living room, etc.) in the same session; if you choose to only treat the living room you run the risk of potential escapee bugs.
Treated areas may be safely re-entered when the spray is all dry, typically 2 – 3 hours after treatment. The property should then be ventilated for a couple of hours. The dried beds should then be re-made with clean linen, and cleaned items placed back in drawers etc.
While your pest control experts are spraying your home you will have to remain removed from the property. The insecticides being used can be toxic to more than just bed bugs so it is important to wait the required amount of time before returning to your home.
So, no matter what pest control treatment you need to get done at your house you can sleep in your home after treatment.
It typically takes anywhere from 2-4 treatment sessions over a period of 3-6 weeks to completely eliminate bed bugs, depending on the level of infestation and the size of the house. However, each situation is unique.
All clothing, linens, and other items must be cleaned (free of bed bugs) and kept isolated until the bed bug problem is eliminated.
It is essential to clean your mattress after using a bug bomb to remove any chemical residues and ensure a safe sleeping environment. Health Considerations: Chemical residues can be harmful if inhaled or come into contact with skin.
Bed bugs are averse to slick surfaces like glass, plastic, and polished metals and stone. They can, however, grasp and cling onto textiles and porous materials like wood.
Keep clothing off the floor. Eliminate all cardboard boxes (the bugs can hide in the cardboard). Replace with plastic boxes, if you need the storage. Get rid of clothing and other items you no longer use (but make sure they are free of bed bugs first so you don't spread them).
Bottom line, no items should have to be thrown out during a bed bug infestation. With proper treatment, all items should be able to be salvaged. Instead of throwing out clothing and bedding, it's recommended to wash them in a hot water washing machine. High heat will kill bed bugs in all stages of life.
Wool items, plush toys, shoes and other non washable items should be placed in the dryer at the highest dryer setting for 20 minutes. Seal and throw away bags used to move laundry to be washed. Clean clothing and sheets should be stored in sealed bags or sealed plastic containers until the bed bug problem is stopped.
DO NOT move yourself or your furniture from room to room. Bed bugs will not go away if you sleep in another room. Instead, they will follow you and create new colonies wherever you move.
Chemical Treatment: Pest control professionals may use a variety of insecticides or pesticides that are approved for bed bug treatment. These treatments are typically applied to cracks, crevices, and areas where bed bugs are known to hide.
After fumigation and clearance:
Allow extra time for airing out your home, with windows open, before moving back in. Sulfuryl fluoride has been measured in homes up to 48 hours after clearance.
After the treatment, you should:
turn on electrical items after the rooms have been aired. do not vacuum, wipe or polish any treated rooms for at least two weeks. sleep in your bed as normal - it helps to eradicate the bedbugs.
Despite bed bug bombs and foggers being a common DIY treatment method, they are not as effective as you think. While these products may kill some bed bugs on contact, the likelihood of completely eliminating an entire infestation is low.
Essential oils. While essential oils like tea tree, lavender, and peppermint are popularly recommended for DIY bed bug treatments due to their strong scents and supposed insect-repellent properties, there is not much scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in eradicating bed bug infestations.
In general, most experts recommend maintaining quarantine for at least two weeks after treatment, followed by thorough monitoring to ensure the infestation is gone.
If you've recently had your home or business treated for pests, don't be alarmed if you are seeing more pests. It's a normal part of the process; give the products time to do their job. If you are still seeing bugs 10 days after your treatment, contact your pest control company.
We recommend keeping the books stored until you have been able to fully treat the rest of your belongings and your home. It is fine to put any loose items from your bookcase into boxes. Just remember that cardboard can be a haven for bed bugs. So plastic is best.
Heat is non-toxic, and can kill all bed bug life stages including bed bug eggs. However, heat treatment of any kind (except your home clothes dryer) is still relatively expensive and has no residual (long lasting) activity. The lack of residual activity means that bed bugs can re-infest again the day after treatment.
Yes, bed bug extermination is often worth it if you've spotted an insect or suspect you have an infestation. These small pests can hide in crevices in your home and reproduce quickly, making them difficult to eradicate—even with professional aid.
There can be many reasons for failure of a pesticide treatment to completely control the bed bugs, including: Not finding all the bed bugs. Inadequately preparing area (failure to remove clutter, seal cracks and crevices, etc.).