Getting Rid of Bed Bugs: Heat vs. Chemicals
Bed bugs are on the rise!
- A national strategy is being developed by federal and provincial governments to help tackle the growing problem of bed bugs. The annoying insects are making their presence known in a big way with numbers on the rise across North America.
- Pest Control companies are reporting significant increases in the number of phone calls for chemical treatment which has risen to an epidemic level.
The lifecycle of a bed bug.- We are a more mobile and robust world, so they have a greater opportunity to travel. Unfortunately, bed bugs are on the rise because they’re are becoming resistant to the pesticides used to kill them.
- Changes in pest control around the country have resulted in a situation where some of the previous pesticides that had been effective have been removed from the market.
Compounding this problem is the stark reality that if the job is not done properly the first time, then the bed bugs will return and continue to spread. The problem will then become more serious and expensive when you consider that female bed bugs can lay about 300 eggs in their lifetime once they’re inseminated. Bed bugs that feed regularly have a lifespan of 10 months, so we’re talking a lot of bed bugs laying a lot of eggs.
There are several standard techniques and variations used in the marketplace in attempts to remove and/or eliminate bed bugs:
- Chemicals and Pesticides – Most bed bug chemical treatments are tedious and require multiple visits. Ongoing changes within the industry and the continued changes in allowed pesticide and insecticide use has meant that once-proven techniques are no longer viable. Besides, most of us would prefer safer, more eco-friendly alternatives that are less toxic.
- Steaming & Fogging – Limited effectiveness since they may not reach into deep areas.
- Aerosols – Few treatments can kill bed bugs at all stages. Aerosols are useless unless there are visible signs of bed bugs because these are contact insecticides and it serves no purpose if you can’t spray them directly on the bug.
Remember, bed bugs are nocturnal creatures, meaning they prefer to come out at night.
| Heat Treatment | Conventional Treatment |
|---|---|
| Almost 100% Effective at eliminating all bed bugs. | Very limited effectiveness. |
| Kills adults, nymphs and eggs. | Kills adults and nymphs, does not kill eggs. |
| One treatment required. | Multiple treatments. |
| Very minimal preparation. Treatment can be focused or tailored to a specific area. | Extensive preparation. |
| Room returned to normal use within hours. | Room out of service for days or even weeks. |
| Non-chemical, no toxic fumes and no residue. Our heat process is safe and does not involve open flames or propane. | Intensive application. |
| Kills Bed Bugs inside mattresses and box springs. | Often requires replacement of furniture or numerous and extensive treatments to restor |
