Three Bed Bug Removal "Tips" That Could Leave You Worse Off Than When You Started

If you're seeking out bed bug removal tips, it likely means you're facing an infestation, which is never a good time. There's a lot of info online about how to get rid of bed bugs, but unfortunately, a lot of it is flat wrong. Here are three bed bug removal tips that could leave you worse off.

#1: Bug bombs or foggers

One of the first methods many people try to eliminate bed bugs is a "bug bomb" or fogger. The thing is, these products use a chemical called pyrethrin, which is great against flying insects, but not so much against crawling pests. And, even if the chemical released did fight crawling insects, these bombs often don't reach the inner crevices where bed bugs like to hide. On top of that, it's going to leave a pesticide residue all over, meaning that counters, bedding, pet dishes, toys, and any other exposed surfaces will need to be wiped down (a warning many people miss). A bug bomb is generally the least effective pest treatment for any insect problem, much less bed bugs.

#2: Cranking up the heat

Heat can indeed kill bed bugs, but the temperature needs to be a lot higher than most homes can reach - 120 degrees. And it has to be at that temperature for over an hour, evenly heated. This includes the interior of walls and closets, plus the insides of all mattresses and furniture. This just isn't going to be feasible by turning up the thermostat. Some people trying a home heat treatment to get rid of bed bugs have brought propane heaters and even grills inside their home, which is a quick recipe for a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

#3: Throwing out the affected mattress or clothing

This "tip" could leave you worse off for two reasons: you may end up not even getting rid of the bed bugs, and you may end up throwing things away unnecessarily. If you have bed bugs on a mattress, there's a great chance they're elsewhere in the bedroom too. Get rid of just the mattress, and you haven't done anything to really fix the problem. In the case of infestation being only on a mattress, a mattress encasement can be use to trap them for good (meaning your furniture and clothes should be okay). Certainly don't throw your entire bedroom on the curb as soon as you see bed bugs.

If you have a bed bug problem, your best solution is going to be to trust a professional from the onset. The sooner you call the pros in, the sooner you'll have the bugs gone and have your