Methods and techniques for bed bug control

Bed bugs are resilient pests that can quickly turn your home or business into an uncomfortable environment. Effective bed bug control requires professional expertise and prevention techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore proven methods to manage bed bug infestations and prevent their return.

Understanding bed bug behavior and why control is essential

Bed bugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood. They are nocturnal pests, hiding during the day and emerging at night for a blood meal. Controlling these pests is crucial because their bites can cause discomfort, allergic reactions, and psychological distress.

Common places bed bugs hide

Bed bugs are expert hiders, seeking refuge in:

• Mattress seams and box springs
• Bed frames and headboards
• Baseboards and crevices around the room
• Upholstered furniture and carpets
• Luggage and personal belongings, such as clothing or shoes
• Understanding their preferred hiding places is key to identifying and treating infested areas.

Bed bug life cycle and reproduction rate

A single female bed bug can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime. These eggs hatch in about 6-10 days, and the nymphs mature into adults within five weeks under favorable conditions. Without prompt intervention, bed bug populations can grow exponentially, making early detection and control critical.

Professional bed bug control methods

Professional treatments are often the most reliable way to eliminate bed bugs. Our bed bug treatment ranges from conventional solutions to state-of-the-art heat treatments. Your Ehrlich representative will review and tailor a solution that would best fit your situation. Our bed bug treatment methods include:

• Chemical treatments and pesticides
• Fumigation and whole-room treatments
• Heat treatment
• Steam remediation

Chemical treatments and pesticides

Conventional material applications remain our primary and most common approach for the removal of bed bugs. Several product formulations, including liquids, dusts, and aerosols are typically required to provide a thorough bed bug service due to the varying types of surfaces, materials, and circumstances encountered.

Bed bug conventional treatment usually begins at the focal point of the infestation which is, in most cases, the bed in an infested room. This will be followed by careful treatment of all items in the vicinity; including baseboards, floor and wall junctions, cracks in the walls and floors, wall-mounted items and relevant structural voids. Tack strips under carpets and wall voids behind electrical outlets and switches will be treated in areas where activity has been observed or when controlling heavy infestation. The intent is to treat every possible hiding place to ensure bed bugs - at all stages of their life cycle - are completely eliminated.

Fumigation and whole-room treatments

Bed bug fumigation may be an option in a few select situations. Structural fumigation involves tenting your property and releasing fumigant gas to permeate every inch of the structure, including walls and under floors. These materials penetrate all items within the fumigated space and can kill all stages of bed bugs present during the exposure period.

During the bed bug fumigation treatment, all tenants, pets, and plants will need to be evacuated for several days. Please note that bed bug fumigation is typically used for stand-alone buildings and may not be available in all service areas. Contact us to inquire about availability.

Heat treatment for bed bugs

Heat treatments can be performed as a chemical-free control method and are widely regarded as one of the most effective solutions for bed bugs. Portable heaters are used to gradually heat the ambient air within residences to temperatures above 122°F while the area is monitored by sensors and infrared technology. These high temperatures are then held for a period of time sufficient to thoroughly eliminate bed bugs in a single treatment.

Heat treatment can be an environmentally friendly and low-risk option for customers (and their pets) due to the minimal use of pesticides. The service can be completed in just one day rather than over the course of a few weeks, and it’s effective against all bed bug life stages. It minimizes disruption and replacement costs as affected areas, furniture, and upholstered items can be used directly after the treatment with complete peace of mind.

Contact your local Ehrlich office at 800-837-5520 or fill in the online form to find out if heat treatment is available in your area.

Steam treatment for bed bug infestations

High temperatures are lethal to most insects provided they cannot quickly escape to a cooler location. The temperatures produced by portable steam units are more than sufficient to kill bed bugs and their eggs upon contact. Steam remediation allows us to treat all surfaces of mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture. 

• Steam remediation may NOT be appropriate for treating all surfaces due to the moisture that is produced.
• Steam is not typically a stand-alone treatment, however, it can be incorporated into any of our other treatment methods.
• Steam can be used as a treatment component in sensitive environments (hospital patient rooms, schools, etc.).

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach

The IPM approach employed by Ehrlich involves expert inspection, bed bug treatment, and ongoing monitoring and prevention strategies. This holistic method reduces bed bug populations while minimizing environmental impact.

DIY bed bug control techniques

For minor infestations, DIY methods can help manage the problem. These techniques often involve a mix of mechanical, thermal, and natural remedies.

Vacuuming and decluttering

Regular vacuuming can remove bed bugs, eggs, and debris from carpets, upholstered furniture, and crevices. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag immediately after use. Decluttering eliminates potential hiding places, making it harder for bed bugs to spread.

Washing and drying fabrics on high heat

Wash all infested items, such as bed linens, curtains, and clothing, in hot water and dry them on high heat. Bed bugs cannot survive exposure to temperatures above 120°F, making this a simple and effective method.

Using diatomaceous earth and other dusts

Diatomaceous earth is a natural, nonchemical powder that dehydrates bed bugs upon contact. Apply it around baseboards, bed frames, and other areas where bed bugs are likely to travel.

Other desiccants, such as silica gel, can also be effective, but care should be taken to avoid inhalation.

DIY bed bug traps and monitors

Bed bug traps and monitors, such as interceptor cups, can help detect and isolate bed bugs. Place these under bed legs or other furniture to monitor bed bug activity and prevent them from climbing up.

Using a steamer for targeted bed bug control

A handheld steamer can deliver high-temperature steam to infested areas, killing bed bugs in crevices, seams, and other hiding places. This method is particularly effective for upholstered furniture, mattresses, and box springs.

Preventing bed bugs from returning

After eliminating bed bugs, prevention is essential to keep them from coming back.

Identifying bed bug hiding spots in your home

Inspect common harborage areas regularly, including:

• Mattress seams and encasements
• Cracks in walls and baseboards
• Upholstered furniture and carpets
• Storage areas with infested items
• Early detection can prevent a full-blown infestation.

Protective covers and encasements for mattresses

Mattress encasements and impregnated liners can both be useful tools when it comes to bed bugs. These are added accessories for bed bug control and should not be used as a stand-alone treatment method.

Regular home inspections and maintenance

Inspect your home periodically for signs of bed bugs, such as reddish stains, fecal spots, or shed exoskeletons. Seal cracks and crevices to eliminate potential hiding places and vacuum regularly to remove stray bugs.

How effective are DIY vs. professional methods?

Home remedies for bed bugs can be effective for mild infestations when combined with diligence and persistence. However, severe infestations normally require professional intervention.

Our expert bed bug exterminators have access to advanced tools, such as heat treatment and specialized chemicals, which can provide faster and more thorough results. If DIY methods fail to eliminate the infestation, contacting a pest control company is the best course of action.

Need help with bed bug removal?

Our bed bug treatment programs are the best way to take action against a bed bug infestation. Ehrlich specialists are extensively trained, skilled, and experienced professionals. They understand the habits of bed bugs and use their knowledge to choose the correct control methods and materials to develop an effective management program. For bed bug prevention, Ehrlich also offers tailored strategies to ensure you don't face recurring problems.

Interested in our bed bug treatments? Call Ehrlich at 1-800-837-5520 or fill out our online form to schedule your bed bug inspection today.

High-risk bed bug businesses

You should consider a proactive approach to bed bug control if your business offers accommodation or provides transportation. These business environments are considered potential sources for harboring and spreading bed bugs:

• Hospitality - hotels, guest houses, hostels
• Healthcare

With such a range of infestation sources, it is almost impossible to prevent bed bugs from entering your business. A bed bug introduction can spread very quickly and, if left uncontrolled, could put your business in jeopardy of loss of revenue, reputation or even forced closure.