How to Kill Bed Bugs: Proven Methods for Bed Bug Extermination

November 5, 2024

Proven Methods for Bed Bug Extermination

Introduction
Bed bugs are a persistent nuisance, known for their ability to hide in small crevices and their resistance to many common extermination methods. Whether you’re dealing with bed bugs in your home or a commercial property, it's essential to use proven methods to eliminate them effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore different strategies for killing bed bugs, including both DIY options and professional pest control solutions.

How Do You Kill Bed Bugs?
To successfully eliminate bed bugs, it's essential to use a combination of strategies. Bed bugs can be very resilient, and using only one method is often insufficient. Here are some of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs:

Heat Treatment: Bed bugs cannot survive high temperatures, making heat treatment one of the most effective methods for extermination. Professionals use specialized equipment to raise the temperature in your home or targeted areas to a level that kills both bed bugs and their eggs. Heat treatment is often preferred because it does not involve chemicals and can reach even hidden bed bugs.

Insecticides: Using professional-grade insecticides is another common way to kill bed bugs. Pest control experts have access to specialized products that can eliminate bed bugs in all life stages. Insecticides are typically used in conjunction with other treatments to ensure complete eradication.

Steam Cleaning: Steam cleaning is a popular DIY method for killing bed bugs, especially those hiding in soft furnishings like mattresses, couches, and carpets. The high temperature of the steam effectively kills bed bugs on contact. However, steam cleaning may not reach deeply hidden bed bugs, which is why combining it with other methods is recommended.

Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming can help reduce bed bug populations. Vacuum along mattress seams, furniture, and carpets to remove live bed bugs, eggs, and shed skins. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag to prevent reinfestation.

Encase Mattresses and Box Springs: Bed bug-proof encasements are specially designed to trap bed bugs inside, preventing them from feeding. These encasements are an excellent preventive measure if you've experienced bed bugs in the past or want to avoid re-infestation after treatment.

Does Alcohol Kill Bed Bugs?
One question that often arises is, "Can alcohol kill bed bugs?" Rubbing alcohol is known to kill bed bugs on contact, as it dehydrates their bodies and eventually kills them. However, there are some significant limitations:

Direct Contact Required: Alcohol only works if it comes into direct contact with the bed bugs. It does not have residual effects, meaning it will not kill bed bugs that emerge later or are hiding out of reach.

Flammability: Rubbing alcohol is highly flammable, making it unsafe to use in large quantities or in areas where ignition sources are present.

Overall, while alcohol can kill bed bugs, it is not a reliable or comprehensive treatment for large infestations. Professional treatments are typically recommended for complete extermination.

How Long Does It Take to Kill Bed Bugs?
The time it takes to kill bed bugs depends on the method used and the severity of the infestation. Heat treatment can often eliminate bed bugs in one session, whereas chemical treatments may require multiple visits to ensure that all bed bugs are exterminated, including newly hatched eggs, are eradicated.

Prevention Tips: Keeping Bed Bugs Away
After successfully killing bed bugs, it’s important to take measures to prevent future infestations:

Inspect Second-Hand Furniture: Bed bugs can easily hitch a ride on used furniture. Always inspect items thoroughly before bringing them into your home.

Reduce Clutter: Bed bugs thrive in cluttered environments because it provides them with more places to hide. Reducing clutter can make it easier to spot bed bugs early and take action.

Use Protective Covers: Encase mattresses and box springs with bed bug-proof covers to prevent infestations.

Be Vigilant While Traveling: Bed bugs are notorious travelers. When staying in hotels or other accommodations, inspect the bedding and furniture, and avoid placing your suitcase directly on the floor or bed.

Professional Bed Bug Extermination
For serious infestations, hiring a professional pest control service is the most effective way to get rid of bed bugs. At KC Pest Experts, we specialize in bed bug extermination using advanced methods such as heat treatments and targeted insecticide applications. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you eliminate bed bugs from your home or commercial property quickly and effectively.

Contact Us for a Free Quote
If you’re struggling with a bed bug infestation, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Contact KC Pest Experts for a free quote and let us help you reclaim your home or property from bed bugs.

Internal Links for Further Reading

Our Bed Bug Extermination Services

Identifying Signs of Bed Bugs in Your Home

Preventative Pest Control Tips

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Mouse in your House Call KC Pest Experts Today

Effective Rodent Control: How to Handle Mice Infestations

By Aaron Eades • November 6, 2024

Informative Blog post on Mice and how to deal with them

Bed Bug Control: Where Do Bed Bugs Hide and How to Get Rid of Them

By Aaron Eades • November 5, 2024

Bed Bug Control: Where Do Bed Bugs Hide and How to Get Rid of Them

Bedbugs in your Bed, and Couch?

October 7, 2024

The Resurgence of Bedbugs: Understanding the Problem and Solutions

Rodent Control: A Comprehensive Guide to Mice Removal and Prevention

By Aaron Eades • October 7, 2024

The Uninvited Housemates: A Comprehensive Guide to Rodent Control

Bed Bug lifecycle from Creepy Crawlers Pest Solutions in Greenville Mississippi. (662) 820-9319

Bed Bug Hiding Places

By Bobbie Haynes • October 6, 2024

Discussion major concepts about Bed Bugs and where they can be found.

Mosquito - Rush, NY - Target Pest Control

Bite the itch before it bites you!

March 14, 2024

Protecting your home from Mosquitoes has never been more important for the greater Kansas City region. Several confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in the region have caused many to be concerned about mosquitoes In recent years and prompted a desire to figure out a remedy that would be child and pet friendly. Oftentimes eliminating the possibility of being bitten by mosquitoes requires repellents and various chemicals that need to be applied to your skin and clothing prior to being outdoors. Utilizing such methods is not desirable among many individuals who try to avoid chemicals and the harmful after effects of aerosol chemical repellents. Controlling mosquito populations in a yard carries its own unique plan of action to be successful; however, eliminating Mosquitoes in an entire region proves even more difficult. With the Kansas City region being high on a very popular and trusted list of highest mosquito infested regions in the country, now is the time for you to take action to proactively protect your home and yard. KC Pest Experts has developed a mosquito treatment action plan for your yard, eliminating and preventing mosquito populations from thriving. Providing this effective mosquito control treatment for your yard without the fear of using chemicals or any harmful pesticides around your children or pets is the regimen in which KC Pest Experts specializes. We are your number one source for an effective organic and safe mosquito elimination program for your yard. Founder and Owner Aaron Eades has proven the effectiveness of our successful treatment programs in the region for the past 11 years. Because Mosquito viruses are very serious, lacking a plan of action to shield your home from these parasites leaves you vulnerable to multiple problems caused by mosquito bites. The most common mosquito found in the region is the Culex Mosquito. Culex mosquito nesting habits in yards and around homes requires a special machine that will emit our non-chemical organic products so they penetrate those areas. Having your yard treated once every 30 days between March and October will provide the protection you need in order to enjoy your lawn while having the peace of mind that your loved ones are ok. Exceptional customer service is our priority. We never arrive unannounced and always make certain that our technicians provide the greatest service possible in the region. We want a safe but effective control of Mosquitoes in the Kansas City Metro, and our services here at KC Pest Experts provide exactly that. Bite the Itch before it bites you!

Bed Bug - Rush, NY - Target Pest Control

The Bedbug Dilemma

March 14, 2024

Growing up in Missouri, the only time I heard the word Bedbug was in reference to an overused bed time joke. “Don’t let the bedbugs bite” has become all too serious a phrase for me after my current 13 years’ experience as a professional exterminator. Bedbugs are truly a fascinating little parasite that have caused many problems for humans for over 2000 years. The earliest known reports of bedbugs come from Ancient Greek records. Over time, they have moved through the Middle East, Asia, Europe and eventually to America. Bedbugs, being parasitic insects that feed exclusively on blood, prefer humans as their host. Generally speaking, bedbugs are nocturnal and feed on their host at night. They use a saw-like method with their stylet mandibles to cut through skin and get their fill of blood, with an average feeding lasting anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. Unbelievably, as they begin the process of sawing through human skin, their saliva injects anticoagulants and painkillers which enable them to feed on their host without the host being aware.

Pest Prevention - Rush, NY - Target Pest Control

Preventative vs. Procrastination

March 14, 2024

The professional pest control industry is well equipped to handle a wide array of issues that home owners, business owners and consumers in general through life tend to deal with. Issues such as termite, spider, ant, mosquito, bed bug, roach & rodent infestations just to name a few. When you own a home, rent a home, live in an apartment complex or have a business structure, you can be certain that eventually various pests will attempt to take ownership of your space. This is usually never a pleasant time for the individual dealing with the particular pest issue at hand. Pest professionals all across the United States have various methods and systems utilized to give their customers peace of mind in whatever living / work environment they are in. On a daily basis, here at KC Pest Experts, we help wade our customers through these not so pleasant times, so they can enjoy and feel safe in their living / work environments. If there is one thing I have noticed through the years, serving hundreds upon hundreds of amazing customers, preventative maintenance is the most effective way to keep pest environments controlled. Many companies have different skill sets and methods to address preventative maintenance. One of the most popular methods for a residential home is quarterly pest control service. Every 3 months, a professional technician will service the exterior of a structure, applying products that are safe for children and pets, but are strategically applied to keep all the targeted pests at bay. Different types of structures require different preventative programs depending on if it is a food establishment facility or residential setting etc. Educate yourself about preventative pest control maintenance and research a company before you decide to do business with them. We have learned through the years it is cost effective to control the pests, before they control you. Don’t procrastinate calling a company like ours to prevent pests from becoming an issue. You won’t regret it!

Killing the Bugs - Rush, NY - Target Pest Control

Just say No to Bugs

March 14, 2024

As I’m sitting here thinking about pest control and educating all of our readers, I am in literal shock that it’s already Spring time 2024. The Kansas City Metro is a very interesting environment concerning pests and the severity levels of certain bugs and arachnids. In addition to being surrounded by hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland in the region, large water ways and cities with tens of thousands of residents, we also get a fairly equal dose of all 4 seasons with typically high humidity levels. When you combine these factors while discussing pest populations and heavy infestations of certain types of bugs / spiders, all of these things play a huge role. It is very interesting when we meet customers who move to the Kansas City area from other parts of the country and we learn the differences of our region vs. their prior residence. For instance, recently we met a client from Arizona originally and they were in shock they could walk through their yard barefoot without having to worry about scorpions. While there are some pests we thankfully do not have to worry about, like scorpions, there are others that are very dominant in our region. Two pests that come to mind that seem to be a problem every month out of the year in the Kansas City region are Brown Recluse spiders and Subterranean Termites. As we are thinking about summer and weather transitions etc, there are multiple other pests in the region that will flare up depending on the season we are in. Having your home on a routine pest control maintenance program is the best way to ensure that you can keep the seasonal pests at bay – while also continually attacking the regular pests that are always an issue like the recluse and others. If you have any questions about routine pest control maintenance, don’t hesitate to call our office and speak to one of our experts for a free consultation.

Termites - Rush, NY - Target Pest Control

Termites, the silent Destroyers

March 14, 2024

A better word to describe a termite is Ninja. They work in the dark 24/7, they attempt staying out of sight, they’re extremely destructive and it takes a well trained warrior to defeat them. Using Ninja analogies brings out my inner child and now I most definitely am watching The 3 Ninjas this evening. Eastern Subterranean termites are the type of termite we have to deal with in Kansas City. In different parts of the country there are multiple kinds of termites, in fact over 2000 kinds of termites around the world. Eastern Subterranean termites colonize in the soil. The worker termites go back and forth between the food source and the colony 24/7 365 days a year, never hibernating. When you have a destructive insect whose job is to constantly seek cellulose material, you must make sure your home is not at risk. Termites are virtually everywhere in the soil where there are roots, they feed on tree roots and plant roots, but while they keep expanding their colony and continue foraging forward, if your home is encountered, a small gap not much larger than a human hair is all a termite needs to continue their search for wood inside your home. When selling / purchasing a home, termite inspections are an incredibly smart thing to have done. We hear from clients, “I’ve never seen a termite and I’ve lived here 30 years.” However, oftentimes termites are doing their damage in the shadows in places you would never think to inspect or notice. We have witnessed termite issues in old home and termite issues in brand new homes. Many variables are involved when performing an inspection. There are preventative measures you can take to make sure these destructive little insects do not cause damage to one of your greatest investments. Speak to a professional about your options and create a barrier of protection to stop them before they go full on Ninja destruction in the shadows. Don’t hesitate to call us here at KC Pest Experts, as we do not charge to provide you a free inspection and consultation!