Unfortunately, the absence of visible insects and creatures around your Auburn home or business doesn’t mean anything. Pests could very well still be on the premises. Many can sneak around and destroy things without being caught for a while. Damaged items may be the only indication that there is a problem. Creepy crawlers that reproduce rapidly, like bed bugs, can be stressful to deal with.
To eradicate bed bugs on their own, people will try “do it yourself” tricks or products from a store. It’s believed that doing things this way is just as helpful as the professional tactic but far less expensive. This is a broad misconception that can make your bed bug troubles even worse. Learn why reaching out to Prewett Pest Control & Termite is the way to go in Auburn.
How Do You Get Bed Bugs?
Despite what’s often said, bed bugs survive on blood and not dirt. Keeping your home or business clean can make a difference, but only mildly. These critters are prevalent in spaces that humans and animals occupy, such as fields, schools, hotels, airports, and offices. You likely won’t notice it when bed bugs slide into your bags and clothes. After they follow you to your next location, they’ll gravitate to:
- Electronics
- Appliances
- Fabrics
- Wallpaper
- Wood trim
- Flooring
- Upholstery
- Couches
- Mattresses
Stains, odors, and bites on your skin are the hallmarks of a bed bug infestation. Your fabrics and surfaces will be tarnished with blood drops, reddish-brown spots, and fecal blemishes that are black or brown. Sometimes, the waste of these insects is powdery or broken into particles. In terms of smells, expect mustiness. On your body, you’ll see rash-like patches of red and itchy welts.
Commonly, bed bugs look like apple seeds. The 0.25 of an inch long pests are reddish-brown and oval-shaped. They have two antennas, six legs, and heads that are tinier than their tails. In the middle is a joining part that’s distorted. When they lay pearly white eggs, translucent young will come out of them.
What’s Wrong With Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Bed Bug Methods?
“Do it yourself” approaches and shelf goods for bed bugs tend to cost $20.00 to $90.00 on average. This won’t be a one-time fee because multiple applications will be required. Even then, you’ll still have infestation issues. The only way to altogether remove these pests is to push out all adults, nymphs, and eggs. Considering their size and wide range of hiding spaces, doing this solo would be immensely difficult. Further, there are risks and massive shortcomings to independent avenues:
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE): It’s dangerous to breathe around this potent powder that can dry out bed bugs.
- Dry Ice: The large amounts of carbon dioxide that can emanate from dry ice are hazardous to inhale. Touching it can lead to chemical burns.
- Essential Oils: Research by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows that essential oils will provide just temporary relief. Popular ones are spearmint, paraffin, silicone, and blood orange. Some can be an irritant to your skin or eyes. Oil lamps, candles, and other warming agents can overheat.
- Rubbing Alcohol: This substance contains ethanol, which is flammable. Moreover, respiratory illnesses and breathing complications are linked to it.
How Will Prewett Pest Control & Termite Handle Bed Bugs?
Without professional interventions, bed bug invasions can continue. All it takes is one insect to be left behind or find its way back indoors. In a flash, you’ll have another infestation. For long-term results, contact us at Prewett Pest Control & Termite. Our expert technicians will employ advanced home pest control treatments that won’t do any harm to humans or domestic animals. Call today for a free inspection!