Alert: Top 5 Shocking Reasons Why Bed Bugs Remain a Persistent Nightmare
Bed bugs, notorious for their resilience and adaptability, have emerged as a significant challenge in pest control. The increased ineffectiveness of pesticides against these pests has become a pressing concern. Historically, pesticides were considered a potent weapon against bed bug infestations. However, over time, these insects have developed strong resistance to various chemical treatments, rendering many traditional pesticides ineffective.
One of the primary reasons for this ineffectiveness is the evolutionary adaptation of bed bugs. They have developed thickened cuticles, which act as barriers to chemical agents, and have altered their nerve cells to reduce pesticide efficacy. This adaptation is not just against one specific type of pesticide but a broad range of chemicals used in pest control. As a result, many bed bug populations can now survive treatments that would have been lethal just a few years ago.
The overreliance on chemical solutions has exacerbated the problem. Frequent and improper use of pesticides has accelerated the development of resistance among bed bug populations. In many cases, pesticides are applied without proper identification of the pest or adherence to recommended guidelines, leading to insufficient exposure and, consequently, only partial elimination of the pests. This partial exposure further contributes to the development of resistance, as only the most resilient individuals survive and reproduce.
Beyond the issue of resistance, the use of pesticides for bed bug control raises significant health and environmental concerns. Many of these chemicals can have harmful effects on human health, particularly in situations where they are not used according to safety guidelines. There is also the issue of environmental contamination, as these chemicals can persist in the environment and affect non-target species.
In conclusion, the ineffectiveness of pesticides in controlling bed bugs highlights the need for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. IPM focuses on a combination of methods such as heat treatment, physical removal, and the use of pesticides as a last resort. Such strategies not only address the issue of pesticide resistance but also mitigate health and environmental risks. As bed bug infestations continue to challenge pest control efforts, a shift towards more sustainable and effective methods becomes increasingly crucial.
5 Reasons Why Most Bed Bug Treatments Do Not Work
Five Key Reasons Why Many Bed Bug Treatments Fail
- Lack of Specialization in Bed Bug Extermination: Most companies offering bed bug treatments primarily focus on general pest control, like dealing with termites or mosquitoes. However, bed bugs are a unique challenge and need a different strategy and specific training and tools.
- Ineffective Pesticides: Commonly used pesticides might work well for various household insects, but they fail against bed bugs. Unfortunately, there aren’t pesticides specifically made for bed bugs, which leads to many unsuccessful treatments.
- Improper Preparation: Proper preparation is crucial in tackling a bed bug issue. This includes carefully packing up clothes and belongings for laundry or fumigation, and correctly setting up mattresses and box springs for treatment. Many companies overlook this step or leave it to the homeowner, which can lead to poor results. A thorough and professional approach is essential here.
- Homeowner Involvement: There’s no magic solution for bed bugs. Effective treatment requires effort and cooperation from the homeowner. It’s important for the exterminator to clearly explain what responsibilities the homeowner has, and for the homeowner to be fully aware and involved in the process.
- Lack of Follow-Up and Monitoring: After the initial treatment, it’s important to keep an eye on the situation. Properly installed monitoring devices and a follow-up visit within 2-4 weeks are key to ensuring the treatment is working and addressing any remaining issues. This follow-up step gives peace of mind to the homeowner and keeps the exterminator accountable.
The 3 biggest reasons why pesticides are not effective for bed bug extermination.
- Every pesticide approved in the USA market under FIFRA ( Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ) and used for bed bugs, was specifically developed for insects other than bed bugs. Only when those pesticides’ patent protection was about to expire, bed bug use was added to the list of insects on the label to extend the patent protection effectively giving the product a couple more years. Bed bugs are unique in many ways beginning with feeding habits, resistance building, harborage, and reproduction to name a few.
- Every pesticide on the market utilizes a deterrent component. The deterrent component simply alerts the insect to the existence of the pesticide sending a message to the insect “It is dangerous for you here. Go elsewhere “. So far no problems, as long as you are dealing with insects entering your house from the outside. You apply the product on the exterior walls and all is fine. Well, bed bugs don’t live outdoors and don’t crawl into your home through doors and windows. Bed bugs can be transported into our homes on our clothing, furniture, and potentially any item that is brought in by us or our visitors. Or, in a multifamily building setting or a hotel, they can travel from one unit to the adjacent unit.
Therefore, if you apply a pesticide in one area you will simply push the bed bugs into the other area of your home where the pesticide was not used practically spreading the infestation. If you apply the pesticide throughout the entire house, the bed bugs will look for shelter in wall voids, cracks and crevices that the pesticide did not reach into, making proper bed bug extermination far more difficult and expensive. Btw. cracks and crevices are bed bug’s favorite places to live as they love to feel pressure on both sides of their bodies.
- Imagine for a moment there was a pesticide that was effective for bed bugs and safe for you, your family, and your pets. If somehow, the bed bug or bed bug egg was exposed to but survived the treatment with that pesticide, within 2 generations the offspring will be 100% resistant to that pesticide. That translates to around 150 days on the long side or as little as 30 days under some conditions.
Hopefully, by now you realize why there are no effective and safe pesticides on the market and why pesticide manufacturers are not rushing to develop new products.
Here, at K&A Pest Control we recognized that 14 years ago and this is when we dedicated ourselves 100% to the safe, effective, and non-toxic treatment of bed bugs using mostly mechanical methods and a true IPM ( Integrated Pest Management ) against which bed bugs simply can not defend or adapt.
Steam Treatment For Bed Bugs
Proper steaming is essential if you wish to get rid of bed bugs quickly, safely, and without dangerous pesticides. The temperature of the steam must be high enough and the pressure high enough to penetrate cracks and crevices but not too high so it doesn’t just blow the bed bugs around before steam kills them. If you are treating hard-to-reach, deep creases on upholstered furniture generally the pressure should be higher. A variety of nozzles should be used as well to penetrate deep or to trap the heat more on the surface. The speed with which you move the nozzle should be uniform and around 12-15 seconds per foot. Going slower will not hurt but going too fast might adversely affect the steaming process.
Biggest problem with heat treatment for bed bugs
There are three major problems with ambient heat treatment for bed bugs.
- The way the heat treatment for bed bugs is being sold to you. Do not get me wrong, heat treatment can and often does work but not by itself. There is no silver bullet or a panacea for bed bugs and there will not be any for a very long time ( I will cover this subject in the next video). Yet, the salespeople working for the companies that sell heat treatment will tell you that heat attracts bed bugs, that bed bugs are drawn to it from wherever they are hiding and then perish from heat exhaustion. That is exactly 2,5% true. What attracts or draws bed bugs to you, just like a few other insects is the CO2 we exhale. That’s right, this is how bed bugs know there is a living and breathing host in the vicinity CO2 represents 95% of attraction, and your body heat and body scent account for 2.5% each. If you don’t want to take my word for it, please refer to Purdue University or Kentucky University Entomology Department which are the two leading, non-biast sources for bed bug research or PCT ( Pest Control Technology) magazine.
- Heat sink areas. These are the areas in the house that heat up at a slower rate than the other areas. Effectively speaking bed bugs will find refuge in those areas to escape the heat. Please note, that the temperature monitors used by companies providing ambient heat treatment for bed bugs are placed in the general areas, not in the heat sink areas. Granted, not all of them will be able to find those cooler places and will die during heat treatment, however, that is not the goal nor what you were promised.
- A complete lack of residual protection. This is the biggest problem with the ambient heat treatment for bed bugs. Once the heat dissipates and the temperature returns to normal there is no residual protection and nothing to continue the process of bed bug eradication. If even one bed bug or bed bug egg survived, which is not hard to imagine considering what I explained in the first two paragraphs, or if bed bugs were reintroduced to your home, there is simply nothing to stop the infestation from growing and this nightmare from continuing.
Selecting the Best Bed Bug Removal Service in Orlando, Florida: 5 Key Considerations
Discovering a bed bug infestation in your Orlando, Florida home can be truly unsettling. These tiny pests are not only a nuisance but also notoriously challenging to eliminate.
To ensure a thorough and safe removal of bed bugs, it’s essential to hire a reputable and experienced bed bug removal company. If you’re in Orlando, facing a bed bug issue, here are five critical factors to prioritize when choosing a bed bug removal service.
1. Experience and Expertise:
When it comes to bed bug eradication in Orlando, Florida, experience is paramount. Seek out an Orlando bed bug removal company with a proven track record in successfully addressing bed bug infestations across various settings, including residential homes, hotels, and commercial spaces. Seasoned professionals are well-versed in bed bug behaviors, enabling them to tailor effective treatment plans to your specific situation.
2. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles:
One of the top considerations for selecting a bed bug removal company in Orlando, Florida is their adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles. IPM is an eco-friendly approach to pest control that emphasizes identifying the root causes of infestations and implementing targeted solutions. By choosing a company that embraces IPM, you’re ensuring sustainable and effective pest control practices for your Orlando property.
3. Licensed and Insured:
Prioritize a bed bug removal company in Orlando, Florida that is licensed and insured. Licensing guarantees that the technicians are skilled and qualified to handle pest infestations safely and efficiently. Additionally, insurance provides protection against any unforeseen damages during the treatment process. Opting for a licensed and insured service gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re working with a trustworthy and responsible provider.
4. Transparent Inspection and Treatment Plan:
A dependable Orlando bed bug removal company will kick off the process with a comprehensive inspection of your property. This step aims to gauge the extent of the infestation and locate potential hiding spots. They should readily share their findings with you and present a detailed treatment plan. Transparent communication is pivotal in fostering trust and ensuring a successful bed bug elimination process.
5. Customer Reviews and Testimonials:
Before finalizing your choice, take a moment to read customer reviews and testimonials about the bed bug removal company you’re considering in Orlando, Florida.
Insights from past clients can offer valuable information about the company’s reliability, professionalism, and the effectiveness of their treatments. Positive reviews and satisfied customers serve as indicators of a dependable and reputable bed bug removal service.
Conclusion: Confronting a bed bug infestation can be overwhelming, but selecting the right Orlando, Florida bed bug removal company can significantly ease the process.
Remember to prioritize a company that aligns with Integrated Pest Management principles, boasts relevant experience, holds the necessary licenses and insurance, communicates transparently, and garners positive customer reviews.
By taking these five crucial factors into account, you can make an informed decision and ensure a successful bed bug extermination process. With expert assistance, you can regain control over your Orlando home and enjoy peace of mind once again.
For a local Orlando based Bed Bug Extermination service which uses Integrated Pest Management Principles please contact Thomas from K&A Pest Control at 407 974-4750 for immediate service.
Top 7 Bed Bug Extermination Companies in Orlando Florida
# 1. K&A Pest Control Pest Control Orlando Florida– Local Orlando based Bed Bug Extermination specialist. Call 407 974-4750
2. Beacon Pest Services-Wildlife Control Pest Control– Located in: South Park Address: 8600 Commodity Cir #145, Orlando, FL 32819 Areas served: Orlando and nearby areas
3. ABC Home & Commercial Services- Address: 823 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803, United States Areas served: Orlando and nearby areas.
4. Terminix Pest Control– Located in: Sandlake Tech center Address: 2423 Sand Lake Rd Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32809, United States Areas served: Orlando and nearby areas.
5. Florida Pest Control- Address: 4315 Roush Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, United States Areas served: Orlando and nearby areas.
6. Critter Control of Orlando– Pest control service 10+ years in business Open 24 hours Altamonte Springs, FL, United States Provides: Bed bug extermination
7. Dave’s Pest Control Orlando Florida– Services: Ant extermination, Bed bug extermination, Bee extermination, Bug & insect extermination, Cockroach extermination, Flea & mite extermination, General pest inspection, Home inspection, Hornet & wasp extermination, Mosquito extermination, Rodent extermination, Spider extermination, Termite extermination, Termite inspection, Additional Landscaping, Disease Control, Flea Control, Flowering Insect Control, Gutters Clean, Lawn And Shrub Fertilization, Lawn And Shrub Treatment, Pool Services, Preventative Maintenance, Preventative Measures, Real Estate Inspections, Residential And Commercial, Residential Treatments, Service Calls, Silverfish Treatments, Specific Treatment, Wood Destroying