Bed bugs are one of the more infuriating household pests. These tiny, blood-sucking invaders can be hard to spot and even harder to eliminate. If you find yourself dealing with an infestation it can be tempting to try and handle the crisis on your own. Do-it-yourself bed bug treatments offer the chance to save some money and avoid the hassle of hiring a professional pest control team. Or at least, that’s what they promise.
The truth is do-it-yourself bed bug treatments come with some significant drawbacks. There are safety concerns to consider, as well as the very real potential that you will ultimately only make the problem worse. Before you spend your chances on DIY bed bug treatments you should understand the risks involved.
Health and Safety
One of the most serious risks of DIY bed bug treatments is the potential harm you can do to your own family’s health and safety. Many over-the-counter sprays and powders contain strong chemicals that can be dangerous when used incorrectly. People often apply these products too liberally or in the wrong places without understanding the associated risks.
Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can often cause skin irritation and respiratory issues, especially in children and older adults. Misuse of over-the-counter sprays and powders can lead to serious illness.
Effectiveness
Bed bugs tend to hide in tiny cracks and crevices, making them extremely difficult to eradicate without thorough and comprehensive treatments. The majority of DIY products only kill bed bugs on contact, and have little or no residual effect. Any bed bugs missed during the application of an over-the-counter pesticide will likely survive and continue to reproduce.
Do-it-yourself treatments also fail to reach eggs that are hidden deep inside walls and furniture. These eggs will naturally hatch within days and start the infestation cycle over again. Without the benefit of professional equipment and experience many do-it-yourself remedies fail to fully eliminate the infestation, only allowing it to grow worse over time.
Exacerbates the Infestation
Bed bugs are known for their ability to travel to new areas of a home when disturbed. Since DIY treatments tend to only effect limited areas of the home any surviving bed bugs may simply scatter and find new nesting places. They will move into walls, electrical outlets, baseboards, or adjacent rooms to escape the disturbance.
This type of bed bug migration is an important point for those living in apartment buildings or other multi-unit housing. More often than not DIY treatments only results in the infestation spreading to neighboring units, ultimately making the problem worse.
Loss of Time and Money
On the fact of it do-it-yourself bed bug treatments seem like an easy way to save some money. Unfortunately, in the long run, they can lead to significant financial losses. It’s all too easy to spend hundreds of dollars on sprays, powders and traps only to find the infestation persists. Ultimately, the infestation grows and will require more extensive and expensive treatments later on.
By contrast, a professional pest control service can often eliminate your bed bug problem more quickly, reducing long-term costs. Many professionals also provide follow up services ensuring that the infestation is fully eliminated.
False Sense of Security
One of the more deceptive risks of DIY bed bug treatments is the false sense of security they can create. After spraying or treating your home, you might not see evidence of bed bugs for a few days or even a few weeks. This can lead homeowners to assume the problem is gone. However, bed bugs can go into hiding or enter a dormant state, only to reappear later when the eggs hatch of the pesticides wear off. This delay can lull people into inaction, giving the infestation time to grow unchecked.
Professional pest control companies typically conduct follow-up inspections to monitor any potential return of the initial infestation. They also use integrated treatment strategies that target bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle. This approach greatly reduces the chance of re-infestation and ensures a more thorough elimination of the pests.
Conclusion
While it’s certainly understandable to want to handle a bed bug infestation yourself, DIY treatments often pose more risks than rewards. From health risks to wasted money, the hazards of tackling bed bugs without professional help can’t be overstated.
Instead of gambling with your family’s safety and finances you should consider calling in a licensed bed bug removal expert who can deliver a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution. The peace of mind that comes with knowing the job has been done right is worth the investment.
Published by Scott Palatnik
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