Residents of the Sunshine State are no strangers to bed bugs. These insects are not selective. So, don’t be surprised to suffer an infestation even if you have a clean home. Unfortunately, bed bug removal isn’t effortless, and many property owners struggle to find the best solution.
One debate relates to bed bug repellent versus heat treatment effectiveness. While the former has received positive reviews, it’s not effective when dealing with a full-scale bed bug infestation.
The EPA website describes an insect repellent as “ any substance intended for mitigating, preventing, repelling and destroying pests.” Bed bug repellent, therefore, doesn’t kill these pests. Instead, it keeps them away.
Studies have found some essential oils to be effective in repelling bed bugs. These include:
First, it’s important to note that a repellent doesn’t always protect you from bed bug bites. For instance, in the 2021 study, which involved citronella oil, the researchers found that proximity to a heat source did not deter bed bugs from sucking blood. Instead, it only lowered their feeding rate.
Moreover, a separate study on ultrasonic device repellents found that ultrasonic repellers did not affect bed bugs’ communication, even though previous studies found that these products worked on bark beetles.
Experts have found that bed bug heat treatment is a highly effective bed bug control method. This process involves raising the temperature of your home to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It requires special equipment, including thermometers, to ascertain that the temperature levels are sufficient to kill bed bugs. Therefore, only licensed pest control professionals can carry it out.
You will need to prepare your home before the heat treatment for bed bugs begins. Every family member, including pets, must be out of the house.
You will also need to declutter and safely dispose of items not in use. It would be best if you also took out heat-sensitive items, like plants. Fortunately, large items like your TV and computer can sustain the heat.
Heat treatments are highly effective because they kill nymphs and adult bed bugs. What’s more, it targets bed bug-infested areas that aren’t easily visible—unlike a bed bug repellent, which doesn’t always deter these pests from invading your home and, more importantly, doesn’t get rid of bed bugs.
Let’s not forget the eco-friendly nature of bed bug heat treatments. Not all bed bug repellents use organic ingredients. As a consumer, you may not always know which products are safe, especially if you have kids or pets.
Also, failure to wash hands after use could lead to accidental consumption. While the toxicity of EPA-approved repellents is low, the effects of long-term use aren’t apparent.
Heat treatment is effective at eradicating bed bugs from your home. Even so, it’s better to stop them from getting inside altogether.
Here are a few ways to check for bugs in your home.
Using repellents or other chemical treatments isn’t ideal for bed bug control. Chemical treatments can be toxic, and there have been skin irritation and even cancer reports.
Chemical treatments require several applications to kill bed bugs. In comparison, a single heat treatment session of about 8 hours targets all infested areas thoroughly.
If you believe your home is infested with bed bugs, it’s wise to call for pest management immediately. At McDonald Pest Control, we perform a comprehensive treatment program that is safe and effective. Contact us today for more information on our bed bug eradication techniques and other pest control services. Book an inspection visit for your home today!
