When homeowners find bed bugs in their home, they may rush to find an affordable do-it-yourself solution. Store-bought sprays, powders, steamers, traps, and other products may seem quicker and less expensive than hiring a professional pest control company. However, DIY bed bug treatments may cost more in the long run if the infestation is not completely eliminated.
Bed bugs are difficult to remove because they hide in small cracks and crevices, reproduce quickly, and can survive through multiple stages of their life cycle. Professional pest control can typically get rid of bed bug in one treatment, potentially saving you time, money, and frustration.
Buying Multiple DIY Products Can Be Costly
One of the biggest problems with DIY bed bug treatment is that a single product may not eliminate the entire infestation. Homeowners may start with one product and then purchase another when they continue to see bugs.
Additional expenses can include:
- Bed bug sprays
- Powders or desiccants
- Mattress and box spring encasements
- Bed bug interceptors
- Steam cleaners
- Vacuum equipment
- Protective supplies
- Storage containers and plastic bags
- Additional treatment products
Those individual purchases can quickly add up. If the infestation continues, homeowners may repeatedly spend on money on products that don’t address the root of the problem.
Missing Bed Bugs Can Allow the Infestation to Continue
Bed bugs can hide in mattress seams, bed frames, furniture, baseboards, cracks, electrical areas, wall voids, and other hard-to-reach locations. Treating only areas where bugs are visible may leave the major parts of the infestation untouched.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains that treatment failures can happen when you miss bugs, overlook resting areas, don’t treat adjacent areas, or don’t schedule follow-up treatments when needed.
Additionally, eggs that remain after an initial treatment can hatch later, requiring additional control efforts.
Repeated Treatments Take Time
DIY bed bug treatment can quickly turn into a long-term project. Homeowners may need to inspect rooms regularly, wash and dry bedding, vacuum, treat belongings, monitor for new activity, and repeat certain treatment steps.
Bug bombs and foggers can also cause a problem when used improperly. Homeowners should not rely on them to fully eliminate an infestation, as they may not reach bed bugs hiding in cracks and crevices. Improper fogger use can also create health and fire hazards.
Using more pesticides doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get better results. Repeatedly spraying whenever you spot a bed bug often fails to eliminate the infestation and can even lead to pesticide resistance.
DIY Heat Treatments Can Be Risky
Heat plays an important role in controlling bed bugs, but a successful heat treatment requires more than simply turning up the thermostat or placing space heaters around a room.
The EPA specifically warns that DIY heating methods involving space heaters and fireplaces often cause house fires. Bed bug removal specialists use specialized equipment and carefully monitored temperature to effectively and safely reach areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
Trying to save money with an unsafe heating method could result in much greater costs if property is damaged.
Throwing Away Furniture Can Become Expensive
When DIY treatments fail to eliminate an infestation, homeowners may start discarding affected mattresses, couches, bed frames, or other furniture. Replacing these items can be one of the most expensive consequences of an infestation.
However, the EPA advises against automatically throwing away belongings because many items can be treated and saved. Discarding furniture can also potentially spread bed bugs if contaminated items are picked up by someone else.
Before replacing expensive or cherished furniture, schedule an inspection with a pest control specialist.
Professional Treatment May Reduce Repeated Costs
While hiring a pest control specialist does involve a higher upfront cost, they can provide a more structured approach to identifying and controlling an infestation.
They can inspect your property, identify likely hiding areas, recommend an appropriate treatment, and provide guidance on reducing the chance of future outbreaks.
You should consider professional pest control instead of DIY bed bug treatment if you find bugs in multiple rooms, the infestation seems to be spreading, you don’t feel comfortable using pesticides, you’re interested in heat treatment, or the infestation is interfering with your daily routine.
DIY Bed Bug Treatment Isn’t Always the Least Expensive
DIY bed bug treatment may seem like the more inexpensive option, but repeatedly buying products, replacing furniture, cleaning multiple times, and possibly spreading the infestation can all increase the overall cost.
Successful bed bug control requires patience and a comprehensive approach. An experienced pest control specialist can help save you time and money and get your property safe, clean, and comfortable again.
