Bed Bug Control
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are a common household pest that can cause significant distress to homeowners. At On Guard Pest Control, we understand the importance of keeping your home free of these pesky insects.
Understanding Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are nocturnal and are attracted to the carbon dioxide and warmth emitted by their hosts. Bed bugs can infest various areas of your home, but they are most commonly found in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and bedding. Their bites can cause skin irritation, itching, and even allergic reactions in some people. If not treated as soon as they are discovered, they can spread quickly throughout your entire home.
Detection
Early detection is crucial in controlling bed bug infestations. Be vigilant and look for the following signs:
- Small reddish-brown fecal spots on bedding or mattresses.
- Tiny white eggs or shed skins in and around your bed.
- Live bed bugs, which are usually found hiding in seams, folds, and crevices.
- Red, itchy bite marks on your body, often in a straight line or zigzag pattern.
If you suspect a bed bug infestation, call a professional pest control company like On Guard Pest Control immediately. We will thoroughly inspect your home and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
Treatment
There are several treatment options available to control bed bug infestations. At On Guard Pest Control, we use a combination of methods for the best results:
- Insecticides: We use a combination of residual insecticides, dust formulations, and aerosols to target bed bugs and their hiding spots effectively. Our technicians are trained to apply these treatments safely and responsibly.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Our comprehensive approach combines various methods, such as regular inspections, monitoring, targeted treatments, and homeowner education, to ensure long-lasting bed bug control.
Prevention
Preventing a bed bug infestation is the best way to protect your home. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of an infestation:
- Inspect any second-hand furniture or clothing before bringing them into your home.
- When traveling, always check hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs and store luggage away from the bed.
- Regularly wash and dry your bedding on high heat to kill any bed bugs that might be present.
- Use mattress and box spring encasements to prevent bed bugs from hiding in your bed.
Additional Details
Some more important details to know about.
Preparing Your Home for Treatment
Before the treatment begins, all occupants, including pets, must leave the unit and not enter for a minimum of 6 hours after the technician arrives. Aquariums may remain in place as long as the filtrations and aeration systems are turned off and the tank is adequately covered. Filtration and aeration equipment should be turned back on 6 hours after treatment. Anyone who is pregnant or has allergies or asthma should take the necessary precautions.
Before treatment:
- All clutter should be removed from the unit.
- If possible, steam clean, wet vacuum or shampoo any carpeting and furnishings.
- Vacuum the mattress thoroughly including the crevices, handles and buttons.
- Vacuum bed frame, baseboards and objects/flooring close to bed.
- Discard the vacuum bag (placed in tightly sealed garbage bag before disposal).
- Remove all clothing from dressers and place in clean plastic bags or plastic totes.
- Bookshelves, nightstands or other furniture in the immediate area must be emptied so that the technician can spray the undersides of the furniture.
- Place all items in tightly sealed garbage bags and leave them in the room to be treated.
- Do not move furniture away from the walls.
- Do not put things on top of the furniture.
Laundering
All clothing items should be placed in garbage bags, sealed and emptied directly into the washing machine. When the laundering cycles are complete, the clean laundry should be placed in new clear garbage bags and sealed during the treatment process. The garbage bags used for transporting clothing articles to the laundry room should be discarded outside the premise as they may contain bed bugs. For severe infestations, water soluble bags should be used if possible to collect sheets and clothing and put directly into the wash. It is important to launder items using hot water as cold water will not kill bed bugs or their eggs. All clean clothes should be put in the dryer on high for a minimum of 20 minutes. Some clothing may require dry cleaning.
Beds
All bedding must be removed before the technician arrives. Soiled bedding should be washed in hot water (separate from all other laundry) or dry cleaned before or soon after the treatment to avoid resurgence of bed bugs. Pillows should also be placed in the dryer on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes. After treatment, bed skirts should be avoided; bedding tucked in tightly; and bed kept a few inches away from the wall.
Baby cribs
All linen should be laundered. All toys should be washed in soapy hot water and stuffed toys should be placed in dryer on high heat for 20 minutes.
Dressers and night tables.
All contents of dressers are to be placed in garbage bags and placed in the dryer cycle on hot for a minimum of 20 minutes. All articles on top of dresser are to be removed and placed in plastic bags or plastic totes. Bookshelves, nightstands or other furniture in the immediate area must be emptied so that the technician can spray the undersides of the furniture. Shelving and drawers should be clean.
Closets
All closets including linen closets are to be emptied. Clean articles should be placed in the dryer on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes. All soiled articles need to be washed in hot water and then dried in high heat. Laundromat dryers may have lower heat settings and may not heat up to 60 degrees Celsius so the full cycle should be used.
Sofas and chairs
All chair covers, throws and pillows must be laundered prior to treatment.
Disposal of furniture
Discarding beds, bedding, and furniture is NOT a sound approach to bed bug control as they can be easily re-infested. Furniture that is infested with bed bugs that cannot be salvaged needs to be disposed of in a manner that will prevent the further spread of bed bugs. In the process of removing a piece of furniture, bed bugs can escape into hallways and make their way into new apartments spreading the problem to new areas.
If you decide to throw out bed bug infested furniture:
- Take apart, deface or damage the piece of furniture to ensure it cannot be reused.
- Mattresses should be slashed or otherwise damaged to make it unusable and wrapped.
- Wrap the furniture in plastic so bed bugs cannot escape—this should be done in the unit before the mattress is removed.
- Put in trash shortly before pick-up, so it doesn’t sit for a long time.
After Treatment:
Disposal of furniture
Discarding beds, bedding, and furniture is NOT a sound approach to bed bug control as they can be easily re-infested. Furniture that is infested with bed bugs that cannot be salvaged needs to be disposed of in a manner that will prevent the further spread of bed bugs. In the process of removing a piece of furniture, bed bugs can escape into hallways and make their way into new apartments spreading the problem to new areas.
If you decide to throw out bed bug infested furniture:
- Take apart, deface or damage the piece of furniture to ensure it cannot be reused.
- Mattresses should be slashed or otherwise damaged to make it unusable and wrapped.
- Wrap the furniture in plastic so bed bugs cannot escape—this should be done in the unit before the mattress is removed.
- Put in trash shortly before pick-up, so it doesn’t sit for a long time.
Cautions and Concerns
After successfully treating a bed bug infestation, it is essential to be aware of certain cautions and concerns to prevent re-infestation and ensure the continued comfort and safety of your home. On Guard Pest Control offers valuable advice to help clients maintain a bed bug-free environment post-treatment.
- Careful inspection and cleaning of belongings: Once a bed bug infestation has been treated, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect and clean all personal belongings before reintroducing them into your living space. Items such as clothing, bedding, and curtains should be washed and dried at high temperatures to kill any remaining bed bugs or eggs. Vacuuming and wiping down furniture, luggage, and other items can also help remove any residual pests.
- Regular monitoring and early detection: To prevent a new infestation, it is essential to monitor your home for any signs of bed bug activity regularly. This includes checking mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and surrounding areas for live bugs, shed skins, or tiny black fecal spots. Installing bed bug interceptors or traps can also be an effective tool for early detection and monitoring. If you notice any signs of bed bugs, contact On Guard Pest Control immediately to address the issue promptly.
- Prevention and maintenance: Maintaining a clean and clutter-free home can help reduce potential hiding spots for bed bugs. Vacuuming regularly, particularly in bedrooms and around sleeping areas, can help remove any stray bugs or eggs. When traveling, inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs and keep your luggage off the floor and away from beds. Upon returning home, wash and dry all travel clothes at high temperatures and vacuum your luggage thoroughly.
By following these post-treatment cautions and concerns, homeowners in Medicine Hat can enjoy a comfortable and bed bug-free living environment. On Guard Pest Control is committed to providing top-notch pest control services, including bed bug removal, ensuring the well-being of their clients.
If you suspect a bed bug infestation or need expert advice on maintaining a pest-free home, contact On Guard Pest Control today. Their experienced team of technicians is ready to assist you with all your pest control needs.
Trust On Guard Pest Control for Bed Bug Solutions
If you're dealing with a bed bug infestation, don't hesitate to contact On Guard Pest Control. Our team of experienced technicians is committed to providing you with effective, safe, and environmentally friendly solutions. Let us help you reclaim your home and enjoy a bed bug-free life.