Effective Treatment For Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are becoming more and more prevalent and if you think that they only exist in places where there is poor levels of sanitation then you're wrong. While poor sanitation can contribute to severe infestation, there are other factors to consider as well like frequent traveling or if you live in an area where there a lot of birds and bats. Bugs are tough and are very difficult to kill. They can survive without feeding for long periods. They're also hard to detect because they're small and can hide almost anywhere. Using an insecticide spray is an effective treatment for bed bugs. Lucky for us because most of the insecticides we have in the market today are 100% non-toxic, biodegradable and child and pet friendly.

There are three basic types of insecticides that are used as treatment for bed bugs:

1. Contact Killers- these are the types that kill the bugs after they come into direct contact with the product or its residue. Most of the sprays are made of pyrethroids- synthetic analogs of the extract of chrysanthemum flowers. They knock down bugs rapidly. Some pest control professionals do not like using pyrethroids because it can be irritating and repellent to a lot of insects so bugs may avoid treated surfaces. An insecticide called chlorfenapyr is preferred because it is non-repellent and effective for a longer period of time.

2. Insecticidal Dusts or Powders- these insecticides are abrasive and they cut through the insect's waxy outer coat and cause the bugs to dry out in no time. Some contain a finely ground glass or silica powder and they are considered to be effective treatment for bed bugs. You can apply the dust in cracks and crevices as well as within the hollow interior of a tubular bed frame.

3. IGR (Insect Growth Regulators) - they do not really kill bed bugs but they affect the development and reproduction of insects. They inhibit the growth in other words. Although these products can help in reducing the population of the pests, they should not be used alone. They are often used by professional exterminators as a supplement to other kinds of insecticides.

Aside from using an insecticide spray, steam cleaning is also an effective treatment for bed bugs. Bugs don't like heat because any temperature higher than 110F, they can't survive. Steam cleaners are priced anywhere between $20 and $150. If you don't want to buy one, you can just rent from your local grocery store.