Why do we get bed bugs?

A Packtite and Heat Chamber treatment is a treatment that involves putting your belongings in a Packtite or Heat Chamber in order to kill any bed bugs that may be present. This is a great option for people who are moving out of an infested area, as it will prevent the bed bugs from following you back home. If you’re concerned about bed bugs, contact Birch Fumigator.

Bed bugs commonly roam mattresses, bed frames, furniture, carpets, and other hiding spots. They also have the ability to travel from room to room by crawling through any cracks present in walls or entryways.

To prepare for a bed bug dog inspection, it is essential to eliminate all sources of strong smell from the location ahead of time. This includes avoiding lighting candles or incense for 12 hours before your appointment. If you have any concerns about preparations, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Yes, there are methods and substances that can kill bed bugs nearly instantly or within a very short time frame. Here are a few:

1. Heat: Bed bugs are highly sensitive to heat. If exposed to temperatures of 118°F (48°C) or higher for 90 minutes or more, they will die. Many professional exterminators use heat treatments, where they raise the temperature in a room or entire home to these lethal levels to kill bed bugs in all life stages. Portable heaters and fans are used to heat the room to about 135°F (57°C) for several hours, ensuring the heat penetrates all potential hiding spots.
2. Cold: While heat is more commonly used, extreme cold can also kill bed bugs. They begin to die when exposed to temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) for at least four days. However, this method might be less practical for many people, especially for treating larger areas.
3. High-proof Alcohol: Rubbing alcohol (90% or higher) can kill bed bugs on contact. However, it doesn’t have long-lasting residual effects, so it’s only effective when directly sprayed on the bugs. Due to its flammability, it should be used with caution.
4. Direct Steam: Steam cleaners emitting a high-temperature jet of steam can kill bed bugs almost instantly upon contact. This method is especially effective for treating mattresses, furniture, and other areas where bed bugs are likely to be hiding.
5. Diatomaceous Earth: While not “instant,” food-grade diatomaceous earth is a natural insect killer that works relatively quickly. It’s a fine powder made from fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. When bed bugs come into contact with this powder, it damages their exoskeletons, dehydrating and killing them. While it might take a few hours to a couple of days for the bed bugs to die after coming into contact, it’s an effective longer-term strategy when placed in bed bug traffic areas.

It’s important to note that while these methods can kill bed bugs on contact or within a short time frame, addressing a full-blown infestation often requires a combination of treatments and a more comprehensive approach. Always take safety precautions when using any treatment, and when in doubt, consult with a pest control professional.

Bed bugs can indeed spread through clothes. These pests are expert hitchhikers, easily clinging onto garments when someone is in an infested area. When these infested clothes are transported to new locations, bed bugs can migrate and establish themselves in new surroundings. For instance, if a person visits an infested hotel room and bed bugs latch onto their clothing, they can unknowingly transport these bugs to their home. To prevent this spread, it’s recommended to wash suspected clothes in hot water and dry on high heat, as heat effectively kills bed bugs and their eggs.

Heat treatment for bed bugs works by killing the bed bugs and their eggs with heat. The heaters raise the temperature of the ambient room to about 49° – 57°C (120° – 135°F), which stops bed bugs in their tracks.