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Bed Bugs - Do I Need A Pest Control Company?
Using a combination of non-pesticide techniques and a precisely placed application of pesticides is the most effective and practical way to eliminate a bed bug infestation.
To completely eliminate bed bugs, it will probably be necessary to contact a pest control company. Currently, using only non-pesticide techniques (i.e. – vacuuming, steaming, and cleaning) is not efficient enough to eliminate this pest. Non-pesticide techniques can eliminate this pest but extraordinary effort is required to use these techniques exclusively.
Will a pest control company use pesticides?
Pesticides will be used as needed in combination with other non-pesticide treatment methods. However, using only pesticides is not effective enough to eliminate this pest.
Can I apply pesticides myself?
NO. General use or ‘over the counter’ pesticides are not effective in killing or eliminating bed bugs. Even pesticides available only to licensed professionals have limited effectiveness. Bed bugs have also developed resistance to certain pesticides. Using pesticides incorrectly can make the problem worse by causing insects to scatter and move into walls, hard to reach places and other parts of the home or into adjacent housing units.
Do not use “bug bombs” or “foggers” – they do not work against bed bugs and spread hazardous chemicals throughout your home.
What pest control company should I hire?
Indoor pest control companies operating in King County must have proof of insurance and a permit with Public Health - Seattle & King County. Call 206-205-4394 or find permitted Pest Control businesses at: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/ehs/pco.aspx.
Questions to ask when hiring a pest control company
Look for a pest control company with experience finding and treating bed bug infestations before they use a pesticide as part of their control program. Cost is not always the best reason to hire a company. Their answers to the following questions may help you decide.
Do they have a pesticide applicators license?
Indoor pest control companies operating in King County must have proof of insurance and a permit with Public Health - Seattle & King County. Call 206-205-4394 or find permitted Pest Control businesses at: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/ehs/pco.aspx.
In addition to being registered in King County, all professionals applying restricted pesticides must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Ask for a copy of their Pest Applicator’s License or call the Washington State Department of Agriculture at 1-877-301-4555, or check their license at: agr.wa.gov/PestFert/LicensingEd/Search/.
Do you inspect the dwelling for bed bugs?
The answer should be yes.
How I should prepare for a bed bug inspection?
Their instructions may describe general cleaning and removal of clutter; extensive cleaning may disrupt and scatter any bed bugs.
How long do inspections take?
A thorough inspection for bed bugs can take one to four hours or more depending on the infestation and the amount of clutter. An inspection will confirm there is an infestation by finding live bed bugs. The infestation must be confirmed before pesticides are applied.
Do you use a HEPA vacuum or dry steam to kill hidden bed bugs and their eggs?
Pest professionals should use a non-pesticide method like vacuuming or steam to kill bed bugs and eggs before using pesticides.
Do you locate and eliminate bed bug hiding places?
The pest professional should know how to locate hiding areas, how to clean and seal cracks and holes to eliminate hiding places. Pest companies may not do this work and leave cleaning and prevention to the home owner or building manager. Pest professionals should advise you how to do this.
How do you decide where to spray?
The pest professional will identify where bed bugs are hiding and should spray only those areas. Pesticides should not be applied randomly throughout your home or to the top of mattresses, sofas or other items where people have close contact.
Do you talk about safety issues?
Pest professionals must inform residents about the hazards of the chemicals they use, especially where there are children or expecting mothers. They should describe where chemicals were used, how to avoid contact, and when it is safe to enter treated areas.
Do you schedule return visits to make sure bed bugs are eliminated?
It usually takes several visits (at least two or three) over several weeks to inspect, treat and eliminate bed bugs. After their last visit, you should continue to monitor for bed bugs that may have been missed or may be brought back in. Are infested areas retreated with pesticides whether or not bed bugs are seen?
Pest professionals may treat cracks and other hiding places, but if no bed bugs are visible, they should avoid the use of pesticide sprays. Bed bugs are killed when they are sprayed directly; sprays that have dried are not effective. Dusts approved for bed bugs may be placed in inaccessible areas like wall voids and cracks. Visible pesticide dusts should be removed before the room is occupied.
