There are two popular methods of treating bed bugs: heat and chemicals. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will examine which treatment is better. First, let’s consider the effectiveness of heat treatment.
Heat Treatment Effectiveness
Heat treatment stands out when it comes to effectively handling bed bug infestations. You can crank up your heaters and raise the room temperature to lethal levels. This will ensure no bed bug will survive at lethal levels and in any other hidden corners or crevices. Heat treatment can be considered a practical and comprehensive approach that offers safe and efficient solutions.
Click here to learn the process of heat bed bug control.
Chemical Treatment Effectiveness
Chemical application, in contrast, requires careful attention to using chemicals, especially those available to the public, and requires many applications over weeks.
The only downside of this treatment is that it will eliminate the adult pests that have grown, but you need to perform additional pest control to deal with the eggs that will hatch later. We all know how bed bugs are resistant. Sometimes, the chemical may seem less effective unless you find a professional pest control company.
Cost Comparison
In terms of the expenses for the pest control, heat is more expensive than chemicals because this isn’t even something you can do yourself; you will need the service of exterminators. It requires high-end heaters, thermometers, and fans to ensure the heat is evenly distributed. This increases the cost, but since it’s going to offer a bug-free life and be effective, many people try it.
Chemical application is relatively cheaper and always available. Many homeowners prefer this method because of its affordability. However, you must remember to treat the infestation multiple times to eliminate it.
Duration and Convenience
Heat treatment is time-consuming. It can take at least 24 hours to complete. The whole process involves heating the space and maintaining that same high temperature for a long time. The only advantage is that it’s a one-time event. You just need to sacrifice your comfort for a day and eliminate the annoying pests.
Chemical application is a quick solution if you have essential things to do in your home. But it’s not a one-time event. You can schedule multiple applications over the weeks, making it convenient for you.
Safety
When appropriately executed, heat treatments can be considered safe. It’s safe for humans and furniture, except for the potential fire risks if not supervised accordingly. Moreover, you won’t be left with residual chemicals or harmful substances after the treatment.
The chemical application’s safety entirely depends on the type of insecticide used, how it’s applied, and how it’s disposed of. The best exterminators, like Best Exterminators, Inc., will wear protective gear during the application, but there may still be a risk of pesticide residue. Therefore, if you are considering this method, speak with the company about how things are done and the techniques used to reduce their ecological footprint.
Now, which method is best for you?
Depending on the level of infestation and how hectic your schedule is, you can choose any treatments that work for you. Heat treatment can be considered a better option if you want to get everything done once and for all. But you will need to spend a lot compared to the sprays.
Additionally, a single application of thermal treatment will kill all life stages of bed bugs. At the same time, the chemical will need to be administered more than once to kill the adults first, followed by the ones that hatch later. Chemical application is a fast solution if you plan to schedule the process over several days.
But remember that before you commit to any treatment methods, it’s crucial to know that none are DIY projects. It’s best to work with trained pest control experts who will hunt down the bugs, identify hidden colonies, and manage them using any of the treatments you choose.
Furthermore, these people are well-versed in the industry, so they will follow safety guidelines to prevent harm to your home or health. An experienced pest control team can also estimate the cost and time it will take to do the work, making it easy for you to make informed decisions.
Visit https://pestsinthehome.extension.org/pest-prevention/selecting-a-pest-control-company/ to learn how to choose the right pest control company.
Conclusion
Both chemical and heat treatments are effective. The choice depends on your budget, schedule, and the extent of the infestation. You can speak with an experienced company to analyze how far the infestation has gone and decide which pest control solution is best for you. Never attempt to deal with bed bugs yourself, especially if you are considering chemical application.
Also read: How to Clean Your Kitchen to Prevent Bugs and Rodents from Taking over Your Kitchen
