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How to Kill Bed Bugs

Bed bugs have been a problem for as long as any other pest, such as the fly, mosquito, or spider. However, it has only been in the last 10 years or so that bed bugs have become as pervasive as these other insects.

Almost Obliterated

The first invasion of bed bugs into the U.S. came after World War II. The GIs came home from all over the world, and stowed away in their gear were these nasty little pests. They spread quickly, from hotels and motels into homes, creating a terrible infestation all across the country. But, bed bug exterminators had an easy way of getting rid of bed bugs – it was called DDT.

Unfortunately, DDT was deadly to more than just pests. The damages caused by this chemical are legendary, and it was banned from further use. However, the infestation, by that time, had been ended.

Bed Bugs Heat Treatment In Orrs Island

Resurgence

The last 10 years have changed all that. With the international economy and blended cultures, people travel far more than in the past. This means that all kinds of untraceable things cross international borders, from viruses and germs to insects – including bed bugs. They can be picked up in hotels, hostels, private homes, public transit, and just about anywhere else people spend hours of time. They travel in clothing, furniture, luggage, and anything else they can burrow into.

While we haven’t had a huge number of GIs returning from one war, we have seen thousands of them returning from billets all over the world, and with them, the international traffic, and tourists, bed bugs have returned to our hotels and homes. And, there is no DDT to stop the invasion.

How to Kill Bed Bugs

Without DDT, there was a scramble to find out how to kill bed bugs. The truth is, nothing has ever been found to be as effective as DDT. There are chemicals that will kill bed bugs, but it does not stay potent enough to control dormant bugs or eggs that hatch after dormancy. This requires repeated treatments in order to catch the bugs at every stage of development.

Chemicals used to kill bed bugs these days are not supposed to be dangerous for humans or pets, but there is never enough caution for those with breathing difficulties or pets. You never know who is going to discover that the chemicals interfere with their breathing, or who is going to break out in a rash after being exposed to these chemicals.

However heat treatment for bed bugs has no side effects. Heat treatment is about as eco-friendly as you can get, when it comes to killing bugs. In addition, the heat kills bed bugs whether they are adult, nymph, dormant, or in egg form.

There is only one bed bug exterminator in Southern Maine who uses heat treatment for bed bugs, and that is Maine Bed Bugs and Pest Control.

You can call 207-650-8654 and talk to Dale Carlson.

He’ll give you an estimate or set up an appointment to steam bed bugs in your home or hotel.

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