Bed bugs are extremely tough and could reproduce quickly. Because of this, they have developed a resistible feature to most pesticides. Using commercial insecticides you can buy at the supermarket is not the answer if you encounter infestation by these pests. On the contrary, upsurging chemicals may become counter-effective in getting rid of pests because they could easily cheat the chemicals and also pose health hazards to the members of your household, especially pets.
Why Do Bed Bugs Become Resistant?
Bed bugs also became resistant to the treatments which previously killed them. Their ability to reproduce rapidly and their easily adaptable nature allow them to develop resistance to some of these chemicals thus making it difficult to get rid of them. In turn, more of the same pesticide might actually worsen the problem without doing anything to the bugs themselves.
What Should You Do Instead?
If one’s strategy of handling bed bug infestation is not working, then it is high time to employ another method. Some of the tested alternatives rather than using just pesticides are listed below:
- Heat Treatments: Bed bugs can be killed at any stage of their life cycle by adjusting the temperature of an infested area. Professional heat treatments are very effective and free of chemicals.
- Steam: Kills the bed bugs, especially in the cracks and pores, hence beds, furniture, and mattresses.
- Vacuuming and Cleaning: It helps kill some of the bed bugs as they still lay eggs in bedding and also on furniture and carpets, which creates a lot of larvae there.
- Encasements: Encasement of the mattress and box spring so that bed bugs are not able to feed or spread.
- Integrated Pest Management: This method is a multiple implementation, with minimal chemical usage ensuring control and eventual annihilation of pests. It aims to prevent them from returning once they have been eradicated.
Don’t rely solely on chemicals
Since bed bugs have become resistant to the commonly available pesticides, the use of those alone will not lead you to succeed entirely. You can have better leverage over their control and elimination by using a mix of non-chemical methods like heat and steam, together with intense cleaning. The combination approach will then increase your chances of success and make your home safe for both you and your loved ones.
As bed bugs are developing resistance to pesticides, a situation is reaching its peak where it gets tough to manage them. But with chemical treatments and non-chemical methods like heat, steam, and general cleaning, you can successfully control and eradicate bed bugs. One should be alert and not rely only on pesticides to get that bed bug-free home of your dreams. The holistic approach brings better results and reduces health risks due to the overuse of insecticides.