Bedbug Control

Bedbugs are one of the fastest-growing pest problems faced by exterminators in Atlanta and throughout Georgia

The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is one of the most challenging pests that exterminators are called upon to control. Once believed to have been eradicated from the United States, bedbugs have returned with a vengeance -- and a lot of people are losing sleep over them.

Bedbugs are small, flattened parasitic insects with oval bodies, and they feed on human blood. They average around 1/8" in length, are wingless, and are reddish-brown in color with fine hairs that make them appear as if they are banded.

Bedbugs are most active at night, spending their days hiding in mattresses, bedding, furniture, cracks and crevices around woodwork, and other small, protected gaps. They often travel through structural voids to adjacent rooms, so bedbug infestations can quickly spread through a home, condo, or apartment building. At night, bedbugs emerge from their hiding spaces and walk or drop onto sleeping humans to feed.

Although bedbugs seem to possess everything necessary to transmit disease, there is no actual evidence of disease transmission by bedbugs in North America. Bedbug bites can, however, cause serious rashes in many individuals, which can be aggravated by scratching and can become infected.

Reasons for the Resurgence of Bedbugs

Bedbugs and stains photographed during an Atlanta bedbug control job

There are several reasons why bedbugs have made a comeback. One reason is the shift in pest control methods away from liquid sprays using broad-spectrum insecticides, to gel baits and other specie-specific products. Broad-spectrum sprays helped control bedbugs even when they weren't the target pest. For example, an insecticide spray applied for cockroach control would also help kill bedbugs. More modern pest control methods are environmentally friendlier, but also are more targeted toward specific pests.

A second reason for the increase in bed bug calls over the past few decades has to do with increased international travel. Travelers from countries where bedbugs are common are believed to have brought them to the United States in baggage, clothing, and so forth.

Bedbug Control

Bedbug extermination is notoriously difficult. Individuals whose homes become infested with bedbugs often despair because of repeated treatment failures. There's even a bedbug forum where people dealing with bedbug problems share their bedbug stories, advice, and mutual support.

Effective bedbug control is possible, however. But it requires intensive preparation and non-chemical control measures, as well as the precise application of effective insecticides by specially-trained technicians. It is by no means an easy job for anyone concerned. Unfortunately, there really is no alternative. Half measures won't solve a bedbug problem.

Effective bedbug extermination is also more costly than most other types of pest control. It's very unpleasant and labor-intensive work that has to be performed by highly-trained technicians, often working in pairs, who often spend upwards of an hour per room meticulously locating and treating bedbug harborage areas. But there really is no alternative. Successful bed bug control that really works requires extraordinary attention to detail. Customers who try low-priced, do-it-yourself bedbug control almost always wind up spending more money in the end.

Bedbug Control that Actually Works

Our bedbug control program is designed to achieve complete bedbug elimination by using a systematic approach that emphasizes proper preparation, non-chemical control, and the judicious use of insecticides. (We also offer an environmentally-friendly, pesticide-free treatment option for those who prefer it.) Here's how we approach bedbug extermination:

• We inspect the home to ascertain the extent of the bedbug problem.
• We counsel the client regarding the best and most effective non-chemical control measures for infested items such as clothing, carpeting, books, furnishings, and so forth.
• We carefully apply appropriate insecticides as needed to achieve control.
• We use bed bug monitoring devices to provide early warning of reinfestation.
• We follow up to assure that the treatment is effective, and perform spot retreats if needed.

As with all the work we do, we hold our technicians to the very highest standards of quality. But we also expect customers to do their part to make the treatment a success by following our instructions and properly preparing their homes for the treatment. This integrated, cooperative approach is the best and most successful way to achieve effective bedbug control.

Bed Bug Monitoring

We also offer bed bug monitoring devices that can be used to monitor your home for bed bug infestation even if you've never had a bed bug problem or treatment. This can be useful, for example, if you frequently travel and are concerned about "bringing bed bugs home" from a hotel.

Bed Bug Control Gallery

Here are some pictures of bedbug control jobs we've done. (More to come: Stay tuned!)

For prompt, professional help with bedbug control or any pest control problem, please call us today.