Is there any way to kill bed bugs other than hiring an exterminator?

Answer 1

You could buy pesticides labeled for bed bugs, a respirator mask, and gloves, and carefully follow the instructions to treat your home. But often doing your own pest control for bed bugs means you spread the problem and make it harder to eliminate. Answer Best advice: get a professional in and make sure they know how to get rid of bed bugs. Avoid the use of aerosol or fogger based insecticides as these can disperse the problem.

Answer 2

Good luck on that one in the do it yourself dept. The pros know exactly where these bedbugs hide, and the average homeowner just doesn't give it much thought as to where they are all hiding, cause if you miss one spot, then your do it yourself treatment was worth nothing. I have treated homes where the residents/owners NEVER thought to look. There is a lot more to that treatment than picking up a can of Raid and going poof-poof. Steam will work, as will HOT temperatures. Bug bombs will not work, as you need to get into where these creatures are feeding and breeding and treat those areas. It is a very time consuming process. That is why it is expensive. You are paying the pro for their knowledge and their time. I have found them in homes behind switchplates, undersides of drawers, tables, cracks and crevices, lamps, light switches, bed FRAMES, in light fixtures, nightstands, UNDER carpeting. Around the piping of bed mattresses, and IN box springs. Behind picture frames, and headboards, A reputable exterminator will pull back the carpet with pliers in order to get at the underside of an infestation. They may have to go thru your dresser drawers to pull out the drawers and look at the undersides of the drawers, AND to see what the dresser looks like as far as cracks and crevices inside the depths of the dresser, as that is also a favorite hiding place as well. He/she is NOT being nosy, they are just trying to get to the sources of the infestations, and eradicate them. They have to open closets and dressers all day, and trust me, as an exterminator, I always asked permission first, then proceeded with the inspection. Looking at someones unmentionables was the last thing on my mind! A good quality flashlight is also a must. A one time spray will not work, as they can live a little over a year, and you will need to work closely with a pro to be sure they're gone for good. You will need to be patient, and do everything the exterminator says to do. I also used to tell my clients to wash ALL bed linens, bedding,sheets,etc,. in 20 Mule Team Borax, which can be purchased in the laundry soap aisle of any supermarket. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Change the bed or wash the sheets often.