That’s almost like saying, “why brush your teeth?”
Brushing one’s teeth is a small investment in time and money that will help most people from ever having serious gum disease, tooth loss, and ultimately very expensive dental procedures. That’s the purpose protection and prevention against bed bugs’ serves; to ultimately avoid financial, material, and psychological loss.
While there is much debate about which treatments work the best to manage bed bugs, both the EPA and the CDC recommend Integrated Pest Management. The idea behind Integrated Pest Management is that a multidisciplinary approach be taken with the goal being a successful outcome.
A multidisciplinary approach might include early detection (prevention), which can be achieved in a very economical way by using bed bug monitors. It further includes protection by significantly reducing the likelihood of both spreading and picking up bedbugs when traveling by using travel encasements and or the PackTite heater. These measures are akin to brushing your teeth and avoiding more costly and perhaps more risky procedures. The right mattress encasement is a hybrid solution in that they prevent material loss and protect against bed bugs by making one of their favorite homes unlivable. As you might already see, protection & prevention are interchangeable and collectively the mantra represents "a common sense proactive approach to avoiding problems in a responsible manner." While it is actually the closest thing to a quick fix, it promises not to come back and haunt you later.
Some say that if you find a few bed bugs, it’s very possible to use a monitor or trap in conjunction with steam cleaning. Indeed steam will kill bed bugs and their eggs if used meticulously. An effective trap will attract and kill bugs as well as serve as a monitor to their continued presence. We generally recommend not taking a DIY approach for very long by the way... and also using both active and passive monitors simultaneously as they work very differently.
If you have a full-blown infestation however, go to the EPA’s website and find a reputable Pest Management company. Expect one of two options; Chemical pesticides that will likely cost $1,500-$5,000 for the average residence according to ABC NEWS, or heat which cost’s $2,000-$6,000 by the same source.
Weigh your options, do your homework, but don’t wait too long. If you do, you might find yourself in a very serious dilemma. One New York family reportedly spent $70,000 to eradicate bed bugs from their home, and don’t expect homeowners insurance to cover the cost.
Finally, cost aside there are known hazards to using chemical pesticides and likely many more unknowns as we have repeatedly found out time and time again throughout history. Who knew DDT would find the American Bald Eagle, our national symbol nearly extinct. While heat may be safer and even more effective, it’s not exactly convenient. Furthermore, it’s rare a single visit from the exterminator will end an infestation.
Until next time remember three things...to protect & prevent against bedbugs, to brush your teeth, and also to become a fan of our facebook page!
May you rest peacefully and bed bug free...
www.usbedbugs.com
No comments:
Post a Comment