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December 06, 2022
With all the calls we’re getting, it’s safe to say there’s a bed bug boom in progress in Southern Maine. Naturally, that leads to a lot of Google searches about bed bugs and of course how to get rid of an infestation. It also means many property owners will be tempted to solve this particular pest problem using natural remedies and other DIY methods. Before you grab your essential oils or reach for the bottle of Hot Shot Bed Bug Killer, let’s discuss.
Why is there a bed bug boom right now?
It’s so easy to blame COVID for our problems but in this case, it has certainly been a contributing factor to the rise in bed bug infestations in Maine and across the country. While we were in the thick of the virus and staying home, people didn’t want friends let alone strangers (even professional ones that fight bugs) within six feet of their air space and definitely not inside their homes. Unfortunately, that resulted in a lot of unaddressed bed bug infestations.
Increased travel has led to more cases of bed bugs too
Since restrictions have eased up and people are more comfortable leaving home, they’re traveling more and sadly increasing their chances of running into bed bugs while away. As you can guess, those same bed bugs that find travelers in hotels and airports will hitch a ride home.
Do essential oils kill bed bugs?
Now that we’ve provided a brief explanation for the explosion of bed bugs, let’s talk about treatments. It would be great if you could apply a drop or two of essential oil to affected rooms and wipe out the population of biting insects but that’s not going to work. First bed bugs aren’t just contained to a single spot in a room and sometimes even retreat out of sight and reach in between blood meals. Even though some essential oils have been proven effective against bed bugs, there’s a lot of room for error. Spraying sheets and your skin with an essential oil cocktail may repel the bugs but it won’t necessarily kill them and could cause them to spread.
Leave the bed bug products on the shelves of the store
The problem with store-bought bed bug treatments is that they have the potential to expose you, your family, and others to harm or injury. If you look at the safety data sheets on these kinds of products, you’ll find warnings. For example, inhalation, ingestion, and/or skin or eye contact can cause:
- Respiratory tract irritation
- Stomach distress
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Skin irritation including redness, dryness, and cracking of the skin
- Eye irritation including redness and swelling
If that’s not enough of a deterrent, keep in mind that you have to address the whole problem. If you only spray the bed bugs you’ve found on your mattress, you’re not necessarily winning the war. There could be a lot more hiding in cracks in furniture, behind the headboard, under carpeting and flooring, and in hundreds of other places nearby. Bed bug sprays are not the answer if you’ve found signs of bed bugs.
What to do if you’re worried about bed bugs in your home or business
If you’ve woken up to red bites on your arms, legs, or other exposed skin or have reason to believe you’re dealing with these bugs in your home or business, contact Pine State Pest Solutions today!
How Maine’s premier bed bug control company eliminates bed bugs
As Maine’s premier bed bug control company, we’ve been getting rid of bed bugs in Auburn and Portland as well as throughout our multi-county service area since 2011. Using a combination of chemicals and heat and following our proven process, we knock bed bug infestations out completely! What’s more, for qualifying properties, we’ll include a 30-day bed bug guarantee. For more information or to schedule your bed bug treatment, please reach out today!
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