Treating bed bugs will almost always require a professional. DIY products do not work, and will spread bed bugs around and make them resistant. Store products are repellant based and while they may kill some bugs, it will ultimately worsen the situation.

Using proper professional treatment methods tailored for your unique situation is ideal.

Bed bug exposure can be from many places. 1 in 5 people are estimated to have had or come into contact with someone that has bed bugs.

Work, kids, friends, family, public places, hospitals and businesses can all be a risk of exposure. The common myth of hotels only actually account for 5-10% of exposure.

Yes and no. This answer can be confusing in some instances, but you should always hire a licensed, experienced exterminator.

Companies that do heat treatments only are not required to have a license because they are not exterminators. Keep in mind that heat treatment only methods can be ineffective if used alone without chemicals. 

If you are being hired for bed bug extermination, you must have a license to apply pesticide and organic products. For example, we have an individual applicator license, as well as a business license, and all appropriate insurance.

Here are some exceptions;

1. Companies can have unlicensed applicators working under their company “umbrella” license. This is where you get inexperienced service technicians that know nothing about bed bugs or pest control. They simply got hired because of a good driving record, and minimal training requirements and they are within a certain radius of the main license distance.

2. Some multi unit housing (nursing homes, apartments) can self treat with an onsite maintenance person. Ohio law does have a stipulation that residential apartments with more than 4 units must hire professional treatment.

Bed bug treatment takes time, especially in more severe cases. There is no such thing as “1 day bed bug free”. We use a special process that includes treating your entire home, multiple times with multiple EPA registered products.

An adult female can lay up to 5-20 eggs a day. These eggs will hatch within 7-14 days. An adult male can impregnate several females in a day.

Bed bug treatment cost is based on the size of your home or business and the type of treatment required, and the severity of the issue. Learn more here.

DIY treatments can be tempting, but very risky and ineffective.

Diatamaceous earth, which is a common DIY product, can be very dangerous due to inhalation hazards. It can cause an illness known as Silicosis.

Over the counter sprays and bombs are repellent based and can push bugs around and make the situation worse.

DIY heat treatments can lead to damage and risk of fire.

We always recommend consulting a licensed expert for treatment.

Prevention comes down to following some basic protocol tips. If you are going somewhere that is high risk or may have bed bugs, limit what you take.  Try to only take or wear items that can be thrown in the dryer when you return, and immediately change into clean clothes when you return home.

It is also important to limit contact with anyone that has bed bugs until their house is cleared. 

We provide specific customized tips for each customer based on their unique risk factors.

Payment responsibility will depend if your unit or rental home was inspected for bed bugs before you moved in and if you have a bed bug clause in your lease.

Talk to your landlord or property management company before leasing to have a solid understanding! Always be transparent about a bed bug issue – Landlords almost always would rather know, and prevent further spread.