MasterGuard Bed Bug Fumigation Services

Though Bed Bugs are mostly harmless to humans, their bites can be somewhat painful and result in swelling, itchiness and minor skin infections if bites are numerous. Luckily bed bug bites are not known to transmit diseases however in rare and unlikely cases, their bites can transmit parasites according to a 2014 study.

While there are a few procedures to treat a bed bug problem, bed bug fumigation is a one-time treatment that wipes out 99.9% of them and even other pests.

Only certified pest control professionals, like the technicians at MasterGuard, are licensed to conduct this type of pest control. For safety reasons, you must not only leave your residence but also make sure some essential steps are taking care of before we start this job.

I Need Bed Bug Fumigation Services

The 3 Phases Of Bed Bug Fumigation

The Preparation Phase

During the bed bug fumigation process, you and any other property occupants are not permitted inside the tent as the fumigation gases used to eliminate the bed bugs and other pests can be harmful to humans even under minimal exposure.

Because of this, we ask you remove and/or bag any clothing, personal items, medication, foods, utensils, cookware and a few other recommended items in Nylofume bags to prevent the gases from penetrating. Any plants and pets, including fish, will need to be removed from the property as well. Your MasterGuard pest technician will provide a complete list of items to remove and/or bag during your contact with them and can answer any further questions.

If for any reason you need something inside the tent after the fumigation process has begun, do not attempt to enter the property yourself, contact your MasterGuard technician directly or any other MasterGuard service rep and we’ll be happy to assist.

The Gas Release Phase

Once the property is properly tented, the fumigation process will begin using Vikane gas.

Depending on the severity of the pest infestation, treatment can take anywhere between 3 to 7 days. Vikane is a slow release gas that takes time to penetrate into all areas, even walls.

Properties with more clutter inside and that are larger in square feet will require longer treatment periods for the gases to permeate appropriately.

Free Bed Bug Inspections Available

The Wrap Up Phase

After treatment has been completed, fumigation gases can take up to 3 days to dissipate to levels safe enough to occupancy. Once dissipated, Vikane gas leaves no toxic residue whatsoever.

At this time, we recommend washing any and all bedding, towels and clothing to ensure no bed bug presence has attached itself to those items.

Otherwise, after a bed bug fumigation treatment has been completed, it will be a very long time before they or any other pests have the numbers to cause notable damage or infestation levels again.

Note however that the fumigation process is not a preventative measure and will not stop new infestations from occurring should bed bugs or other pests be unknowingly brought into the property.

Alternate Treatments

There are other options that may help combat bed bugs. Some are more effective than others. Nothing is as useful as bed bug fumigation but is often considered a last resort. Here are some alternative treatments to your pest problem:

Steam heat and heat blower treatments are effective at eliminating a local infestation. However, heat blower treatments are dangerous if not conducted correctly and do not penetrate deep within walls and crevices where bed bugs may hide.
Insecticides can be bought in most hardware stores. Over-the-counter insecticides come in different forms, such as powders, gel, sprays, and foggers. Insecticides are only effective on the mildest bed bug infestations. Bed Bugs simply avoid most pesticides, evading to a different part of the home.
Household items that may be used to combat most insects are rubbing alcohol and vinegar, however these only act as temporary pest deterrents and are not recommended for most pest issues.

Over The Counter Bed Bug Sprays

The ingredients in over the counter bed bug sprays are Pyrethrins, Pyrethroids, and Desiccants.

Naturally, in some chrysanthemum flowers, Pyrethrins is only active after crushing the flower. Pyrethroids are synthetic pesticides similar to pyrethrum. Desiccants are silica gel that is safe to use, place this where cracks, creases, and folds hide bed bugs.

Note: it is not that some formulas are not strong enough, but that bed bugs are smart a run from the area once the poison is detected. Another outbreak in a different part of the residence may occur if not applied properly.