Even with the best DIY methods, bed bugs can be tough to eliminate. But if you’re tired of dealing with them, a professional Bed Bug Exterminator Tampa can help.
They’ll start by thoroughly inspecting the affected area to identify the type of pest and determine the extent of the damage. They’ll also recommend treatment options and implement exclusion techniques.
Job Description
When a home is infested with bed bugs, the best way to get rid of them is to call an exterminator. The exterminator will determine the extent of the infestation and use a combination of treatment methods to eradicate it. These methods may include thermal, chemical, or steam treatments. Thermal treatments involve raising the temperature in a room to levels that are harmful to bed bugs. Chemical treatments involve spraying the carpets, walls, and furniture with a mixture of pesticides that kills the insects. The exterminator will also treat cracks and crevices to prevent future infestations.
The first step in identifying bed bug problems is to inspect the area. Adult bed bugs resemble apple seeds and are dark brown to black. They have rounded abdomens and a small head at the end. A trained eye can spot them by observing the characteristic fecal stains and molted skins on furniture and bedding. These signs of an infestation are also accompanied by itchy, red welts on the skin.
Another important part of an exterminator’s job is to identify the source of the problem. This will depend on the type of dwelling and whether it is a multi-family home, an apartment, or a single-family house. If the problem is in a multi-family home, other tenants have likely introduced the pests. In such a situation, the landlord is usually responsible for eradicating the infestation and paying for the extermination costs.
If the problem is in a single-family home, the exterminator will likely suggest that the residents move out during the treatment process. This will allow them to complete their work without having to worry about returning to an infested house. They will also recommend washing all clothing and bedding and destroying any items that cannot be washed. The exterminator will then return to perform a follow-up inspection to ensure that the treatment was successful.
Education And Training Requirements
An aspiring exterminator can gain the skills needed for the job in a variety of ways. He or she can enroll in a training course offered by a pest control company or get an entry-level position with a national or local pest control business to learn the job. In addition, he or she should also consider participating in continuing education courses to keep abreast of new advancements in the industry. These activities will encourage professional growth and enhance an exterminator’s standing in the industry.
An aspiring exterminator needs to have good physical stamina and the ability to work under difficult conditions. This is because the job can require extensive travel and exposure to a wide range of chemicals. In addition, exterminators must wear protective gear like goggles and gloves, depending on the level of danger posed by their work. They must also be able to work on their feet for long periods and crouch in tight spaces. To perform their duties, exterminators must also possess excellent customer service skills and can communicate effectively.
The most common way that an exterminator gets rid of bed bugs is by using a chemical treatment. This involves spraying a foaming pesticide into small spaces where the insects tend to congregate, such as cracks in the walls and around the bed frame. Additionally, the exterminator can use traps to catch the insects and then remove them. These traps can be placed behind electrical outlets, baseboards, and switchplates.
Other methods of eradicating bed bugs include spot treatment and fumigation. Spot treatment involves treating areas where the bug is visible, such as fecal stains and shed skin. Fumigation is a more comprehensive treatment that involves sealing off a room and spraying it with a toxic gas that is extremely effective against pests. The fumes will also suffocate the eggs and larvae.
Aside from these treatments, an exterminator can also install mattress encasements. These plastic coverings seal in the bed bugs and prevent them from getting the oxygen and food they need to survive.
Work Environment
Bed bugs are not just a problem for hotels and apartments, they can spread to workplaces as well. Workers can bring these bloodsucking pests home with them on clothes, bags, and luggage. They can also be transported in cars, buses, and trains. If you have a bug infestation at your workplace, professional exterminators should be called in to apply insecticides. It is important to follow strict procedures after the treatment is complete. These procedures should include thorough inspections of all areas, including tight spots and dark corners. Additionally, the area should be re-inspected approximately 2-3 weeks after the pesticides are used.
If you suspect that your office has a bed bug problem, it is important to act quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to get rid of them. You can prevent an outbreak by educating your employees about bed bug prevention and taking practical steps to keep the bugs from spreading.
For example, you can tell your employees to put all clothing and accessories in clear bags that are easily recognizable as bed bug-free. It is also a good idea to use rubbing alcohol in all spaces where they might hide, such as dark corners and furniture with bedbug-friendly seams. Rubbing alcohol will kill the bugs by dissolving their cells. You can also purchase a special bed bug spray that contains rubbing alcohol.
Another option is to use heat treatment, which works similar to fumigation. The exterminators will place tent-like insulated zip-up pieces of equipment over affected furniture and areas. These tents are designed to completely enclose the bed bug habitat and pump in heated air. The process takes about two hours and does not present any risk to pets or children. The only drawback is that you will need to stay away from your home during the treatment.
Regardless of what method is used, it is important to have an open dialogue with employees. It can be awkward to discuss a bug infestation, but it is better than avoiding the issue altogether. The only way to prevent a re-infestation is to hire an experienced exterminator and take the proper precautions.
Salary
A bed bug infestation is not only a serious health concern, but it can be very difficult to treat. Many of the available treatments require chemicals that are not available over the counter, and the pests can be very resilient. The best way to get rid of them is by hiring a professional exterminator. When choosing a company, consider its reputation, customer reviews, and guarantees. Some offer a longer service guarantee than others, which may make a difference in your decision.
The cost of a bed bug extermination will vary depending on the size and extent of the infestation. Generally, the more extensive an infestation is, the more expensive it will be. In addition, the size of your home and the number of affected rooms will also increase the price of an extermination.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to reduce the cost of bed bug extermination. For instance, you can use rubbing alcohol to kill the bugs and their eggs. This will not only save you money but will also be environmentally friendly. In addition, you can purchase a mattress encasement that will protect your bedding from pests.
Another common treatment method is heat treatment. This involves using large box-like insulated pieces of equipment to cover the furniture and spaces where bed bugs live. The equipment then pumps in hot air, which suffocates and burns the bugs. This is the most effective treatment for severe infestations, but it can take up to a full workday and requires you to vacate your home overnight.
Other treatment options include insecticides and fumigation. Insecticides are usually combined in powder or liquid form and sprayed throughout the house. This will kill the bed bugs and their eggs and can be used in conjunction with other treatments. Foggers, or bug bombs, are typically used for cockroaches and ants, but they are not very effective against bed bugs. Fumigation is the most intense treatment on this list, and it should only be done by professionals.
You should never try to deal with a bed bug infestation on your own, as these creatures are very hard to detect and are extremely resistant to over-the-counter pesticides. In addition, they can easily spread to other parts of your home from contaminated clothing or bags. If you notice itchy welts on your body or furniture, then you should call an exterminator immediately.
