Bed Bug Remediation – Cheap, Unskilled, or Real Relief?
I continue to answer 3 to 5 calls a day from all over Alaska. While the bulk do come from Anchorage, this problem is statewide. Another statewide problem is what I continue to hear about so called “experts” in Alaska who are plying their trades, “riding the crest of the wave” of this issue, if you will. I have spoken elsewhere on this site about failures of heat treatments such as “thermal remediation” and portable heat vaults. While I agree on the effectiveness of heat against Bed Bugs, not all the uses we are hearing about are the right choice. And, poorly trained and/or supervised applicators of heat treatments are adding to the distrust of this technique even in cases where it does have the advantage. This week for example, one of my callers told of being required (he and his roommate) to return and experience 5 minutes of personal exposure to 140+ heat to be personally cleared of BBs! Others are reporting the use of heat treatments but not seeing constant oversight of the treatment. Now, having spent thousands of dollars for such services, they are still experiencing bites.
The other issue we constantly see is the result of “inexpensive Bed Bug Treatments”. While we here at Pied Piper are sensitive to the high cost of professional service, we will not cut corners to compete with low-ball pest control applicators. I do not want to hear complaints about our company registered with other companies because we didn’t do the best job possible. This week also, a caller complained of a pest control service that came in at a very low price, sprayed nicely all around the walls, but did absolutely nothing to the bed (remember BED bug?) and so they mysteriously still have problems.
What I am trying to say is this: While I appreciate the confidence that the people of Alaska have shown in me and our company, please continue that trust when We describe to you what we feel is the best solution at the best appropriate price. Don’t buy pest management service based on method hype or low pricing. Spend your money wisely and get real value for every dollar.
As bed bugs have spread throughout the country, people in every state have been looking at ways to get rid of these blood sucking insects in the cheapest ways possible. Many people look to do it yourself (DIY) pesticides, and although you can find them readily on the internet, that doesn’t mean they are effective. In fact, DIY pest control can be more harmful than good.