what happens when you fumigate for bed bugs

Fumigation occurs when an inorganic gas called sulfuryl fluoride (originally marketed under the name Vikane® by Dow AgroSciences

) is pumped into an enclosed, sealed space stuffed with your household items. In a controlled environment, the gas replaces the oxygen, causing bed bugs and their eggs to suffocate and die.

Full Answer

Is fumigation for bed bugs harmful?

When fumigating for bed bugs, it’s a known fact that health risks are quite high. However, such risks can be greatly minimized when precautionary tips are observed, which is why you need to work closely with your bed bug fumigator. They are there to offer you the best service possible.

What is the process of bed bug fumigation?

Fumigation is a traditional and highly specialized process involves the release of an insecticide in form of a fume into an entirely sealed structure. Within the structure are the items suspected to have bed bugs. You can carry out this process on particular items or a whole building/apartment. Some companies use a moving track or a fume cube.

What happens when you fumigate Your House?

It is what happens when a gaseous pesticide is spayed within a building. This pesticide then suffocates of poisons these pests, killing them. You fumigate your house to eliminate bed bugs, fleas, ticks, cockroaches, and termites.

Why use raid fumigator for bedbug control?

The fumigating gas penetrates walls, clothing, and furniture better than contact pesticides. It is a cost effective bedbug control measure. It is for the above reasons that Raid fumigator has increasingly become a favorite choice for bedbug control.

Can bed bugs survive fumigation?

Heat treatment and fumigation are the only two choices that will kill all stages of bed bugs in one application. Fumigation allows entire complexes to be treated at one time. This is a very complex method and should always be done by personnel that have been specifically trained and certified in fumigation.

How long do bed bugs live after fumigation?

Once the inside of furniture, mattresses and bed frames reach 122 degrees, bed bugs die within minutes. You shouldn't expect to see any bed bugs after heat treatment.

Can bed bugs come back after fumigation?

Yes, bed bugs can come back after a year. Bed bugs are excellent at reproducing and building up their colony size if they aren't fully eliminated. If you used a DIY treatment that didn't eliminate all the bed bugs in the colony, then there's always the chance that they'll remain in hiding until they've reproduced.

What happens after chemical treatment for bed bugs?

If a chemical treatment was the only thing that was done due to egg cycles instead of being pest-free at 2-3 weeks, you could expect any unhatched bedbugs to be roaming around. Although most chemical treatments try and get rid of these eggs as well, it is recommended to use bed bug traps to monitor for bed bugs.

Do bed bugs come out more after treatment?

You are very likely to continue seeing bed bugs following the initial treatment. In fact, for a few days after the initial service, you may experience an increase in activity and see more bugs than you did before the treatment but with each service you should see fewer and fewer bugs.

How do you know bed bugs are gone?

One of the questions that we are frequently asked is: “when can I be sure the bed bugs are gone?” The short answer is that if you have had a professional treatment and if it has been three weeks since the end of the treatment with no signs (i.e. bites, live bugs, new fecal matter or casts skins) of continuing ...

Can bed bugs be completely eliminated?

When it comes to getting rid of bedbugs, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “Can bed bugs be completely eliminated?” The short answer is yes.

How long after bed bug treatment can I sleep in my bed?

Keep all mattresses and pillows sealed for a full year after treatment, so any lingering bed bugs die of starvation. Don't enter your home or treated rooms for at least 4-5 hours after treatment.

How long should you stay out of house after fumigation?

You'll have to make arrangements to be away from your property for a minimum of 24 hours but some fumigation appointments may take as long as 72 hours to completely dissipate the chemicals inside. Licensed fumigators should be the only one entering your property after the tenting goes up.

How do I prepare my house for bed bug fumigation?

How to Prepare for Bed Bug TreatmentBedrooms. First, remove and inspect any items stored under the bed. ... Walls and Floors. It's important that the floor in all areas to be treated is cleared of clutter. ... Furniture and Closets. Pull furniture at least two feet away from the walls and baseboards. ... Pets. ... Laundering.

Why do bed bugs come out after treatment?

Bed bugs may have lived through the treatment or were not quite dead (“walking dead”). It is possible that during the application the bugs were not exposed to enough chemical or heat, causing the customer to find them 7 to 10 days after the treatment was completed.

How many treatments does it take to get rid of bed bugs?

2-4 treatment sessionsIt typically takes anywhere from 2-4 treatment sessions over a period of 3-6 weeks to completely eliminate bed bugs, depending on the level of infestation and the size of the house.

What is the best way to get rid of bed bugs?

In other words, certain control strategies are considered more effective than others. Fumigation is one of the most reliable ways to tackle bed bug infestation, hence our focus on this extermination strategy. Another good control method is bug heat treatment.

What are the symptoms of bed bug fumigation?

Other symptoms include body weakness, vomiting, stinging eyes and slurred speech in severe cases. These conditions may worsen if urgent medical help isn’t sought. These are the basics of bed bug fumigation you must know. The knowledge of this procedure helps in no small measure to adequately prepare for the exercise.

How long to wait to turn off gas for bed bug treatment?

Your mail and gas services will need to be held off until treatment is fully administered. It’s best to ask for a turn-off of your gas at least 2 days prior. Food storage is a vital step when preparing for bed bug fumigation. Fumigants are toxic and could easily poison exposed food.

What happens if you get exposed to bed bugs?

Common side effects include nausea, dizziness; lung, throat, and nose irritation.

How long does it take to fumigate bed bugs?

How long does bed bug fumigation take? The whole process will take 24 – 48 hours depending on the size and nature of the structure being treated.

Why is my house enclosed in a tarp?

Your entire home is enclosed in a tarp to concentrate the fumigant for maximum effect. Bed bugs are unable to survive this ordeal.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are tiny oval-shaped and flat creatures. Adult bed bugs should be about the size of apple seeds. One of the things these pesky bugs have going for them is their ability to move quickly. Bed bugs do not fly and their bodies will swell and turn reddish after a feeding session.

How long does it take to fumigate bed bugs?

The treatment time ranges from some hours to a longer period. It could be 18 to 48 hours total treatment time.

How long after fumigation do bed bugs die?

Insecticides usually take half an hour to two hours to kill bed bugs. There are chances that not all the bed bugs will die especially if it is for the first time.

What will determine the cost?

Several variables dictate the cost of the fumigation process of the bed bugs. For instance, if you employ a fumigation specialist, then you will have to invest more money into this. It is different from when you are doing it at your home on your own. The capacity of the structure you want fumigation done also matters. If you are doing the fumigation in a bigger room, then you will be expected to use more money than a smaller room. The frequency of the fumigation also matters. There are times when you will have to follow up a fumigation process one after the other. This is especially when the bed bug infestation comes after some time. In this scenario, then you will part with some extra amount of money. Interestingly, different countries have varied costs for the fumigation. The expenses depend on the availability of the fumigation apparatus and specialists to do that. It also depends on whether or not the company will carry out the inspection before extermination as it is an extra cost.

How does a fumigant work?

In the enclosed structure, the fumigant replaces the oxygen while penetrating through the bed-bug-infested items causing bed bugs and their eggs to suffocate and die. After a specified period of time the pesticidal gas is then released to the atmosphere, and the tarps removed.

What is fumigation used for?

Fumigation is one of the methods used to treat bed bugs among other destructive insects like termites and ants. Read on to find out what it is, its effectiveness, the chemicals used in the process, the duration it takes preparation and cost.

How do you seal a bed bug?

The sealing is usually done with a tarp- a tent-like large sheet of strong, flexible material that will not let air escape. In the enclosed structure, the fumigant replaces the oxygen while penetrating through the bed-bug-infested items causing bed bugs and their eggs to suffocate and die. After a specified period of time the pesticidal gas is then released to the atmosphere, and the tarps removed. As soon as the fumigant concentration falls below detectable levels, the structure (if it a building or apartment) can then be reoccupied. It works well if the fumigant is at the right concentration for the right amount of time.

How to prevent bed bugs from spreading?

This is a precaution will help avoid contamination. You can fumigate all topical toiletries but avoid doing so on others like the toothpaste and mouthwash. Instead, remove them from the scene. Fumigate all the items that are open and digestible. After that, discard them to ensure that bed bugs do not spread by tossing out the items. These items include products in the freezer, refrigerator and the pantry.

What is a fume cube?

The Fume Cube is a modular, insulated, sealed and temperature-controlled container wherein a BBFS technician administers a lethal dose of Vikane gas (Sulfuryl Fluoride) killing all bed bugs and their eggs within the Fume Cube without damage to personal property .

How long does it take to fumigate a truck?

Typically done overnight, fumigation using Vikane ® takes several hours depending on the amount of stuff and size of the container holding all of your belongings. Check your moving truck into one of BBFS’s fumigation locations before 4 pm and it will be returned around 9 am the next day.

How to kill bed bugs in a house?

Here's the procedure BBFS recommends that PCOs use to kill the bed bugs left behind: 1 Start with dry vapor steam on carpets, baseboards, walls, under built-in furniture etc. 2 Apply a residual pesticide, which lasts up to a few months, as well as diatomaceous earth dust (DE). 3 Baseboards can be treated by drilling holes into them and blowing the DE dust into crawl spaces, or the baseboards might even be peeled off and replaced. 4 The final step is to use caulk to seal all electrical outlets, water and electric piping coming through the walls, and holes made in baseboard trim, so that in the end, the only access bed bugs have to your apartment is through your front door via you or your belongings.

What is fumigation gas?

Fumigation occurs when an inorganic gas called sulfuryl fluoride (originally marketed under the name Vikane® by Dow AgroSciences) is pumped into an enclosed, sealed space stuffed with your household items. In a controlled environment, the gas replaces the oxygen, causing bed bugs and their eggs to suffocate and die.

What is the best way to kill bed bugs in a fumigated house?

BBFS recommends using a combination of heat treatment, pesticides/DE, and caulk-n-seal to create a sterile, bed bug free environment for your fumigated belongings.

How long does it take for Vikane to work?

Depending on size of the structure, container or vehicle being fumigated, the treatment times can range from several hours (generally from 18 - 48 hours total treatment time). Once released, the Vikane quickly breaks down to its two naturally-occurring ingredients and floats harmlessly away.

How much of a bed bug is eliminated in an apartment?

Much more commonly, the contents of an apartment are removed and fumigated elsewhere in a sealed space like a moving truck or The Fume Cube, eliminating 50-75% of your bed bugs.

What can be used to monitor for bed bugs?

For instance, after a heat treatment, the use of mattress and box spring encasements as well as bed bug interception devices, can be used proactively to monitor for potential bed bugs in the event that any survived or have been reintroduced.

What is IPM in pest control?

At the opposite end of the cost spectrum is integrated pest management (IPM), which uses pesticides and non-chemical forms of bed bug treatment, such as monitors, mattress and box spring encasements, as well as vacuums.

What is fumigation in bed bugs?

Not to be confused with the setting off of a fogger in one’s house (which is not recommended for bed bugs), fumigation involves the release of insecticide in a structure or container that is completely sealed with a tarp.

What makes customers and pest management companies pursue alternatives to fumigation?

The sheer cost and the absence of any lingering impact on bed bugs is what makes customers and pest management companies pursue alternatives to fumigation. Also when conducting a whole structure fumigation, residents are faced with the inconvenience of having to cram in with relatives or rent a hotel.

How many treatments are needed for heat therapy?

Though heat treatments may only involve 1-2 treatments spread out over a few weeks, the cost can be significantly higher than IPM, which may involve 2-4 treatments over the course of a month or two.

Can IPM be combined with heat?

Integrated pest management and heat treatment can be highly effective when part of a comprehensive bed bug treatment plan. Aspects of IPM can even be combined with heat treatments if the situation calls for it.

When is fumigation practical?

Cooper notes that the only time fumigation may be practical for people in Northern states is when you’re moving from an infested location to a new home.

How Long Does Bed Bug Fumigation Take?

The exact amount of time it takes to fumigate a home and eliminate bed bugs will depend on several factors, such as the size and shape of the home, as well as the intensity of the infestation. On the lower end, the entire process will take about 12 hours and on the higher end, it will take about 48 hours.

How can I get rid of bed bugs?

The first thing you should do if you suspect bed bugs are present (such as when you have unexplained blisters) is clean all bedding, linings, curtains, and furniture in your home. Use hot water and the highest possible setting on your dryer—this will help eliminate the bed bugs and prevent them from spreading further. You should also scrub your mattress and other furniture to remove any potential eggs. If the bed bugs disappear after taking these steps, you might not need to do anything further. However, if the bed bug infestation persists, then you might need to conduct a bed bug fumigation.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs—scientifically known as cimex lectularius—are small insects (about half a centimeter) that feed on the blood of human beings and some other animals in order to survive. These bugs are most active at night and also tend to nest inside of mattresses and other types of furniture, which is exactly why they are referred to as bed bugs. When a person has been bitten bed bugs, they will likely experience mild itching, blistering, and other possible symptoms.

How much does it cost to get rid of bed bugs?

However, there are still plenty of occasions where calling an exterminator will be your only option. The cost of fumigating bed bugs can vary depending on where you live and how large your house. Usually, the cheapest fumigations will be about $300, while the most expensive fumigations can be $3,000 or even more. But on average, you should expect to pay about $1,000.

Is bed bug fumigation safe?

Bed bug fumigation is safe, in general, but it should only be done by licensed professionals. The fumes used in the fumigation will almost always eliminate the bed bugs, but they can also cause harm to humans, animals, and plants—it will be important to remove all living things from your homes (pets, plants, people) and wait until you have been given the “all clear” from your exterminator.

What is fumigate pest control?

Fumigation is a way of controlling pests that attack a home or a living area. It is what happens when a gaseous pesticide is spayed within a building. This pesticide then suffocates of poisons these pests, killing them. You fumigate your house to eliminate bed bugs, fleas, ticks, cockroaches, and termites. So if your home is infested with bugs and rats, you should consider calling your local pest control company. You will discuss with them on the best approach. While many infestations are bad, not all of them require fumigation.

How long does it take to fumigate a house?

Fumigation is typically done in three days and two nights. On the first day, the building is covered with heavy-duty tents which are secured to the ground. The fumigator inspects and prepares the interior of the house. He also places warnings signs in specific locations.

What to do if your house is infested with rats?

So if your home is infested with bugs and rats, you should consider calling your local pest control company. You will discuss with them on the best approach. While many infestations are bad, not all of them require fumigation.

What happens on the third day of fumigation?

On the third day, the fumigators remove the heavy-duty tents. One agent will test the air quality. If it is safe to return to the house, they will remove the warning signs and complete the fumigation.

Is methyl bromide toxic?

This is a solid fumigant that comes in powder or granular form. It is mixed with acid to becomes toxic to pests. Methyl Bromide is also commonly used for farming. It is quite a potent agent, and it is banned in some countries. Hydrogen Cyanide is inorganic and reaches its boiling point at room temperature.

Can pests be seen in your home?

Some pests are not easily visible and may be present in your home without your knowledge. After completing their inspection, they will give you a complete report of all the issues that affect your home, how bad they are, and what it will take for you to get rid of them.

Can you leave pets in the house?

Do not leave your pets or potted plants in the house. Doing so will cause them to harm or lead to their death. • Make sure to remove or securely seal all foodstuff and medicines in airtight fumigation bags. You may have to move perishable foods or consume them before leaving.