Photo Album: Extreme clutter leads to challenging bed bug extermination
Clutter hides bed bugs in Sayreville, NJ
It was time to inspect. I immediately knew this would be a challenging treatment. This home was filled with piles with clutter. I was anxious to get started today, but I knew that my initial treatment would be hindered by the clutter When an infestation is compounded with clutter issues, a completely successful bedbug treatment can be elusive - just a few bugs escaping treatment can cause a re-infestation. Clutter is the enemy of pest control technicians because it gives bedbugs and other insects virtually infinite harborage areas. A successful resolution of a bedbug infestation is a joint effort between the pest control technician and the homeowner, and I spoke with the homeowner about the necessity of reducing clutter to maximize the effectiveness the treatments.
Excessive clutter makes this job extremely challenging
This infestation had been going on for quite awhile, and by now, almost every piece of furniture was infested with bedbugs. I performed a thorough vacuuming, systematically cleaning every seam, crease, and underside of not only the mattress and boxspring, but every piece of furniture throughout the home. It was a time-consuming process, but needed to be done. I also vacuumed the bed frames, wall junctures, and even behind pictures. My goal was to suck up every live bed bug and all of the bedbug eggs that I could find.
Bed bug fecal matter on floor in Sayreville, NJ
This infestation was so severe, that after I removed the mattress and boxspring from the frame, there was a bed bug fecal matter outline on the floor (see attached photo). After I finished vacuuming and putting encasements on the mattress and boxspring, I began my crack and crevice treatment for those harborage areas that were accessible. Because of the condition of the home, I knew that this particular infestation would likely require multiple follow-up visits. One of the most important personality traits of a bedbug technician is patience and perseverance!
Bed bugs underneath chair in Sayreville, NJ
We search high and low to find every single bug
Bed bugs on sofa in Sayreville, New Jersery
Upon arrival, I spoke with the homeowner to help me focus my inspection and treatment plan. For example, with a bed bug infestation, I'm always concerned about whether the customer has actually seen live bed bugs, and if so, where. In the early stages of an infestation, we are often contacted after signs of bedbug activities, which range from blood and fecal stains on sheets to customers waking up with mysterious, unexplained bites. Often, the first sign of bedbugs are bites, and it is helpful to know the duration of the bites. I am often surprised as to how long people are willing to put up with this discomfort. Bedbug populations grow rapidly, and the longer the infestation, the higher the likelihood that the infestation is disbursed throughout the home, and not localized to just a few rooms. While bedrooms are most commonly infested (bedbugs are parasitic insects that like to feed on our blood while we are sleeping), I've found bedbugs anywhere and everywhere, especially with well-entrenched infestations.
Bed bugs on furniture in Sayreville, New Jersey
Before leaving, I set up the two-week follow up visit with the homeowner. I am determined to do whatever it takes to help this homeowner, but I'll need her help. The homeowner appreciated my efforts, and she promised that she'll work to get rid of the clutter. She was sick and tired of these bedbugs invading her home, and I'm confident that we will work together to get rid of these horrible, vile insects!