UBCNews - Business - Can You Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Your Own? Virginia Experts Explain

Episode Date: November 24, 2025

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling a topic that's keeping a lot of Virginians up at night—literally. Bed bugs. If you've ever dealt with these tiny invaders, you know how frustrating it can be. And here's the thing: DIY treatments sound appealing, but they often just don't cut it. So why is that? Connor's Pest Pros City: Springfield Address: 5410 Port Royal Rd Website: https://connorspestpros.com/contact/

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling a topic that's keeping a lot of Virginians up at night. Literally, bedbugs. If you've ever dealt with these tiny invaders, you know how frustrating it can be. And here's the thing. DIY treatments sound appealing, but they often just don't cut it. So why is that? Well, it's a great question. Bedbugs are actually one of the most common pests in the United States right now. While infestations were uncommon for several decades, they've made a significant comeback since the 1980s. And Virginia is no exception. Cities like Richmond and Norfolk have ranked among the most bed bug-infested cities in the country. That's wild.

So we're talking about a real resurgence here. What makes bedbugs so tough to deal with compared to, I don't know, ants or flies? Three big things. First, they're masters at hiding. We're talking mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and any tiny crack or crevice near where you sleep. Second, they reproduce fast. A single female can lay one to seven eggs per day and up to 500 in her lifetime,

with reproduction rates affected by temperature. And third, they've developed resistance to a lot of the over-the-counter pesticides people try to use at home. Okay, so resistance is a huge problem. That means those sprays you grab at the hardware store might not even work. Exactly. Many bed bug populations have built up resistance to common insecticides found in DIY products. Even if a spray kills bugs on contact, it often fails to reach the hidden ones in their eggs. You might get temporary relief, but then they come right back because you haven't eliminated the entire life cycle.

Eggs, nymphs, and adults. In other words, you're treating the symptoms without getting to the root of the problem. Mm-hmm, I hear you. So it's like putting a band-aid on a bigger wound. Right, and here's the other issue. About 80% of a bedbug infestation is actually hidden. Only the hungry ones venture out. So if you're just treating the surface, you're missing the bulk of the problem. That's honestly terrifying. Have you ever personally run into someone who tried the DIY route for way too long? Oh, definitely. I remember one family who spent weeks using storebogg. sprays and diatomaceous earth. They'd see fewer bugs for a few days, then the bites would start again. By the time they reached out, the infestation had spread to multiple rooms. It was exhausting

for them. Wow. So let's talk about what professionals do differently. Why are their treatments more effective? It really starts with a thorough inspection. Professionals are trained to identify all the hiding spots, well beyond the obvious ones. They determine the extent of the infestation and then create a customized plan. Every situation gets its own approach. That point about thorough inspections sets up our next piece, treatment methods, but first, a quick word from our sponsor. Dealing with bedbugs or other pests in Virginia, D.C. or Maryland,

Conner's Pest Pros has been helping families since 1944 with licensed extermination and wildlife trapping services. As members of the National Pest Management Association and Virginia, Virginia Pest Management Association, they offer free inspections and honest upfront pricing. Learn more at Connorspestpros.com. Picking up on thorough inspections, how do professionals actually handle treatment once they've completed that assessment? They use a combination of methods based on severity.

Heat treatments are really effective because heat can penetrate hard-to-reach areas and kill bedbugs at all life stages, eggs, nymphs, adults. They also use targeted insecticides that aren't available to unlicensed individuals plus steam applications in certain cases. So specialized equipment and restricted pesticides, that's a big advantage DIYers just don't have. Absolutely. And there's another critical piece, follow-up inspections. After the initial treatment, professionals monitor the situation to make sure the infestation is fully gone. If needed, they can apply additional measures. That long-term approach is what DIY methods lack.

Right, exactly. What about cost? I think a lot of people hesitate because they assume professional treatment is going to break the bank. Yeah, costs can vary widely depending on the size of the space, severity of the infestation, and treatment methods used. But here's the thing. DIY methods can end up costing more in the long run. You're buying product after product, possibly replacing furniture, maybe even missing work during treatments.

And if the infestation spreads, those costs multiply. Right. So investing in an actual solution versus just managing symptoms. And I imagine there's a mental health component too? Definitely. Studies show that bedbug infestations can cause sleep disturbances, anxiety, and stress. The constant worry, the sleepless nights, the social stigma, it all adds up. Getting effective treatment quickly can really help reduce that.

emotional toll. That makes total sense. So to everyone listening out there, have you checked your mattress lately? If you're dealing with bedbugs in Virginia, what's the first step you'd recommend? Early detection is key. The sooner you catch it, the easier and less expensive it is to treat. If you notice bites, see small reddish-brown bugs or spot tiny dark spots on your sheets, call a professional for an inspection right away. Waiting only makes things worse. And prevention. What can people do to avoid bringing bedbugs home in the first place? Great question. When traveling, inspect hotel rooms with a flashlight before unpacking. Check the mattress seams, headboard, and furniture. Keep your luggage off the bed and upholstered chairs.

Use hard surfaces or luggage racks away from walls. And when you get home, wash and dry everything on high heat. Think of it as a post-vacation security check. Huh, I like that. A security check for bugs instead of airports. Um, one last thing. People often think bedbugs are a sign of a dirty home. Is that actually true? Not at all. Bedbugs are attracted to warmth, blood, and carbon dioxide. Not dirt. They can infest the cleanest homes just as easily. Clutter does give them more hiding spots, but cleanliness itself isn't a factor. Anyone can get bedbugs. That's an important distinction. Well, we've covered a lot today why DIY treatments fall short,

how professionals tackle infestations with specialized tools and follow-up care, and what you can do to protect yourself. The bottom line, for bedbugs, professional help really is the most effective route. Exactly, getting results that last rather than a temporary fix. Thanks so much for breaking this down with us today. And to our listeners, stay vigilant out there. And remember, early action is your best defense.