Is it normal to see bed bugs after treatment? If they’re dead, yes. Two factors can determine when noticeable results will occur. This includes the size of the infestation and the treatment you select. If applying a freezing solution, times may vary depending on the life cycle stages of the bed bugs. For example, researchers from the University of Minnesota discovered that eggs and nymphs were able to survive in shorter durations of cold treatments. To successfully kill all bed bugs, it took at least 80 hours in temperatures of -16 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, heating treatments may reach up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit and may only take six to eight hours to complete.
Insecticide Treatment Results
Another popular treatment method is insecticide application. This method requires a pest professional to apply a treatment solution. How long do bed bugs live after spraying? Results vary depending on the insecticide and whether the bed bugs were sprayed directly or indirectly. If you do not spot any signs of bed bugs or bites for the first three weeks post-treatment, your infestation has likely been contained.
Treatment Clean-Up
If you are finding dead bed bugs after treatment you may need to do some minor cleanup. Vacuuming can be an effective solution. Using crevice attachments, you can reach dead bed bugs hidden in between objects in your home.
As a best practice, you should also wash your sheets in addition to vacuuming. Bed bugs sprayed with insecticides may not die immediately. Even if you haven’t spotted bed bugs in your bed, be sure to wash your sheets. It may also be helpful to wipe down surrounding furniture. This includes your bed frame, nightstand, dresser and even floorboards.
Treatment Follow-Up
By scheduling an appointment with Terminix®, our trained technicians can create a customized treatment plan for your home. Some treatments may require follow-up appointments, but Terminix can work to help keep bed bugs out of your home – dead or alive.
