If you’ve ever had bed bugs, you know it’s the kind of problem you wouldn’t wish on your worst neighbor. They don’t care if you live near the Oceanfront, tucked away in Kempsville, or out by Red Mill—they’ll find a way in. And once they do, they stick around like that one cousin who shows up uninvited to every cookout. And calling Virginia Beach exterminators is the only sure shot solution to this problem.
Now here’s the kicker: most sprays don’t work anymore. You can fog, spray, and douse your mattress in half a can, and those little buggers will just shrug it off like, “Is that all you’ve got?” So why are they so tough—and what actually works? Grab a chair, because I’ve got some stories.
Why Insecticides Don’t Do the Trick Anymore
Remember when you were a kid and someone dared you to eat a spicy hot wing at a summer BBQ? The first bite burned like crazy. But by the third or fourth, your taste buds kinda got used to it. Bed bugs are the same way. Over decades of being blasted with the same insecticides, they’ve toughened up.
Folks in my neighborhood have learned this the hard way. One couple over in Great Neck tried everything from store-bought sprays to essential oils, only to still be scratching through movie nights. Bed bugs are stubborn little freeloaders, and sprays alone just don’t cut it anymore.
What Actually Works Against Bed Bugs
So, if insecticides are about as effective as a citronella candle on a muggy Virginia night, what’s left? The good news is there are proven methods bed bugs haven’t figured out how to beat.
1. Heat Treatments
Bed bugs may be resilient, but they can’t handle high heat. Exterminators in Virginia beach
bring in heaters that raise your home’s temp to around 120°F or more, and trust me—those pests don’t stand a chance. It’s like sticking the whole house in an oven.
2. Quarantining Furniture
If you’re like me and can’t resist a good find at a Virginia Beach thrift shop, here’s a tip: quarantine it first. Seal it up in plastic or get it treated before you haul it into your living room. Bed bugs love to hitchhike in on “bargains.”
3. Mattress & Box Spring Encasements
These zip-up covers lock any bed bugs inside your mattress, starving them out. No more midnight snacking for them.
4. Decluttering & Vacuuming
Not glamorous, but effective. The fewer hiding places they have, the easier it is to keep tabs on them. And don’t forget to empty the vacuum outside—nobody wants a “surprise” escapee crawling back out.
FAQs About Bed Bugs in Virginia Beach
Q: Why don’t sprays work anymore?
Because bed bugs have gotten resistant after decades of exposure. Plus, they hide in spots sprays can’t always reach.
Q: Can I get rid of them myself?
You can slow them down with encasements, vacuuming, and decluttering, but most infestations need professional treatments.
Q: Are heat treatments safe?
Yes. Licensed pros know how to heat your home safely while wiping out the bugs.
Q: How can I avoid getting them?
Inspect hotel beds when traveling, check thrifted furniture, and reduce clutter at home. Prevention’s easier than eviction.
Final Thoughts
Bed bugs are like that one neighbor who never returns your lawnmower—they just won’t take a hint. Sprays aren’t enough anymore, but heat, quarantining, and prevention still work.
If you suspect them, don’t wait until you’re scratching through the night. Call in the pros, get it handled, and get back to enjoying your Virginia Beach evenings. After all, summer’s too short to spend battling bugs when you could be flipping burgers in peace.