Get matched with top pest control specialists in Kenai, AK

Yes, getting rid of bed bugs without an exterminator is possible. However, it will take significantly longer and more effort than professional extermination. Using a HEPA vacuum, steaming, sealing, and other DIY removal methods work with consistent effort. Plus, it won’t guarantee to clear the entire infestation, so you may need to apply several follow-up treatments.

The signs of a bed bug infestation include itchy, red bite marks on the skin and various forms of physical evidence on or near your bed. Look for reddish or rust-colored stains on sheets from crushed bed bugs, as well as small, dark fecal droppings. You might also find the bugs themselves, their tiny eggs, or the pale, molted skins (casings) they leave behind. In some cases, a persistent musty odor may be present. If you notice any of these signs, calling a professional exterminator is the most effective way to handle the infestation.

Fleas are leaps and bounds ahead of ticks when jumping from person to person. The average flea can cover 1.9 meters per second. It can also jump over 50 times its own height. Fleas rely solely on their magnificent leaps to jump hosts. While ticks can crawl relatively quickly, their strategy is usually to sit and wait for a victim to "hitchhike" in tall grass.

If the nest is on or in your home, you should have an exterminator remove it. However, if the wasp nest is in an area of your yard that you don't frequent, you can leave it alone as long as the wasps don’t bother your household members. Wasps are very active during the summer months, but they will vacate in the fall and not return until the following year. So, if it's safe to do so, you can leave it, but if it poses a threat of being stung because it's in an area that you use frequently, consider having it removed.