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For a minor infestation, you can expect to clear up a German cockroach problem in about two weeks. That’s usually enough time to confirm that they don’t have additional hiding spots and aren’t continuing to encroach from an outside source. If you have a major infestation and use the services of a pest control company, it can take several weeks and multiple visits to fully clear your home, up to a couple of months.

The longevity of pest control treatment depends on the treatments and the type of pest. Pest control services for serious infestations can last 3 to 6 months. Some treatments are more or less permanent if the pro fixes how pests were entering the home. Other treatments, like sprayed barriers or bait traps, are designed to last for anywhere from 30 days to several months. Pest control often offers to re-apply treatments like this to ensure full eradication and discourage new infestations.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pyrethrins and pyrethroids are the most common chemical compounds used to get rid of bed bugs. These chemicals force bed bugs out of their hiding spots and kill them on the spot so they are eliminated for good. Only professional exterminators can apply these treatments, and they are reserved for severe infestations.

For a non-chemical bed bug treatment, you can try spraying your mattress with a mixture of essential oils, rubbing alcohol, and water. Pesticide sprays are available, but using them can pose potential health risks to humans and pets—especially if they are not applied correctly. If non-chemicals do not eradicate your bed bug infestation, you should consult a pest control specialist to determine the best course of action.