The Truth About DIY Pest Control – Why Store Sprays Make It Worse

Hi-Tech Pest Control — Michigan’s #1 Bed Bug Exterminator

If there’s one pest that’s humbled both homeowners and exterminators alike, it’s the bed bug.
Let’s face it — bed bugs are among the most difficult pests in the world to eradicate, and unfortunately, there’s a lot of misrepresentation online about what actually kills them.

Walk into any home improvement store and you’ll find shelves full of sprays, foggers, and “bed bug killers” promising miracles in a can. But here’s the truth:
Most of those DIY and over-the-counter products don’t have the residual power, penetration, or impact needed to solve even a mild infestation — and in many cases, they make the problem worse.

When bed bugs are your opponent, you’re not in a fair fight.
Let’s break down the biggest DIY myths — and why calling Hi-Tech Pest Control is your best option for one-treatment, complete eradication.

💨 #1: Foggers — The Worst Offense Against Bed Bugs

We’ll start with the most popular mistake: fogging.

Foggers and “bug bombs” have been around forever, and while they may make you feel like you’re fighting back, they’re one of the worst ways to handle a bed bug infestation.

Why? Because fogging only kills what it touches in open air — maybe a spider on a wall or a centipede on the floor — but bed bugs don’t live in open air.
They hide inside furniture joints, behind baseboards, under fabrics, inside couches, recliners, bed frames, and even inside electronics.

When a fogger goes off, the aerosolized insecticide creates pressure and drives the bed bugs deeper into hiding — spreading them further and making eradication much more difficult.

Result:
You’ve now successfully trained your bed bugs to hide better and resist future treatments.

If you’ve already fogged, don’t panic — but it’s time to bring in professionals who use industrial-grade equipment designed to reach those deep, hidden nesting sites.

👉 Learn more about our Professional Bed Bug Treatments that completely eradicate infestations in just one visit.

♨️ #2: Steam — Good for Clothes, Bad for Bed Bugs

Steam is another popular “DIY fix” you’ll see recommended online.
Sure, it kills some bed bugs on contact, but it also creates more moisture — and that’s the exact opposite of what you want.

Remember: everything that lives, including bed bugs, needs moisture to survive.
One of the most effective supplemental treatments we use is a desiccant dust, which absorbs moisture from the bugs’ bodies until they dry out and die.

But if you raise humidity levels or steam furniture, you’re feeding them the very thing they need — water.
You’ll kill a few, warm up the rest, and help the survivors thrive.

As we like to say around here:

“You’ll give them hot behinds but they’ll thank you later for the drink.”

So skip the steam and let the professionals use the proper balance of drying agents, precision insecticides, and controlled applications.

Check our Bed Bug Preparation Guide to learn what does help before your treatment.

🧂 #3: Dusts, Sprays, and Aerosols — Little Impact, Big Problems

There’s no shortage of aerosol cans and dusts claiming to “kill bed bugs on contact.”
But here’s the truth — they may kill a few on contact, but the rest of the colony will remain untouched.

Bed bugs nest in areas that are impossible for homeowners to reach, like:

  • Inside box spring seams
  • Under mattress ropes
  • Deep in recliners and couch joints
  • Behind wall plates and baseboards

Household dusts and sprays lack penetration power and residual effect, meaning they don’t reach eggs, nymphs, or hidden adults.

Even worse, bed bugs quickly develop resistance to common store-bought formulations.
Once that happens, your next treatment — even a professional one — becomes more challenging.

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🧰 The Truth: Professional Equipment and Experience Are Non-Negotiable

DIY treatments don’t fail because homeowners don’t try — they fail because bed bugs are survivors.

They’ve evolved thicker exoskeletons, developed pesticide resistance, and found creative new ways to hide.
That’s why industrial-grade equipment, proper formulations, and experienced application techniques are essential.

At Hi-Tech Pest Control, we’ve spent over 40 years mastering bed bug eradication.
Our technicians use:

  • Specialized injectors and nozzles for deep crevice penetration
  • Precision equipment that targets harborages, not open air
  • EPA-registered products with long residual protection

And unlike others who rely on repeat visits, we eliminate bed bugs in one treatment — guaranteed.

🌎 Why One Treatment Matters

The entire world is struggling with bed bug reinfestations because of ineffective, repeat treatments that never fully solve the problem.
When infestations linger, populations rebuild — and customers lose trust.

Hi-Tech Pest Control’s mission is to change that — one successful, furniture-saving, one-treatment job at a time.

Our team is proud to say:

“We don’t leave until the bed bugs do.”

If you’re tired of wasting money on sprays, foggers, and miracle promises —
📞 Contact Hi-Tech Pest Control today and let Michigan’s #1 Bed Bug Exterminator solves it right the first time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why don’t foggers work on bed bugs?

A: Foggers only kill pests exposed to the air. Bed bugs hide deep in furniture and walls, so foggers only drive them deeper — spreading the infestation.

Q2: Is steam an effective method for bed bugs?

A: No. Steam adds moisture, which helps bed bugs survive. Professional treatments use desiccant dusts that dry them out completely.

Q3: Are store-bought sprays safe to use?

A: Most are safe for humans but ineffective for bed bugs. They lack residual and don’t penetrate hiding spots.

Q4: Why is professional treatment necessary?

A: Industrial equipment, experience, and specialized products are the only reliable way to reach all life stages — from eggs to adults — in one treatment.

Q5: Will Hi-Tech’s treatment really work in one visit?

A: Yes. Our proven methods and precision application eliminate bed bugs completely in a single treatment — guaranteed.

Contact Us

39111 6 Mile

Livonia, Michigan 48152

7 W Square Lake Rd

Bloomfield Twp, Michigan 48302

755 W Big Beaver Rd Ste 2020

Troy, Michigan 48084

Hi-Tech Pest Control BBB Business Review
Bloomfield Michigan bed bug exterminator

Hours of Operation

8:30am to 10:00pm Monday Thru Sunday

Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties.

😂 Honesty Is the Best Policy: Why Telling the Truth About Bed Bugs Helps Us Help You

😂 Honesty Is the Best Policy: Why Telling the Truth About Bed Bugs Helps Us Help You

Hi-Tech Pest Control — Michigan’s #1 Bed Bug Exterminator

Let’s be honest — talking about bed bugs isn’t anyone’s favorite conversation. But when you finally decide to call Hi-Tech Pest Control, honesty isn’t just the best policy — it’s the only policy that guarantees your home will be pest-free and your sanity restored.

Communication, after all, is one of mankind’s greatest inventions. But it only works if we both use it correctly. That means talking and listening. So when your inspector asks a few questions about where you’ve seen bed bugs, how long it’s been happening, and how severe things might be — that’s not small talk. That’s the key to solving the problem quickly, efficiently, and in one treatment.

🗣️ Talk Straight — Bed Bugs Can’t Be Fooled

Here’s the truth: sitting on a couch covered with bed bugs and saying, “They’re only in one room,” doesn’t fool the professionals… or the bugs.
We’ve seen it all — the “just one room” story, the “they just started last week” story, even the “they’re probably gone by now” story. But guess what? Bed Bugs don’t lie, and they definitely don’t leave politely.

Being honest about what’s happening doesn’t raise your price — it raises our efficiency.
We don’t judge, we don’t criticize — we solve problems. Whether the infestation started two weeks ago or two years ago, our goal is to eliminate every last one.

Honesty Helps the Process Move Faster

When you share all the details — how often you’re getting bites, where you’ve seen them, if you’ve sprayed anything, or if you sometimes fall asleep in your office chair — it helps us zero in on the true hotspots.

Our bed bug inspectors are trained to forage like the bugs themselves — checking secondary and tertiary hiding places. If you’ve been using alcohol, foggers, or diatomaceous earth, let us know! That information tells us that the bed bugs have probably scattered into deep cracks, furniture joints, or baseboard gaps.

Don’t worry regardless we will have you pest free in one treatment.
Hiding the severity only slows us down — and the bed bugs love it. Don’t let them laugh at us (or you).

😅 Don’t Be Shy — We’ve Seen It All

You’d be surprised how many people whisper about their “little problem” like they’re confessing to a crime.
Trust us — nothing shocks us anymore.

We’ve treated homes, businesses, hotels, movie theaters, and even a limousine (yes, really).
Bed bugs don’t discriminate — they follow humans, not habits. So there’s no reason to feel embarrassed or hide information.

We can only eliminate what we know about. Be open, be honest, and watch us do what we do best — kill every bed bug in one visit.

Why Honesty Doesn’t Affect Pricing

At Hi-Tech Pest Control, we don’t base our prices on:

  • How clean or cluttered your house is
  • What kind of car you drive
  • Or how you sound on the phone

We base our pricing on facts:

  • How many beds, couches, and recliners you have
  • How many humans live in the home (bed bugs always eat where people are)
  • The size and layout of the home
  • The population level of the infestation

In other words — the more we know upfront, the faster and more affordable your treatment can be.

💬 Communication Is Key

Our team takes every inspection seriously.
When we ask, “How long have you noticed bites?” or “Have you treated anything yet?” we’re not trying to upsell you — we’re trying to understand the full picture.

Even if you’ve been battling bed bugs for months with sprays, powders, or general-use products, tell us. That history helps us know how far they’ve traveled and what kind of population we’re dealing with.

Remember: communication isn’t just talking — it’s listening, too.
If we ask questions, it’s because every detail helps ensure your home is bed bug-free the first time.

Hi-Tech’s Promise

Our inspectors and technicians are not there to judge your home — they’re there to end your infestation.
We treat every customer with respect, professionalism, and understanding.
We’ve built our reputation over 40 years by being honest, thorough, and dedicated to results — not repeat visits.

📞 Call Hi-Tech Pest Control today at (248) 569-8001
Serving Livonia, Troy, Bloomfield Twp, Warren, Farmington Hills, Westland, and all Southeastern Michigan.
Same-day service. One treatment. 100% guaranteed results.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will being honest about my infestation raise my price?

A: Absolutely not. The more we know, the faster we can solve your problem — and possibly save you money by avoiding unnecessary treatments.

Q2: Should I tell the inspector if I’ve already sprayed or used powders?

A: Yes! That information helps us find where the bed bugs migrated and ensures your treatment is customized for success.

Q3: Can bed bugs hide in office chairs and recliners?

A: Definitely. If you sometimes sleep or sit in those areas, tell us — it helps us target secondary hiding spots.

Q4: What happens if I’m not honest during the inspection?

A: Bed bugs will win — temporarily. Withholding information only delays results and may require extra time to locate all infestations.

Q5: How long does it take to get rid of them?

A: With Hi-Tech’s one-treatment system, most infestations are eliminated the same day — no repeat visits, no guesswork, no excuses.

Contact Us

39111 6 Mile

Livonia, Michigan 48152

7 W Square Lake Rd

Bloomfield Twp, Michigan 48302

755 W Big Beaver Rd Ste 2020

Troy, Michigan 48084

Hours of Operation

8:30am to 10:00pm Monday Thru Sunday

Bed Bug Nymphs and Hidden Infestations: What You Can’t See Can Hurt You

Hi-Tech Pest Control — Michigan’s #1 Bed Bug Exterminator

When you think of bed bugs, you probably picture fully grown adults crawling across a mattress. But the real danger is often hidden just beneath the surface — literally. Bed bug nymphs, the immature stages of these pests, are smaller, lighter in color, and masters at squeezing through and under the cloth seams of older mattresses, recliners, pillows, and upholstered chairs.

They don’t just hide — they mature beneath the fabric, making them harder to detect, remove, and eradicate. By the time most homeowners notice bites, dozens or even hundreds of nymphs have already hatched and fed multiple times.

If you’re waking up with unexplained bites, learn how to identify early signs on our Bed Bug Identification Guide.

Couches and Recliners: The Hidden Headquarters

Many homeowners don’t realize that recliners, couches, and cloth chairs are often the true source of recurring infestations.
Nymphs hide under the upholstery, inside seams, around frames, and in zipper folds.

And one material in particular is a favorite: Herculon fabric — commonly used in recliners and couches for its durability.

Why Herculon Makes Things Worse

  • Its porous weave allows tiny nymphs to pass through the fibers and live between the fabric and padding.
  • It provides warm, dark crevices ideal for bed bug development.
  • Nymphs and adults leave behind fecal deposits that cause visible stains and discoloration, a tell-tale sign of infestation.

If your furniture shows dark stains or has been dismissed as “unsalvageable” by others, call us first — we specialize in Furniture Salvage Bed Bug Treatments.

The Secret Life of Bed Bug Nymphs

Bed bug nymphs are translucent beige, nearly invisible against light fabrics. They molt five times before reaching adulthood, needing a blood meal between each stage.

During that time, they’ll:

  • Crawl beneath the fabric surface of old mattresses, pillows, and recliners.
  • Hide under tufted seams, loose stitching, or holes and tears in furniture.
  • Feed and mature unseen for weeks.

Learn more about our Bed Bug Treatment Process and how we stop every life stage from egg to adult.

Don’t Throw Everything Away — Wash It Right

Panic is common when homeowners realize they have bed bugs — but don’t start dragging furniture to the curb.
Most items can be salvaged with proper cleaning and professional treatment.

For linens, comforters, blankets, and pillows:

  • Wash in hot water (minimum 120°F / 49°C).
  • Dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30–45 minutes.
  • Avoid “dry only” cycles — heat + agitation are what kill all life stages.

Read our Bed Bug Preparation Guide for more cleaning and prevention tips.

Why DIY Doesn’t Work

General-use insecticides and alcohol sprays rarely penetrate hidden layers or seams. They may kill exposed bugs but drive survivors deeper into furniture. Meanwhile, the nymphs keep feeding and maturing below the surface.

That’s why so many people say, “I thought I got rid of them — and they came back.”
They didn’t come back. You just never reached them.

See our blog: Why DIY Bed Bug Treatments Fail to learn why one wrong product can make the infestation worse.

How Hi-Tech Pest Control Solves It — Permanently

At Hi-Tech Pest Control, we specialize in one-treatment eradication — no repeat visits, no gimmicks, no excuses.

Our methods target every stage of infestation:

  • Penetrating treatments that reach under fabric layers and into seams.
  • Safe, furniture-salvaging techniques to save your mattresses, couches, and recliners.
  • Proven 100% eradication guarantee — you sleep bite-free the first night.

If another company told you to throw away your furniture, call us before you do. We’ll save it — and eliminate every bed bug inside.

📞 Call Hi-Tech Pest Control today at 248-569-8001
Serving Livonia, Troy, Bloomfield Twp, Farmington Hills, Warren, Westland, Detroit, and all Southeastern Michigan.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can bed bugs live inside mattresses and couches?

A: Yes. Especially older furniture, where seams are loose or torn. Bed bug nymphs often live under the fabric itself, feeding and maturing undetected.
Learn more on our Bed Bug FAQ page.

Q2: What is Herculon material, and why is it a problem?

A: Herculon is a woven synthetic fabric used in recliners and couches. Its porous fibers let nymphs pass through and hide beneath the surface — perfect for infestation.

Q3: Should I throw away my furniture?

A: No. Hi-Tech Pest Control salvages furniture safely. We eliminate bed bugs from inside recliners, couches, and mattresses with one professional treatment.

Q4: Does washing bedding really help?

A: Absolutely — if you wash and dry on high heat. Drying alone isn’t enough. Use hot water first, then heat dry for at least 30 minutes.

Q5: Why can’t sprays or foggers fix the problem?

A: They only kill what they touch. Bed bug nymphs under fabric layers and in crevices survive and keep multiplying. See Why DIY Fails.

Contact Us

39111 6 Mile

Livonia, Michigan 48152

7 W Square Lake Rd

Bloomfield Twp, Michigan 48302

755 W Big Beaver Rd Ste 2020

Troy, Michigan 48302

Hi-Tech Pest Control BBB Business Review

Hours of Operation

8:30am to 10:00pm Monday Thru Sunday

“How Bad Are Bed Bugs… Really?”

Short answer: bad. Long answer:

grab some coffee. Bed bugs are having a global comeback tour—biting from Paris to Las Vegas to right here in Michigan. They don’t care about your ZIP code, your thread count, or your loyalty status. If there’s a warm human and a cozy seam, they’re RSVP’ing “yes.”

Where are bed bugs worst? In the U.S.

Every year, pest firms publish “worst cities” lists based on treatment data. In 2025, Chicago landed #1 again, followed by Cleveland and Detroit rounding out the top three. (We love you, Detroit—call us, we’ll help.)

Bonus: New York dropped to #15 in 2025—proof that aggressive inspection and prevention help. New York Post

Around the world

Paris had a headline-grabbing surge in 2023, with reports spanning homes, cinemas, and transit (right before the Olympics), and a national discussion about what to do next. London watched nervously, reported concerns on transit, and saw callouts rise—though not as much as the panic suggested. Australia documented a huge multi-year resurgence, too. PMC+5Reuters+5TIME+5

“What about big destinations—Disney World, Kalahari, Las Vegas?”

Large hospitality brands (theme parks, mega-resorts, indoor-waterpark hotels, Strip properties—you get the idea) typically follow hotel industry best practices called IPM (integrated pest management): frequent inspections (housekeeping checks seams & headboards), encasements, quick room-out-of-service protocols, and professional treatments. Those are the industry standards recommended by hotel associations and pest-management experts. Facilities Management Advisor+3AHLA+3National Pest Management Association+3

Do incidents still happen? Yes—anywhere humans travel. Las Vegas has even seen recent lawsuits tied to alleged hotel bed bugs; big tourist hubs deal with both pests and publicity. (This underscores why robust inspection programs matter.) SFGATE+2Fox News+2

Key point: There’s no single U.S. federal rule forcing hotels to publicly disclose bed bug cases; requirements vary by state and city, so most properties rely on internal protocols plus local regulations. Environmental Protection Agency+2Environmental Protection Agency+2

How long has this been a “crisis”?

After a mid-20th-century decline, bed bugs resurged in the late 1990s–2000s worldwide—driven by travel and resistance—and they’ve stayed stubborn ever since. Public-health and research groups have tracked this trend for decades. PMC+2BioMed Central+2

Troy Michigan's bedroom bed bug extermination in progress”

What actually works (and what doesn’t)

Works: Professional, evidence-based IPM: precise inspections, targeted treatments, follow-up verification, and customer education. That’s why hotels and smart homeowners use it. National Pest Management Association

Doesn’t (well): Random sprays, “miracle gadgets,” and wishful thinking. Resistance and hiding behavior mean you’ll miss the majority of the population. BioMed Central

😂 Tiny laughs, big truths

  • Bed bugs don’t care if your hotel has a lazy river or a monorail. They’re here for the all-you-can-eat human buffet.
  • They’re equal-opportunity hitchhikers: roller bags, purses, hoodies, and—yes—your favorite stadium blanket.
  • If you see one, there are probably more. They’re the cocktail party guests who arrive early, stay late, and invite friends.

Michigan & You: What to do right now

  1. Check seams on beds, couches, recliners, and headboards—look for live bugs, shed skins, tiny black fecal spots, or blood specks.
  2. After travel: keep luggage off beds, bag clothes, wash/dry on high heat.

3. Call professionals early. The earlier we act, the easier (and cheaper) the fix.

✅ Why Hi-Tech Pest Control

  • One-treatment eradication with furniture salvage (keep your beds, couches & recliners).
  • Same-day service across Livonia, Troy, Bloomfield Twp, Farmington Hills, Westland, Warren, Detroit & all SE Michigan.
  • 40+ years of solving what others couldn’t—guaranteed results.

📞 Call 248-569-8001 — Sleep bite-free tonight.

❓ FAQ

Q: Are bed bugs only a U.S. problem?

A: No—there’s a global resurgence tied to travel and resistance. Paris, London, Australian cities, U.S. metros—you’ll find headlines everywhere. Reuters+2TIME+2

Q: Do “fancy” hotels or theme-park resorts avoid bed bugs?

A: They work hard to prevent them with daily inspections and rapid response, but zero risk isn’t realistic anywhere humans sleep. That’s why IPM is standard.

Q: How can a city drop in the rankings?

A: More inspections + prevention can reduce treatments counted by ranking lists. Example: NYC dropped to #15 in 2025. New York Post

Q: Is there a national rule forcing hotels to disclose bed bugs?

A: No single federal rule. Requirements vary by state/city; many properties follow internal protocols and industry guidance. Environmental Protection Agency+1

Q: Why not just spray everything myself?

A: Resistance + hiding behavior often makes DIY  methods fail and spreads bugs further. Professional IPM hits all life stages and harborages. BioMed Central

Contact Us

39111 6 Mile

Livonia, Michigan 48152

7 W Square lake

Bloomfield Twp, Michigan 48302

755 W Big Beaver Rd Ste 2020

Troy, Michigan 48084

Hi-Tech Pest Control BBB Business Review
Bed bug exterminator company in Plymouth MI

Hours of Operation

8:30am to 10:00pm Monday Thru Sunday

Farmington Hills Bed Bugs Still on the Rise

Farmington Hills Bed Bugs Still on the Rise

Hi-Tech Pest Control — Michigan’s #1 Bed Bug Exterminator

Bed bugs are still on the rise in Farmington Hills, Michigan, creating havoc in apartments, condos, assisted living facilities, and single-family homes. These blood-feeding pests don’t discriminate — they infest anywhere humans live, sleep, or relax.

Most infestations go unchecked for months because of lack of knowledge and inability to identify early warning signs. By the time residents start seeing bed bugs or feeling bites, the infestation has already spread — often to friends, relatives, or other living spaces.

Bed Bugs Are Spreading Fast in Farmington Hills

Bed bugs don’t just appear — they travel. One of the leading causes of new infestations is human movement and travel.
Vacationers returning from Las Vegas, Disneyland, Paris, Kalahari Resorts, and even local hotels or motels unknowingly bring bed bugs home in luggage, purses, and clothing.

Unfortunately, many hotels and resorts no longer report infestations to bed bug registries, meaning travelers don’t receive warnings before they stay. This allows bed bugs to spread silently, increasing local infestations across Farmington Hills and Southeastern Michigan.

Early Detection Is Critical

The first sign of a bed bug problem is often bites on the upper body, arms, or neck. Bed bugs are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide, feeding while you sleep.

If you wake up with itchy welts or see small blood spots on your sheets, take it seriously — early intervention is the key to avoiding a full-blown infestation.

Once bed bugs start reproducing, they spread quickly to:

  • Couches and recliners
  • Headboards and mattresses
  • Dining room chairs and carpet edges
  • Clothing, backpacks, and handbags

Even a small apartment or assisted living unit can support thousands of bed bugs if left untreated.

Why Choose Hi-Tech Pest Control for Farmington Hills Bed Bugs

For over 40 years, Hi-Tech Pest Control has been Michigan’s most trusted bed bug exterminator. We specialize in one-treatment eradication, saving furniture and restoring peace of mind.

Our customers choose us because:
✅ We eliminate bed bugs in one application — no endless visits.
✅ We salvage furniture safely and completely.
✅ We use discreet, same-day service.
✅ We have 100% guaranteed results backed by decades of proven success.

If you suspect bed bugs in your Farmington Hills home, don’t wait. Call us today — every day you delay allows the infestation to grow.

📞 Call Hi-Tech Pest Control at 248-569-8001 for a same-day inspection and treatment.

How to Protect Yourself from Bed Bugs

  • Inspect hotel rooms before unpacking.
  • Keep luggage off the bed and floor.
  • Wash and dry clothing on high heat after travel.
  • Vacuum suitcases before storage.
  • Never bring in used furniture without inspecting it thoroughly.

Even one hitchhiking bed bug can lead to hundreds in just a few weeks.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are bed bugs a problem in Farmington Hills, Michigan?

A: Yes. Bed bugs continue to spread throughout apartments, condos, and assisted living facilities in Farmington Hills and surrounding areas.

Q2: How do bed bugs get into my home?

A: They travel on clothing, luggage, furniture, and even visitors who’ve been exposed elsewhere.

Q3: What are early signs of bed bugs?

A: Bites, small blood spots on sheets, dark fecal stains, and musty odors near bedding or couches.

Q4: Should I throw out my furniture?

A: No! Hi-Tech Pest Control treats and salvages all furniture — saving you thousands.

Q5: How quickly can Hi-Tech eliminate bed bugs?

A: In most cases, one treatment is all it takes for complete eradication — guaranteed.

Contact Us

39111 6 Mile

Livonia, Michigan 48152

7 W Square Lake Rd

Bloomfield Twp, Michigan 48302

755 W Big Beaver Rd Ste 2020

Troy, Michigan 48084

Hi-Tech Pest Control BBB Business Review

Hours of Operation

8:30am to 10:00pm Monday Thur Sunday

Call Us