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.

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

Where do Bed Bugs Hide?

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

If you’ve ever asked yourself “where do bed bugs hide?”, you’re not alone. Bed bugs are expert hiders that thrive in cracks, seams, and everyday furniture. Knowing their hiding spots is the first step to protecting your home and stopping infestations before they get out of control.

🔎 Top Places Bed Bugs Hide in Your Home

Bed bugs aren’t limited to just beds. They move easily and settle anywhere close to their human food source. Common hiding places include:

Mattress Seams & Box Springs –

  • The #1 hiding place. Bed bugs nest close to sleeping humans for easy meals.

Bed Frames & Headboards –

  • Cracks, joints, and behind headboards are perfect for bed bugs.

Couches & Recliners

  • Living rooms are hotspots. Bed bugs hide in cushions, recliner mechanisms, and fabric folds.

Dining Room Chairs

  • Bed bugs don’t just live in bedrooms. They often spread to dining chairs where people sit daily.

Nightstands & Dressers

  • Small cracks in wooden furniture make ideal nests.

Electrical Outlets & Baseboards –

  • Bed bugs crawl into walls, outlets, and floor moldings to spread from room to room.

Curtains & Drapes

  • Bed bugs climb and hide in folds of fabric near beds and windows.

Clothing, Bags, & Luggage

  • A favorite hitchhiking method — bed bugs spread when you travel or visit others.

Why Hiding Places Matter

Every time a bed bug feeds, it matures. The more hiding spots, the faster infestations multiply. All of the hiding spots may become very difficult to find when homeowners force them into tertiary areas by spraying general use insecticides and alcohol. DIY sprays often fail — they only hit visible bugs while hundreds remain hidden nearby and others run for higher ground.

At Hi-Tech Pest Control, our inspections target all hiding places: beds, recliners, couches, chairs, outlets, and more. We don’t just kill visible bugs — we stop the infestation at its source. Remove and create environments that they cannot live in. One treatment with us is all you will need to live pest free tomorrow.

📞 Call Hi-Tech Pest Control Today

Don’t waste time searching for every bed bug hiding spot yourself. We provide:
One-Application Bed Bug Eradication — Bite-free the first night
Furniture Cleaned & Salvaged — Beds, couches, recliners treated & saved
Same-Day Service — Fast, discreet relief across Metro Detroit
100% Guaranteed Results — No excuses, no endless callbacks

📞 Call 248-569-8001 now for a free consultation and same-day bed bug removal.

Contact Us

39111 6 Mile

Livonia, Mi 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 Moday Thru Sunday

Bed Bugs Are Back 2025 – News Update

Hi-Tech Pest Control • Michigan’s Bed Bug Specialists

You thought bed bugs were a 2020 problem, right? Wrong. 2025 is shaping up to be one of the busiest years ever for bed bug infestations in Detroit, Livonia, Troy, Warren, Sterling Heights, Bloomfield Twp, and Ann Arbor.

And no — you’re not imagining it. Bed bugs are back in a big way, and they’re practically laughing at weak treatments, poor hotel housekeeping, and DIY sprays that just chase them deeper into the walls.

Let’s break down why bed bugs are having their best year ever — and why Hi-Tech Pest Control is still their worst nightmare.

Reason #1: Warmer Temperatures

Michigan winters aren’t what they used to be. Warmer weather = bed bugs survive longer outdoors and stay active indoors year-round. Translation: they never really take a break anymore.

Reason #2: Poor Hotel Housekeeping

 

Hotel rooms are getting cleaned faster (translation: cut corners). Guests are checking out, beds barely stripped, and boom — you bring home a “free” souvenir in your suitcase.

Reason #3: Ineffective Treatments & Inexperienced Techs

With 94% of pest techs having less than 4 months of experience, many treatments fail. Customers get excuses (“it’s your clutter,” “someone brought them back”) instead of results.

Reason #4: Increased Travel

More people are on the move in 2025 — which means more bed bugs catching rides on luggage, clothing, and even pets.

Reason #5: Overpopulated Homes & Apartments

Shared housing, crowded apartments, and multi-family units are perfect for bed bug superhighways — they travel through walls, ceilings, and outlets into neighboring units.

Reason #6: Lack of Knowledge & Prevention

People still think bed bugs are caused by dirt or clutter. They wait too long, try DIY sprays, and let infestations mature before calling a professional.

Reason #7: Resistance to Common Products

Today’s bed bugs laugh at many over-the-counter sprays. The ban on DDT and old-school sulphur candles means fewer quick fixes — which is good for safety but bad if you’re looking for a “cheap and easy” solution.

The Bottom Line

Bed bugs are smarter, tougher, and busier than ever. But Hi-Tech Pest Control has 40+ years of experience, advanced equipment, and a proven one-application eradication program that ends infestations immediately — without excuses, furniture loss, or endless callbacks.

Q1: Are bed bugs actually getting worse in Michigan?

A: Yes — warmer temperatures, more travel, and resistant strains mean higher activity every year.

Q2: Do I have to throw away my furniture if I have bed bugs?

A: No! We treat, clean, and salvage all furniture so you don’t have to spend thousands replacing couches, beds, and recliners.

Q3: Why didn’t my last pest control company solve the problem?

A: Many companies use inexperienced technicians or ineffective products. We use proven methods with a 100% guarantee.

✅ What You Can Do

  • Inspect beds, couches, and recliners regularly for signs of activity.
  • Stop spraying DIY products — they scatter bed bugs, making things worse.
  • Call Hi-Tech Pest Control at the first sign of bites. The sooner we treat, the easier and cheaper it is to solve the problem.

📞 Call 248-569-8001 today — same-day service across Southeastern Michigan.

Q4: Can I get rid of bed bugs with store-bought sprays?

A: No. Most sprays just scatter them and make infestations worse. Professional treatment is the only reliable solution.

Q5: How fast can you get rid of them?

A: Our program eliminates bed bugs in one visit — you’ll be bite-free the same night.

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 Thru Sunday

Couch Potatoes Beware: Why Bed Bugs Love Movie Night

Couch Potatoes Beware: Why Bed Bugs Love Movie Night

Hi-Tech Pest Control • Michigan’s #1 Bed Bug Specialists

Picture this: it’s Friday night, you’re on the couch with popcorn, Netflix queued up, electric blanket on… and somewhere in the shadows, bed bugs are lining up like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Bed bugs aren’t just bed bugs — they’re couch bugs, recliner bugs, dining room chair bugs. If you’re a proud Michigan couch potato, we hate to break it to you: you’ve just invited them to dinner.

The Real Reason Bed Bugs Love Your Couch Your couch is a 5-star resort — warm, soft, and you sit still long enough for them to feed. And unlike a mattress, you don’t launder your couch every week. Across Detroit, Livonia, Troy, Warren, Bloomfield Twp, Sterling Heights, and Ann Arbor, we find bed bugs living in: * Couch seams & under cushions * Recliner mechanisms & footrests * Underneath chair legs * Even inside end tables & baseboards near the TV

Why Throwing Away Furniture Doesn’t Work

Many customers throw out couches piece by piece thinking they’ve tossed the problem out the door. But the bugs hiding in your recliner, headboard, or outlet plates don’t leave with the sofa. A week later, they’re back on the “new” couch like they never left.

DIY Sprays = “Scatter and Survive”

Those store-bought sprays? They mostly scatter bed bugs into new hiding places. Now you’ve got bugs in the couch, the walls, AND the recliner. Congratulations — you just upgraded their real estate.

The Hi-Tech Way: One-Treatment Couch, Recliner & Bed Eradication

Hi-Tech Pest Control doesn’t just spray and pray. We inspect, treat, clean, and salvage all furniture — couches, recliners, mattresses, chairs — so you can binge-watch your shows without turning yourself into a midnight snack.

One-Application Eradication
All Furniture Cleaned & Saved
Same-Day Service across Metro Detroit
100% Guaranteed Results

Q1: Can bed bugs really live in couches and recliners?

A: Absolutely — anywhere humans sit for more than a few minutes is prime real estate.

Q2: If I throw away my couch, will that solve the problem?

A: No. The bugs in nearby furniture or walls will simply reinfest the new couch.

Q3: Can I spray my couch with store products?

A: You can, but it usually just drives them into new hiding places. Professional treatment is the only proven, complete solution.

Q4: Will Hi-Tech salvage my furniture?

A: Yes — we treat, clean, and salvage couches, recliners, and mattresses so you don’t have to spend thousands replacing them.

Q5: How soon after treatment can I sit on my couch again?

A: Same day. You’ll be bite-free the first night.

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

Hours of Operation

8:30am – 10:00pm Monday Thru Sunday

Stop the Excuses: The Truth About Bed Bug Treatments That Don’t Work

“We called a company, they sprayed, we still got bitten.
They sprayed again, we still got bitten.
They said it’s because we had a chicken bone under the couch…”

Wait — what?

Hi-Tech Pest Control • Michigan’s Unparalleled Bed Bug Experts

If you’ve been fighting bed bugs for months and feel like you’re living in a nightmare sitcom, you’re not alone. Customers across Detroit, Livonia, Troy, Warren, Bloomfield Twp, Sterling Heights, and Ann Arbor tell us the same story:

The Excuses Are the Same Everywhere

Most customers experience this endless loop:

  • The technician says the problem is “clutter.”
  • You throw away a chair — still bites.
  • You throw away the couch — still bites.
  • Next thing you know, you’re sleeping on the floor or in the bathroom just to avoid bites.

Meanwhile, friends and relatives keep sitting on your “treated” couch… and keep getting bitten.

The Excuses Are the Same Everywhere

Here’s a scary truth: 94% of bed bug technicians have been in the industry less than 4 months.
Most are handed a script, told what to say, and have never completely eradicated bed bugs in their life.

Bed bugs are one of the hardest pests in the world to eliminate — it takes skill, knowledge, and experience. It’s not about “spraying something.” It’s about:

  • Inspecting every couch, recliner, bed, and room.
  • Knowing how far the bugs have spread.
  • Identifying the population size and how long they’ve been there.
  • Understanding if DIY sprays have already scattered them into walls.

Price Shopping Won’t Save You

We get it — nobody wants to overpay. But bed bug eradication isn’t like buying Farmer John’s chocolate milk at the grocery store where the cheaper carton is exactly the same as the expensive one.

Bed bug treatment is a service, not a product — and experience is what you’re really paying for.

Beware of marketing gimmicks, too-good-to-be-true “low-price specials,” and anyone promising magic sprays. If the explanation doesn’t make sense, or sounds like an excuse, it probably is.

Be Kind to Your Technician

Good technicians are under a lot of stress — driving all over Michigan, dealing with heavy infestations, and trying to save your furniture. A respectful approach can even help you work together on a excellent price.

How to Choose a Real Professional

  • Ask who will treat your home: Do they have years of experience?
  • Ask about results: Do they have a history of solving 100% of infestations?
  • Ask for clear steps: The process should make sense, not just sound like a sales pitch.

Look for integrity: Good communication, professional explanations, and honest expectations.

Bottom Line

If just anyone could do this, the entire country wouldn’t still be infested with bed bugs — and you wouldn’t have to check your hotel mattress every time you travel.

💡 Moral of the story:
Don’t settle for excuses. Don’t settle for half-measures.
Call the experts who actually eradicate bed bugs — once and for all.

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 – 10:00pm Monday Thru Sunday

bed bug free furniture

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