Bed bug Dogs

Bedbug sniffing dogs are the way to go it seems if you need to find out for sure whether you have a bedbug problem or if a problem has been resolved. They can be extremely useful as a proactive measure in hotels to catch an bed bug problem early, which is your best bet for elimination, and can also be very useful in situations where you just can't be sure. I can see a future where bed bug inspection reports will need to be completed before buying a home or apartment, much like the modern day termite inspection. A bedbug dog would be the best use in this case. Cost is an issue, but this can come down if there is steady work. The dogs are expensive because there are only a few trusted schools that train these dogs, so be careful and ask that question if you hire a dog inspection service.

EPA Bedbug Summit

What a fantastic two days I had early this week at the EPA sponsored bed bug summit. The best brains in the pest control industry were there along with representation from industry across the board. As we all know bed bugs can become a problem for any industry, not just housing, and we all put our heads together to offer our best recommendations to the EPA. The biggest issue that came up was funding, no one wants to pay for research and no manufacturer is interested in new chemistry. The EPA is not interested in bringing back old chemistry that worked, and the chemicals we have today barely work at full strength being sprayed on the bug, but not so much when the chemical is dry and left as residual. So what are we to do? As I always say...education is the key, and this seemed to be the consensus of the group. Public awareness is also a big recommendation. Bedbugs need to become as common as socks and shoes. Raising awareness and education is our best bet for now, catching the bed bugs early is our best bet for control. So go spread the word.

Bedbug Awareness

It looks like bedbug awareness is rising. Municipalities are coming up with protocol and this month in Washington DC there will be a gathering to discuss the problem that is bed bug infestation. Education, awareness, and determination will be our biggest tools in the parade towards eradication.

Bedbug Video Blog

Interesting blog with a compilation of Bed Bug Videos.

The bedbug big three

In my opinion there are three things that the industry needs to be effective in bedbug control.
As of yet there has been no silver bullets that can directly and effectively treat and eliminate bed bugs, which is so unfortunate. The three tools that we would need would be a spray that is formulated using a different chemistry from the ones we presently have. Two would be a growth regulator specific to bed bugs that is potent enough to break the cycle. Three would be for a bed bug specific pheromone trap. These three things would work wonders in a treatment and they are three things we presently lack. I know there is work being done in the field of a pheromone trap, so we will see what the future holds. Hopefully these big three tools will be developed sooner than later.

Importance of bedbug mattress covers

Bedbug mattress and box spring covers are important tools in the treatment of bed bugs in an overall plan. Products like protect-a-bed for bed bugs help in saving the bed and preventing bedbugs from entrenching themselves in all the cracks and crevices of a mattress and the box spring. These bedbug covers help the treating pest control technician because it eliminates the need to have to treat the whole bed, saving him or her time and saving you money. Even if bedbugs are not a problem in your home right now, I would suggest putting them on, especially if you are more susceptible to getting an infestation, in the even you travel alot or work in environments that have problems.

Bedbug mattress and box spring covers help during an infestation because it allows the technician to treat the appropriate areas, and then seal the box spring and mattress from additional outside infestations and keeps any bugs left behind to perish.

To sum it all up, the investment in a product like protect-a-bed or other hyper allergenic mattress and box spring cover is well worth it.

Bedbugs and laundry

When faced with a bedbug problem, one thing that your exterminator should require you to do is your laundry. If he doesn't, find a new exterminator. When I say laundry I mean all the laundry. You have to clear out your closets and if the cloths require dry cleaning, then get them dry cleaned. You may be able to get away with simply running the cloths through the dryer for an hour at high heat. This will kill all stages of the bed bug. The same goes for shoes and sneakers. When the pest control person goes into your room it should be clear of any fabric. Bedding, pillows, drapes, curtails, all need the same treatment. This needs to be done for all bedrooms. When the cloths are done in the dryer them reload them in a brand new trash bag and seal tightly shut with tape. This should also be done for any coats or clothing in down stairs closets. Don't forget throw pillows from the sofa and stuffed animals. Sound like a gigantic project. Well it is. If you want to get rid of the bedbugs properly then you have to launder all these items. It will take time, effort, and coordination with the pest control person.