BS: bedbug invasion

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Louie Roy
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 08:19 PM

As I said in this thread on August 24 it's very easy to kill the bedbugs it is the eggs that are the problem and the best solution is don't get them in your house to start with because if you do you may think Oh I'll just call up the bug man and the problem will be corrected it's not that easy believe me I went throught his problem in the 1920s 1930s and the 1940s until the were eraticated in 1944 or 1945 with DDT and you can't get this pestiside anymore and I urge everyone to take this epidemic very serious. A female bedbug will lay at least 500 eggs

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: mg
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 05:50 PM

steam cleaners that get really hot also work. But just everyone be forewarned that getting rid of them will be either incredibly time consuming or expensive in most cases...and if you don't think you will do well with them think about it now while you can get rid of clutter etc. before anything hits. A somewhat spartan house is going to be easier to treat...exterminators have to be able to reach baseboards, crevices, move furniture etc. And they mkae you take all your clothing etc. out of the house..then people pack it up and put it in storage units...oh dear..some are going to escape so check anything ou have in storage. mg

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 05:42 PM

I think also something as simple as using a hand-held hair dryer on the hot setting and going over spots that are suspect. If you can stand holding (or perching) the hair dryer in a given area for 20 minutes, the amount of heat that dryer puts out will kill the bugs and I think it also kills the eggs.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Ebbie
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 05:36 PM

I know they say that the regular bug sprays - against ants, wasps, roaches( reading a label her) don't work against bedbugs. However I suspect that there are products and processes that do work that have not yet been discovered.

For instance, I have never heard of the common cleaner '409' being touted as a wasp or yellow jacket killer, and yet by accident I discovered it works wonderfully well.

You know the effect that the common spray has on yellow jackets? They go into a frenzy that is almost more scary than being attacked by one. Well, a spritz of 409 drops them in their tracks, so to speak. No buzzing, no hysterics.

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 04:26 PM

If you're building a new house, spraying a borax treatment into the building when the studs and footers are exposed is good, or using an application of dilute orange oil will also help keep the termites away. Poke around the library at DirtDoctor.com. Howard Garrett has been collecting and testing this information for years.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Sawzaw
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 10:41 AM

Diatomaceous earth is the only termite prevention I have heard of that is non toxic. A layer of Diatomaceous earth supposedly kills any termite that tunnels through it. I guess any other bug too.

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Donuel
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 01:05 AM

When preparing bedbugs for dinner or snacks try mixing in sesame seeds 2 to 1. They add a savory nuttiness to the naturally salty and rich iron flavor of the bedbugs.
For live populations of bedbugs to mail to inlaws and arch enemies write to US Pharmocopia, Twin Brook Parkway, Rockville MD 20850.
Include an identity as a teacher or PHD researcher.
Bon Appetit

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Sawzaw
Date: 09 Oct 10 - 11:55 PM

I have a plastic trash bag that I use marinate my outdoor clothes in. I put the clothes in with the mothballs, shake it up a let it sit for days. And I still have to spray Off in armpits, behind knees, around waistline and crotch areas.

It is the only way I can keep the chiggers off when I am working in wooded areas or weeds. Even tall grass is a chigger hazard.

And those critters are extra powerful here. A bite can last for over two weeks.


Diatomite is also used as an insecticide, due to its physico-sorptive properties. The fine powder absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects' exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate . Arthropods die as a result of the water pressure deficiency, based on Fick's law of diffusion. This also works against gastropods and is commonly employed in gardening to defeat slugs. However, since slugs inhabit humid environments, efficacy is very low. It is sometimes mixed with an attractant or other additives to increase its effectiveness. Medical-grade diatomite is sometimes used to de-worm both animals and humans. It is most commonly used in lieu of boric acid, and can be used to help control and eventually eliminate a cockroach infestation. This material has wide application for insect control in grain storage. It has also been used to control bedbug infestations.

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Gurney
Date: 09 Oct 10 - 10:32 PM

Interesting, Sage. 'Dessicates' the little beggers. Maybe it is ground so finely that it blocks their breathing pores and suffocates them.

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Oct 10 - 04:02 PM

Never use mothballs for anything. Ever.

You can use safely diatomaceous earth. There are very finely ground commercial products that come in cans and it can be puffed out in a light dust. This is also good for ants and many other pests. You can eat the stuff, but it is best not to inhale it. Never use the DE intended for pool filters, that is impure and can be noxious.

DirtDoctor.com info on DE

DirtDoctor.com info about bed bugs.

I just sent a can of it to a friend in NYC who is having problems with them in his apartment. Can't quite get them to stay away, even after pest control treatments, so he's trying this now.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Gurney
Date: 09 Oct 10 - 01:00 AM

Diatomaceous earth is just the fossils of tiny sea creatures. I've used it for filtering tropical fish tanks, so it isn't of itself poisonous. You'ld have to use it for bulking out a bait or insecticide, I think.

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: mg
Date: 09 Oct 10 - 12:28 AM

I have read of something involving diatemaceous? earth powder. mg

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Sawzaw
Date: 09 Oct 10 - 12:23 AM

Will putting the clothes, pillows and bedclothes in plastic bags with moth balls kill them?

120F heat will kill them.

Treatment Procedures. Infested and infestation-prone bedding and garments will need to be bagged and laundered (120°F minimum) since these items cannot be treated with insecticides. Another effective and efficient option is to place clothing, toys, shoes, backpacks, etc., in a clothes dryer set at medium to high heat for 10 to 20 minutes. This will kill all bed bug life stages and can be done alone or in conjunction with laundering. According to textile experts at the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (Laurel, MD), most garments designated as 'dry-clean only' (e.g., cotton, wool, silk, linen, rayon, nylon, poly blends) will not be harmed provided they are dry before being placed in a clothes dryer at moderate (less than 160?F) settings. While dry cleaning procedures also kill bed bugs, there is risk of infesting the establishment when buggy items are de-bagged, tagged and sorted.

Items which cannot be put in a washer or dryer can sometimes be de-infested by wrapping in plastic and placing them outdoors in a hot, sunny location, closed vehicle, etc. for at least a day. If this method is attempted, packing fewer items per bag makes it harder for the bugs to find cooler places to hide. Monitoring with a thermometer is prudent, with a target internal temperature of at least 120°F. Bed bugs also will succumb to cold temperatures below 32°F, but the freezing temperatures must be maintained for several days. Consequently, throughout much of the country, heating tends to be a faster, more reliable option than chilling. Attempts to rid an entire dwelling of bed bugs by raising or lowering the thermostat will be unsuccessful, although some companies are having success using supplemental heaters.

General housecleaning measures, such as vacuuming floors and surfaces, seldom reaches the places where bed bugs hide. Targeted vacuuming of infested harborages, however, can help remove some of the bugs before treatment with insecticides. Bed bugs and especially the eggs can be difficult to dislodge. Optimum results will be achieved by moving and scraping the end of the suction wand along infested areas such as seams and fabric folds of beds and sofas, and the perimeter edge of wall-to-wall carpets. Afterward, dispose of the vacuum contents in a sealed trash bag. Some pest control firms also employ commercial steamers or rapid freezing equipment to treat areas where bed bugs are found or suspected. Used correctly, they kill both bugs and eggs on contact. Neither method, however, affords residual protection against bed bugs which may have been missed.

At times it may be necessary to throw out infested items, especially beds and upholstered furniture. Knowledgeable pest control firms are able to advise clients on what can stay and what should go. When infested items are discarded, bagging or wrapping them prevents dislodgement of bugs en route to the Dumpster.

While the aforementioned measures are helpful, insecticides are important for bed bug elimination. Professionals treat using a variety of low-odor sprays, dusts and aerosols. Baits designed to control ants and cockroaches are ineffective. Application entails treating all areas where the bugs are discovered or tend to crawl or hide. This may take hours of effort and follow-up visits are usually required.

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: mg
Date: 09 Oct 10 - 12:06 AM

I have read they do not work. What seems to work is a diluted rubbing alcohol spray. Also putting beds in cans of oil as suggested. Also steamers with high heat steam can kill them but that is labor intensive. ALso bagging up luggage or clothing in black bags and putting in sun. Also high heat from washing and drying. They don't do well with heat. They cause severe anxiety in people, above and beyond the physical damage they do..they are not believed to carry diseases although I am skeptical about that. People can get suicidal...just the thought of handling every item in your house? The expense? And think if you are a clutterer...the job would be endless.

Seal up beds now..mattresses and springs and take other precautions..extra clothes and bedding..i8deally to Goodwill but in vacuum bags or plastic locked bags...mg

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Gurney
Date: 08 Oct 10 - 11:20 PM

Wouldn't an aerosol 'Flea Bomb' help? Anything that kills fleas and their eggs should sort most insects out, I'd imagine. The bombs we get here are Pyrethrum based, set 'em off and vacate the room for a couple of hours... the effect lasts for a couple of weeks, and then the cat brings in another pregnant flea... Worth a try at about $7 a bomb.
Anyone had any success with them? Or tried it and failed?

Pyrethrum flea bombs kill pot-plants, too.

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: mg
Date: 08 Oct 10 - 10:27 PM

I recommend to anyone traveling to have a bedbug avoidance plan in place right now...no suitcases on the bed ever..they say to leave suitcases in bathroom. Inspect bedding, frame, mattress and especially headboard.

WHen you get home, quarantine luggage on cement in garage, basement etc. Take clothing directly to laundry.

If you have guests, inform them of your policies...that all luggage has to stay in garage and they can take what needs to be brought into bedrooms in stuff sacks, pillow cases or whatever. I quarantined my luggage when I stayed with a friend recently. .

Read up on what people have to do if th ey get infested...bag up every item in the house it sounds like...or pay $4,000 or more to treat with heat....dogs can be trained to sniff them..maybe you should train Fido to sniff all luggage coming and going etc. And check out hotel history before booking. mg

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Oct 10 - 10:20 PM

Louie, according to Snopes, the part about the stores closing and bedbugs coming in on foreign clothes is incorrect, but the advice on how to get rid of them is basically valid. Regardless, I am glad I don't have to do any travelling!

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: MarkS
Date: 08 Oct 10 - 08:28 PM

Rumncoke
Good idea, but I expect the hazard from fire might be worse than the hazard from the bugs.
I travel during the week and I use a commercial spray on the motel bedding.
Had to learn to do that the hard way!
Mark

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Louie Roy
Date: 08 Oct 10 - 04:49 PM

I got an email this AM and I'm going to take it serious.It said several large department stores in NYC are closed down due to a bedbug invasion.They get a lot of their products from overseas and the eggs come in on the garments they buy such as socks ties suits scarfs all types of clothes and blankets etc and if we purchase items from a department store in our area we should bring them home and put them in the clothes dryer at high heat for at least 20 minutes to kill the eggs

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 07:27 PM

ANY small crevice will hide a number of bedbugs ! They used to get into our billets with the Dhobi and stayed in the joints of the iron bedframes - A day on the balcony in the sun and there would be a neat pile of bug corpses round every leg of the bedframe !

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 07:11 PM

And then start on the rest of the house and its contents.

"squashing everything that moves on more than four legs. I disagree - it's unlucky to kill spiders. And it's easy enough t trap them and put them out if you don't like their company.

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Rumncoke
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 06:59 PM

You need eight tin cans - assuming you have a bed with four legs.

Four of the tins should be a couple of inches smaller than the other four.

Ensure that the bed/bedding is not touching a wall or any furniture,

Stand the bed in the four small tin cans, which are in turn in the larger cans. Pour about an inch of parrafin or white spirit (turpentine substitute) into the larger tins and keep it topped up.

Do not smoke in bed.

Using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery nozzle and going over the matress paying particular attention to any edgings or folds should clear out quite a few of the adults, but it can take some time to clear an infestation - it is a matter of keeping going over everything, moving everything regularly, completely stripping the beds, washing bedding, filling cracks and crevices and squashing everything that moves on more than four legs.

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Louie Roy
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 11:35 AM

Up until 1944 or 1945 all homes were infected with bedbugs regardless what neighborhood you lived in and I sincerely hope that they don't get started again in the USA.Bedbugs are easy to get rid of it is the eggs while you are killing 1 million bugs 10 more million are hatching.Someone during these 2 years came up with a program that eraticated the bedbugs and we have been bedbug free for all these years but now they are being introduced again from oversea travelers without their knowledge.I think they were eraticated with DDT but I don't know this but believe me we don't want another infest of these nasty Nasties

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Bill D
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 10:44 AM

**welling up from the depths of my childhood memories**

"Goodnight, sleep tight.
Wake up bright, in the morning light.
To do what's right with all your might..
...And don't let the bedbugs bite!"

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 08:25 AM

I believe they don't particularly live in the beds or the furniture. If the walls or the floors or the ceiling are bedbug habitable, that's where they are liable to hang out, and come visiting the bed at night for a meal.

I used to come across them in cheap rooms on my travels overseas years ago. There's a lot to be said for using a tent to sleep in instead.

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: freda underhill
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 08:24 AM

aaaggghh! this took me back to Bombay.... Yes, airing the mattress, sunshine - and lavender oil may also help.

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 05:04 AM

> I live in a place with almost no furniture, no carpets (filthiest thing I can imagine) and so I am not at high risk. mg <

I find that carpet harbours dirt, dust and creepies in the fibres more than anything so I don't have carpet in my room anymore. It is chilly underfoot but it is worth it to prevent being bitten. Vacuuming the mattress is supposed to help too and then spraying with the anti-bedbug for good measure should get rid of the critters.

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Art Thieme
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 10:37 PM

"That must've been a bedbug,
A chinch don't bite that hard."

------------Blind Lemon Jefferson

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 09:57 PM

A biology professor in high school talked about getting them in Louisiana. He said he put the feet of his bed in tuna cans with water in them and that kept them from coming back to his bed once he'd cleared them out.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: Leadfingers
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 07:42 PM

Used to get them in The Middle East ! Drag the Bed Frame onto the balcony and cook the beggars in the sun !

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 07:05 PM

Once a month we spray our mattress and pillows with anti-bedbug stuff and let them air out for 4 - 6 hours. Also we change sheets weakly--it's supposed to be weekly if my wife reminds me. We spray that same stuff on on the upholstered furniture about every six months

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 06:59 PM

All over the news-- office buildings infested. Chairs. Ew. Rubber pants anyone?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: gnu
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 03:27 PM

They were planted by the NAAPCC... NA Ass'n of Pest Control Companies.

Subject: RE: BS: bedbug invasion
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 03:12 PM

I didn't mean that I personally have any right now. I live in a place with almost no furniture, no carpets (filthiest thing I can imagine) and so I am not at high risk. mg

Subject: BS: bedbug invasion
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 03:11 PM

I guess it is bad. I suspect I got some in a Chicago motel a couple of years back. Then I stayed in a nice B&B in Iowa..I hope I did not bring them with me...did not know at the time...

Any proactive suggestions? THey are all over the place and are often found after traveling. Steam cleaning might help some. mg