As bed bug experts we’re always doing our best to stay on top of what mistakes people make when it comes to bed bugs.
We do little “checks and balances” to find out who knows what when it comes to bed bugs and if we could be of help in any way.
So, I ventured off to our local hardware garden and pest department to have a conversation about bed bugs. Out of sheer curiosity, I wanted to know what they are telling people to use when they suspect bugs in their homes.
Sir, “If someone comes to you that suspects they have bugs, what do you recommend they use?” He seemed confused at first and then started to walk towards the insect products.
He stood in front of a shelf with cans of sprays and said aloud “let’s see here what we got” (in a Southern twang). He picked up a can of spray, glance at it and quickly put it back. He took two steps to the right, reached for another can and said, “This should do it!” Strangely, he never asked me what “type of bug” I suspected was biting me.
I asked him if he was familiar with bed bugs. He replied, “I’ve never had them but I hear they are getting pretty bad in the neighborhood. We sell lots of these, we can hardly keep them on the shelves, so they must be good,” he said as he lifted a package of Bed Bug Bombs. (Like Flea Bombs packaged in a convenient three pack).
I then asked how to use them. He replied, “pop off the top and place it in the middle of the room. Then leave for a while and when you come back the bugs will be dead”.
My heart sank as he spoke. The man had no formal training on bed bugs; and made suggestions based on what sells off the shelves.
University studies prove these bombs cause bed bugs to hide into deep crevices. When the first bomb fails, they buy more of them.
Each fogger is good for approximately 1,000 cubic feet of unobstructed air space. Problem is, bed bugs don’t hang out in unobstructed areas. They are cryptic in nature and hide in cracks and crevices where the fogger can’t reach.
Also, in the directions it states put out pilot lights and other electrical devices. They cycle on/off and can cause an explosion that leads to a fire. It states it in the instructions. (electrical appliances that cycle on and off like refrigerators or thermostats). Often, people don’t read the instructions and have returned to find their home burnt down. Flat out, I tell people not to use them.
Knowing what NOT TO DO when it comes to bed bugs is more important than knowing WHAT TO DO.
As with anything in life, there is a learning curve and proper way of utilizing products. That is why there are instructions written on a label. But, not reading instructions can cause a multitude of problems.
When people ask about getting rid of bed bugs, it’s normally after they have exhausted many attempts. I first ask them what processes have they done to date? It usually includes a round of bed bug bombs, a slathering of DE throughout the home, a multitude of cans of RAID MAX, the throwing out of furniture and washing of clothing.
Of course, they failed and out of sheer frustration, they are now reaching out for a solution. They’re usually convinced they eliminated them for a short period, but got them back again. But they forced them into hiding for a while. Eggs are now hatching and they are hungry. What could have been a simple process has now turned into an infestation.
We urge people to learn as much as they can about the nature of the bed bug. And learn the pitfalls that go with do-it-yourself treatments. We don’t want you to deal with bad choices that come back to haunt you in the long run.
Reach out, we’re here to help! 512-820-7722
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