|
|
|
|
Bed Bug Extermination
- Find their hiding places then clean 'em out! -
|
Summary: Bed bugs can be safely eliminated from homes, motels/hotels/hostels and other high traffic rooms with proper cleaning and relatively low toxicity botanical dust insecticides applied to their hiding places.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
|
|
Bed bug control = clean & treat hiding places
 Bed bugs are generally only a problem in hotels/motels, hostels, and other high traffic establishments but these same procedures can be used in homes as well to eliminate these pests. Infestations get started when a guest accidentily brings a few bed bugs that have hitched a ride on their belongings into a room. These bugs were probably picked up at the last place the person stayed overnight.
Bed bug infestations develop slowly so if rooms are cleaned regularly, especially between guests, the chance of an infestation is greatly reduced. Unfortunately many rooms are not cleaned very well and bed bugs become established.
If a bed bug infestation is found the following steps can be used to eliminate it. First, repair any loose wall coverings or cracks where bed bugs can hide. Second, remove bed sheets/mattress covers and inspect and vacuum the mattress surface and seams. If soiled with bed bug droppings you should thoroughly clean the mattress (see below). Third, wash bedding in hot water. Last, treat areas where bed bugs may hide with a low toxicity insecticidal dust (see below).
|
 |
Bed bug hiding places (top). Red arrows point to places where bed bugs hide during the day. Black spots are fecal matter (digested blood). Bed bug bites (bottom). Drawings by E. A. DeAngelis.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Mattress cleaning
Ordinary upholstery shampoo can be used to clean a mattress. Follow directions exactly and be very careful not to get padding inside mattress wet. There is no need to discard a bed bug-soiled mattress if it can be cleaned.
Treat hiding places
Botanical (plant-based) insecticidal dusts can be safely used to treat hiding places. First, clean under and around bedroom furniture especially areas that seldom get cleaned. Apply a very light application of dust to mattress seams, bed frame, crevices, and any cracks that cannot be repaired (caulk baseboard cracks). Follow label instructions carefully when applying any insecticide to, or around, bedding.
Be Careful When Using Any Insecticide Indoors!
|
|
|
Botanical (plant-based) dusts
There are several botanical dusts that are safe enough to use on, and around, bedding to control bed bugs. EcoPCO DX (right) is one such material. EcoPCO DX can be used in homes, offices, hotels, motels, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and day care centers. Always check the product label because instructions can and do change. See Related Articles below for more information.
How do I check my motel room for bed bugs?
It takes only a few minutes to check a motel room for bed bugs before moving in for the night. Lift up the corners of the bedsheets and look for dark spots or stains (bed bug droppings) along the mattress seams. Next, run your fingers along the underside edges of bedside tables and along the back edge of the headboard if it is not attached to wall. Wear a clean dust mitt if you are squeamish. Any evidence of bed bugs should be reported immediately to the front desk and you should ask for a new room. Don't get carried away with this inspection because most rooms don't harbor bed bugs but a quick look around won't hurt. The second indication left by bed bugs is a distinctive room odor produced by the bugs themselves. The odor is sometimes described as "sickly sweet" or even that of fresh raspberry. The odor will only be detectable in a heavily infested room.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
If our information is useful click here to help us maintain and grow 'Bugs!
|
|
|
|
Don't forget to bookmark us for next time - press ctrl-D in most browsers.
|
|
|
|
|
Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.
Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.
Please see the Disclaimer statements as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2004-... LivingWithBugs, LLC. All rights reserved. Page Updated: 11/10/2009
|
