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Bed Bug Control
- Find their hiding places then clean 'em out! -
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Summary: Bed bugs can be safely controlled with proper cleaning and low toxicity insecticides.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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Long-term bed bug control
 Since bed bugs (see the main Bed Bug page for additional information) are active and bite at night you should concentrate your control efforts in bedrooms, around the bed.
- First, repair any loose wall coverings or cracks where bed bugs can hide during the day.
- Second, remove bed sheets and thoroughly vacuum the mattress seams and mattress cover. Mattresses can even be steam cleaned at this stage.
- Third, wash bedding in hot water. This step should be repeated at least weekly.
- Last, treat areas where bed bugs hide with a low toxicity insecticidal dust or spray.
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Bed bug (4th instar larva, unfed) - about 1/5". Becomes less flattened after feeding. Adjust your monitor
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Bed bugs & insecticide dusts
Insecticidal dusts made of silica + pyrethrum (Tri-Die or Drione) can be safely used to treat bed bugs. Clean under and around bedroom furniture especially areas that seldom get cleaned. Apply a very light spray of Tri-Die or Drione silica dust (silica + pyrethrum) to mattress seams, bed frame, crevices, and any cracks that cannot be repaired. Follow label instructions carefully when applying any insecticide to, or around, bedding.
New bed bug insecticides
There are also two new botanical insecticides that are safe enough to use on, and around, bedding to control bed bugs. EcoExempt KO (below) is an aerosol spray based on natural plant oils. It is the only aerosol insecticide I would suggest for indoor application.
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How do I check my room for bed bugs?
It takes only a few minutes to check a 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. 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 probably only be detectable in a heavily infested room.
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Be Careful When Using Any Insecticide Indoors!
EcoExempt KO can be used in apartments, assisted living facilities, commercial buildings, day-care centers, homes, hospitals, hotels, motels, nursing homes, office buildings, and schools. It contains no petroleum distillates and is exempt from EPA registration. As a spray it will be somewhat easier to apply then non-aerosol dusts but may be more expensive.
EcoPCO DX (right) is a dust formulation based on a combination of plant oil and pyrethrin. Because it contains pyrethrin it is registered by EPA. EcoPCO DX can be used in homes, offices, hotels, motels, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and day care centers.
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