December 27, 2010
It appears from all the reports that bed bugs have made a comeback. Research shows that the banning of some pesticides used in the past that killed bed bugs may be part of the reason. These pesticides are very hazardous to humans and animals too, which is why they are not used anymore. Rather than reintroduce these dangerous pesticides, there are alternative ways to prevent bed bugs from paying you a visit or kill the little devils if you get an invasion. Some of the ways are non-chemical and others are.
There are a variety of non-chemical ways you can use to get rid of bed bugs. You can steam clean your home including all furniture and bedding, or hire someone to do it. Keep a vacuuming schedule of every other day and always change the bag or empty and clean the container in a bag-less machine. You should put a natural bed bug killer into the bag or container of a bag-less vacuum cleaner. When washing bedding, do so with hot water and dry at high temperatures, as bed bugs won’t survive the heat. Seal crevices with caulking or silicone. Finally, you can use sticky traps. All of these are good, but sometimes more is needed.
Several non poisonous products are also available that are safe for humans and animals. Cedar oil is a natural product that works well. You can buy spray bottles or a fogger kit and do the whole house. Cedar oil kills many insects, including fleas and bed bugs. For more information go to the website listed at the end of this article, and you search for a list of cedar oil based bug killers. You should also do an Internet search for pros and cons of using cedar oil products.
Another really simple product to use is diatomaceous earth, which is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It is safe to use just about anywhere, but you should check the label. It is available in Mountain City at the Garden Barn. Other building and gardening supply business may carry diatomaceous earth so call around. Food grade diatomaceous earth is also used in gardens, in chicken nests, and on cats and dogs for mites and fleas. Farmers also feed it to cows and horses to prevent or get rid of intestinal parasites. You can order it online, too. Just be sure you don’t order the kind used for pools, but food grade.
Pyrethrins can also be used against the little critters. Pyrethrins are made from the chrysanthemum plant. There are a variety of products that use Pyrethrins, so check labels. Pyrethrins break down fairly quickly, thus you’ll need to reapply. Ask the retailer about how often you need to reapply. As with any chemical product, you need to do your research. What is 100% safe for humans may not be so safe for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, or other companion animals. And don’t forget the babies, older children and seniors. Just make sure what you use is safe for everybody; follow safe practices and comply with product directions.
If you use the chemicals, remove all pets and yourself from each room for about an hour. That allows the products to work and any fumes to disperse. Remove bedding, including mattress covers, before using products in the bedrooms. You should still vacuum the rooms and wash bedding to get rid of the dead bugs. If you use the diatomaceous earth, reapply in the cracks and crevices.
You can get rid of bed bugs with a little work and research. And you don’t need to use poisons to do it. Most people have never had bed bugs. However, now you do know what to do if you get a bed bug invasion, and not use dangerous pesticides to do it.
For further information:
- http://www.cedarcidestore.com/cedarproducts.html
- http://www.badbedbugs.com/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs/
- http://www.bedbugbattleplan.com/content/view/42/33/
- http://quickcare.org/misc/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs.html
- http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Get-Rid-Of-Bed-Bugs---Tips-On-How-To-Kill-Bed-Bugs-Quickly-And-Easily&id=548687
© 2010, Katherine Hegemann
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