Why We Still Can't Stop Bed Bugs

Seems like everywhere you go someone in the media is talking about bedbugs. Most recently, a study compiled by Terminix, a pest control service company, ranked the top most infested cities in 2011. Among those in the study include: Cincinnati, Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia and, edging out all of the competition at number one, New York.

So, why are these little bloodsucking critters not going away? It would seem that with all the news stories, we as a public would know the precautions needed in place so that we don't find ourselves battling a case of the bedbugs. Well, we would be mistaken.

Our bedbug problem has been around in large numbers since 2000. It has grown and effected more homes, offices, theatres, planes and retail establishments in 2010 than any previous year.

There are so many answers as to what we should do. Knowing that the information you receive from a pest control professional can vary due to experience and education, here are some things to keep in mind when calling a "professional."

1. Are they licensed and insured?
2. Do they take the time to answer your questions and give you great customer service?
3. How are their online reviews? (Remember you can't make everyone happy all the time.)
4. Do they have a guarantee on their work?
5. Can they supply you with the labels to the chemicals they are using upon arrival to treat your home or office? (In New York, it's law, and you should research what they are putting into the atmosphere within your home.)

We can also take several pre-emptive measures to help place a barrier around our homes, offices and automobiles so that, if and when, we come in contact with bedbugs, they won't hitchhike over to our place:

• Purchase mattress encasements. (They even have crib encasements now)
• Open packages from retailers (both on and off line) outside or in a garage.
• Be wise when you stay in a hotel. Watch my video on hotels and bedbugs here.
• Don't bring used furniture into your home.
• Buy a bedbug spray that specifically says bedbugs on the can or bottle.

Number five on our pre-emptive measures checklist is one of the most important steps you can take to help keep the bedbugs out. Creating a barrier around your home, office and automobile is a triple threat cocktail to kill whatever comes into these areas.

Bedbug sprays come in all sizes and shapes. I recommend Pronto Plus® bedbug spray, as it's effective in providing the coverage and barrier on the items you choose to apply it to and won't leave you coughing for hours. Always research and find the solution that is right for your current situation and remember to read the labels of any product you spray or use in your home.

So now I ask you, why are bedbugs still growing in numbers all across America? We all have a responsibly to protect our families, friends and even our coworkers. Take the time to educate yourself about how these little critters work, especially if you are living in or visiting New York.

Michael Colongione is a spokesperson for Pronto Plus, manufactured by Insight Pharmaceuticals. The advice and opinions he expresses in this article are his own.

 

Follow Michael Colongione on Twitter: www.twitter.com/GotchaBedbugs

Comments

[NevaforLeadership]

06:57 PM on 07/21/2011

Is this an infomercial?

Not a writer's article, that's for sure:

It has grown and effected more homes? Affected.

[Wendy Tittel]

08:17 AM on 07/19/2011

I agree that the use of pesticides to control bed bugs is risky and largely ineffective. I think our best line of defense is to make ourselves and our belongings as repellent as possible to the little suckers. For many years, I have sprayed my children, their backpacks, and their coats with this lovely potion. When we travel, I spray our luggage, and also soak cotton balls and place them inside each bag/piece of luggage. Thankfully, it smells really good-the teachers at our school have always told me "your kids smell delicious!" Too long to post here-I posted this recipe on my blog last year:
http://www.thisismybasic.com/2010/11/how-to-be-unattractive-to-bed-bugs-that.html

[Wendy Tittel]

01:40 PM on 07/19/2011

Once again, I unknowingly signed in on my husband's account! I am not a man!

[PuzzledinPeoria]

10:04 PM on 07/18/2011

Does this guy have any interest in ProntoPlus bedbug spray?

Just askin'.

[Artos]

01:12 PM on 07/18/2011

The reason we can't stop them is because we have far too many nasty people around who don't mind sharing them with everyone. Stay home and quit spreading them everywhere.

[Andrew DeLuca]

10:09 AM on 07/18/2011

Unfortunately, many people are trying to capitalize on the bed bug epidemic. Bed bugs do not normally entire our homes buy crawling in from outside so preventative treatments are ineffective and bad for the environment. Bed Bugs usually enter by hitchhiking on or in our belongings and the first four methods mentioned are correct. http://tinyurl.com/3zwb8xy

[Greenbugworks]

09:25 AM on 07/18/2011

Pesticide Resistance is why bed bugs aren't being controlled. This phenomena occurs with all synthetic pesticides - a certain percentage of the pest population is immune and passes that immunity to subsequent generations. The chemicals only get stronger ( more environmental damage) yet offer less control. Natural, safe Greenbug for People wipes out adult bed bugs - and destroys the eggs - using a liquid form of cedar that is effective without exception (per university and private lab testing) as well as with numerous happy users of Greenbug. Also, Greenbug is EPA exempt and requires no professional application - people can treat themselves. This eliminates profit for chemical companies and pest control operators so they will always discredit natural solutions. But Greenbug WORKS! And since it is all natural, pests cannot become immune!
People deserve the knowledge of a viable, completely safe opportunity to prevent as well as treat for bed bugs.

[jfb140]

01:00 PM on 07/19/2011

Can you provide links to the research about liquid cedar? Thanks.

[rikadarling]

11:41 PM on 07/17/2011

What seems to work well and is non toxic is diatomaceous earth. The diatoms peirce the exoskeletons of the critters which dehydrates and kills them. It does the same for fleas and ticks. They simply have to contact the powder.

[themainpoint]

11:52 AM on 07/18/2011

Good to hear. I suspect borax laundry detergent (sprinkled absolutely everywhere there is an infestation and left for 24 hours, then vacuumed up), or a maybe a boric acid spray might work, too.

[bacaja]

08:58 AM on 07/17/2011

We probably can't kill them for the same reason mosquitos and ticks are running rampant in Wi. effective bug sprays have been banned because people may use them carelessly and harm themselves. So..in effect, learn to live with these awful creatures or learn to use the means to erradicate them safely and effectively.