When applying D-20, it is
important to apply as a light dust or a "cloud". Do not shoot a
stream of the powder. A very light dust cloud that is allowed to
"settle" on the area of treatment is most effective. This can be
achieved perfectly with the 5 oz. puffer bottle, any dry
insecticide applicator, or even an inexpensive turkey baster. To
use a turkey baster, pull off the bulbous top and fill partially
with D-20. Then, replace the bulb, point at the area to treat,
making sure that the bulb is lower than the tube. Give several
light taps or squeeze bulb quickly until the desired "dust
cloud" is achieved. Treat the mattress, box spring, under the
bed, around the floor boards, closet floors, and curtains that
touch the floor. For extra protection, be sure to apply around
all the legs or headboard and footboard where they meet the
floor. Since bedbugs can not jump or fly, this will serve as a
border to prevent any bugs from gaining access to the bed.
Pay particular
attention to the edges above and below the piping or seams or
under mattress tufts, buttons or handles.
Separate the mattress and box
spring and dust areas in between as necessary. Pillow-top
mattresses require special attention. Be sure to treat the
bunched, stapled areas on the corners of the box spring mesh
since there may be gaps where the bedbugs may hide.
Bed linens, once laundered,
should also be dusted with D-20. Also launder draperies hanging
near the bed, if necessary. Laundered items should be stored
away from the bedbug infested area and/or sealed in securely
tied heavy duty plastic bags to keeps insects out. It is
probably wise to keep the laundered items stored in another area
for at least a few days.
Once the D-20 dust settles, you can
work it into the carpet with your foot. You should allow the
dust to remain a few days. The
residual insecticide will continue to kill bugs and provide a
barrier against bugs entering the bed area. D-20 between
mattresses, under the bed, and in areas out of direct sunlight
will remain effective for months. For wallpaper or molding, you
may wish to first moisten the area with a damp sponge before
dusting with D-20.
Treat night tables and
dressers by emptying them and then removing the drawers. Treat
in the corners of each drawer both inside and then on the bottom
corners of each drawer. Then, tip furniture on its side to
check along the bottom and around casters since bedbugs may hide
here as well. Don't forget to spray the back of the furniture
as well.
Check behind any objects
hanging on the wall such as behind picture frames or clocks.
You may wish to open up wall outlet covers and switch covers and
inspect to be sure that bedbugs have not taken up residence in
those areas.
All moldings in the room including
those that are mounted high and low must be treated. Wall to
wall carpeting should be pulled away to expose the wooden
mounting strip. Spray on both sides of the mounting strips and
check the carpet backing. Treat as needed. Don't overlook
openings on the ceiling where lighting fixtures are attached
since bedbugs may come down from other infested rooms in
apartment buildings
In severe cases where the
population of bedbugs is high, treatment of adjacent rooms may
be necessary. Closets in the bedroom may require treatment and
the contents will need to be washed and dried as needed.
In apartment buildings, it may
be helpful to seal any cracks or crevices around floorboards and
moldings to prevent insects from migrating to or coming in from
other apartments.
