Bedbugs

These articles have everyone concerned about Bedbugs. Click the titles below to read the full stories

Bloodthirsty Bedbugs Stage Comeback in U.S., Europe -National Geographic

Creepy and Crawly: Bedbugs Invade U.S. - ABC News

NIGHT VISITORS - New Yorker Magazine
The best protection against bedbugs is Perma-Guard D-20 Household Insecticide.

Made with organic, pure, freshwater, food-grade Diatomaceous Earth.

Will not harm children, pets, or carpet.

Kills naturally, mechanically. Bedbugs can not develop an immunity to this product.

One treatment lasts for months. This provides a residual effect which will continue to kill as eggs hatch.

Apply dry or wet.

Extremely inexpensive. A one pound bag of Household Insecticide costs about $12.95 and will easily treat most 4 bedroom homes.

To learn more about bedbugs, visit Wikipedia

Application

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.