Even the bad-ass vampires in the popular Twilight series have their redeeming characteristics, but the same can’t be said of the bloodsuckers currently creeping into unsuspecting beds in epidemic numbers. North America is seeing a nasty resurgence of bedbugs, and in 2010 the pest control company Terminex ranked Los Angeles tenth among the top 15 bedbug-infested cities in America. Despite their shady rap, bedbugs sometimes show up in swank hotels, high-end retail stores and cinemas. Given the horror stories about ruined belongings, nocturnal bites and repeat visits, plenty of people are nervous.
However, rather than live in fear, says Mike Masterson of Covina-based IsoTech Pest Management Inc., we need to get educated. Masterson, whose company stars in the Discovery Channel’s Verminators, likens the pests to a contagious virus, such as the one in the 1995 movie Outbreak that “went viral” after a seemingly innocuous cough in an airplane. “We have to treat this pest differently from any other pest, because it’s like a hitchhiker,” says Masterson. But on the bright side, he counters, the more you know, the better you can avoid bedbugs or stop them before they rule your world.
Avoiding Bedbugs
Start by knowing the high-risk areas, Masterson advises, citing movie theatres, hotels, airplanes and increasingly, malls. Before you get too comfy, he says, perform a visual inspection. “I call it the ‘three Bs.’ Look for live bedbugs, blood stains or black spots.” In a movie theatre, for example: “I always tell people to carry a little flashlight. Before you even sit down, check the cording around the seat, check underneath…I mean yeah, you might look goofy but hey, at least you won’t take home bedbugs.”
If you see signs, leave immediately. Inform the location manager and if you don’t get a response, contact local public health authorities.
If you fear you’ve been exposed, Masterson recommends, “As soon as you get home, take off everything and throw it through a high heat cycle in the dryer, because heat is natural, no chemicals, and it will kill every form of life of a bedbug.”
If You Suspect the Worst
Because bedbugs are so persistent—they’re great hiders, and can go months without a blood meal—professional help is highly recommended if you think you have bedbugs. But do your homework before committing. Stay away from anyone promising a magic bullet. Clearing out bedbugs takes great effort, near-obsessive attention to detail, a multi-pronged attack plan and generally, follow-up treatment.
Masterson outlines the process. “First you have to really find out if you do have bedbugs.” Bedbugs anesthetize you when they bite, so you might not feel it but you’ll see blood spots. And surprisingly, dogs have become invaluable detectives. “Why they work so great,” he explains “is they’ll find everything from a viable egg, [live] nymph or adult.” But confirm your provider has NESDCA (National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association) certification, he cautions.
As for treatment, while pesticides are prevalent and arguably cheaper, there are profound reasons (environmental concerns, rising chemical-resistance and chemical sensitivities) to opt for greener options. Margaret (not her real name) is an LA-area resident in a pricier part of town who was shocked when she developed a small bedbug infestation. Exacerbating the problem, her chemical sensitivities are so bad, she says: “I would have preferred to live with bedbugs than use pesticides.” Fortunately, she was able to successfully eliminate her bedbugs using natural methods.
Get Them Out Pronto
Here are some innovative, non-toxic approaches that, in combination, are proving effective:
• Thermal heat treatment involves tenting and heating an entire home or part thereof to 130°F. An experienced, reputable practitioner, such as California-based ThermaPureHeat or IsoTech is vital.
• Food-grade diatomaceous earth made from jagged-edged tiny algae fossils is a favorite for discouraging garden pests, and works as well here. Sprinkle it around cracks and beds.
• Vacuuming and steam cleaning provides some ability to clear bedbugs and eggs (from mattress seams or luggage, for example) but doesn’t have enough “reach” to kill bugs inside walls or in hidden crevasses.
• Instead of trashing suspect clothes or linens, launder in hot water and a high-heat dryer setting. If you don’t have in-house machines, put the affected items in sealed plastic bags until you can get them to the laundry.
• Caulk cracks and holes. In multi-unit housing, caulking cracks can help stop bedbugs from spreading among units.
• Special mattress covers can’t kill bedbugs but can protect your mattress.
• Decluttering makes detection easier and reduces areas where bugs can hide.
Each situation is different. A good professional will recommend the best approach and follow up until your home is clear. Masterson says current methods are “effective and will take care of bedbugs,” but warns, “The element that really continues to be a problem is what people take out of their units while the [clearing] treatment is taking place, and that they then bring back in and reinfest their own homes.”
This is the scary reality. When you’re battling bedbugs, there’s just no margin for error.
Get a Little Help with the Little Buggers
IsoTech Pest Management Inc., 888.392.8443
ThermaPureHeat, Ventura, 800.375.7786
1 Comment
Bed bugs can be a catrastrophe. Hopefully they can address this situation before it gets any worse!
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