4 ms·

I recently found out that Bedbugs are still a thing (I thought they were largely eradicated). I also found out that I'm allergic to them, and While a mosquito w

I recently found out that Bedbugs are still a thing (I thought they were largely eradicated). I also found out that I'm allergic to them, and While a mosquito will bite once of twice (until it finds blood), these guys leave a line of bites as they move around sampling your blood (my back, neck, and shoulders were covered in welts). I generally avoid killing/ removing spiders (they also prey on moths, keeping clothes etc hole-free), wasps too to an extent (but they are still largely a pest). The Bedbugs were quite easily eradicated with insecticide around and under the bed, but that's last a resort as it is toxic to virtually everything (including pets and humans), something I don't doubt as the smell is more irritating than Ammonia. I'd much rather use natural remedies (especially when you don't have to do anything), than strong chemicals that we don't truly understand the effects on the environment or the food chain.

jbattle 7y ago
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html Diatomaceous Earth is a dusty substance made from the shells of tiny sea creatures. The shells are so tiny (and then ground finer) they wedge into the exoskeletons of insects and eventually kill the bbugs. But it's pretty safe for larger animals and safe for home use
- chrisweekly 7y ago
  DE is also used for swimming pool filters.
DanielShaffen 7y ago
Only on this site would some bubble boy think bedbugs aren't a thing anymore.
leetbulb 7y ago
I HATE using chemicals around my home. Sometimes it makes sense, but I avoid it anytime I can. Some chemicals can linger for a very long time e.g. insecticides. I've found that using a steamer is an excellent way to kill / clean / sanitize just about anything. I haven't had to deal with bed bugs specifically, but I've read that using a steamer or clothing iron (best with steam) will effectively kill them. You can steam most carpets, floors, beds, etc. I live in a very humid area and bugs are a huge issue during the summer. I've sprayed the inner frame of one problematic window with insecticide (deltamethrin - lasts months), steam just about everything in my home every week or two, and regularly run all blankets and upholstery through my dryer's "sanitize" cycle (steam + 165F air). There's an occasional spider, but rarely see anything else... no mites, nothing. Of course there are plenty of things I don't see, but I do my best to keep it all at bay.

jbattle 7y ago

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html Diatomaceous Earth is a dusty substance made from the shells of tiny sea creatures. The shells are so tiny (and then ground finer) they wedge into the exoskeletons of insects and eventually kill the bbugs. But it's pretty safe for larger animals and safe for home use

chrisweekly 7y ago
DE is also used for swimming pool filters.

DanielShaffen 7y ago

Only on this site would some bubble boy think bedbugs aren't a thing anymore.

leetbulb 7y ago

I HATE using chemicals around my home. Sometimes it makes sense, but I avoid it anytime I can. Some chemicals can linger for a very long time e.g. insecticides. I've found that using a steamer is an excellent way to kill / clean / sanitize just about anything. I haven't had to deal with bed bugs specifically, but I've read that using a steamer or clothing iron (best with steam) will effectively kill them. You can steam most carpets, floors, beds, etc. I live in a very humid area and bugs are a huge issue during the summer. I've sprayed the inner frame of one problematic window with insecticide (deltamethrin - lasts months), steam just about everything in my home every week or two, and regularly run all blankets and upholstery through my dryer's "sanitize" cycle (steam + 165F air). There's an occasional spider, but rarely see anything else... no mites, nothing. Of course there are plenty of things I don't see, but I do my best to keep it all at bay.