Bed Bug TV » bed bugs

Bed Bug Seat Covers

admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:31:08 +0000

In this episode Jeff will discuss the concept of seat covers for bed bugs that are intended to be used in public places such as movie theaters, public transportation vehicles, etc… Shortly after news stories starting airing about bed bugs being found in public places, different manufacturers starting releasing seat covers that you could place over a seat to protect yourself from bed bugs. While this concept has some merit if the cover is made out of a smooth plastic, we have yet to see a cover that takes advantage of this concept. Please keep in mind that no matter how good the seat cover is, it will not be 100% effective at preventing bed bugs from gaining access to you while sitting in a seat. They are only intended to make it more difficult for the bed bug to access you while sitting in that seat. Also, please keep in mind that even though bed bugs are being found in these public places, the chance that you actually encounter a bed bugs in a movie theater, etc… is still very slim. These covers are more intended for people who are extremely concerned about bed bugs in public places and want to take every precaution possible to prevent bringing one home with them.

The Bed Bug Beacon

admin — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:38:47 +0000

In this episode, Jeff will discuss the Bed Bug Beacon which is an active bed bug monitor that releases carbon dioxide to attract bed bugs to it. The Bed Bug Beacon utilizes a powder and water mixture to create carbon dioxide which is known to be attractive to bed bugs. Manufacturer directions claim that the monitor will release at least 5 days of carbon dioxide. In preliminary tests, the Bed Bug Beacon has been shown to have the ability to collect bed bugs in a high level infestation (lots of bugs present) and in one apartment caught a similar number of bed bugs as the Nightwatch bed bug monitor. Additional tests need to be performed to determine how effective the monitor is for detecting low level bed bug infestations and how long the monitor releases carbon dioxide for. If this monitor is found to be effective in collecting low level bed bug infestations, it could pose challenges for other active bed bug monitors on the market due to the fact that it has a much lower price point. Stay tuned for more information…..

Bed Bug Protection with BugZip Encasements

admin — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:43:10 +0000

In this episode Jeff will discuss BugZip encasements and the benefit they provide for people who travel. BugZip encasements come in three different types: luggage protectors, garment bags and dresser drawer liners. These are all designed to prevent your personal belongings from becoming infested during your travels. You can protect your belongings by placing them in these encasements while traveling and thus hopefully prevent bed bugs from being brought home with you. Please be aware that this is not 100% guaranteed to prevent bed bugs from being brought home with you but will help you not bring bugs home.

How to Inspect a Couch for Bed Bugs

admin — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:58:56 +0000

In this episode Jeff will explain the areas on a couch you should inspect if you want to inspect your couch for bed bugs. As information spreads about bed bug infestations on the rise, more and more people want to inspect their homes for bed bugs. This episode will walk you through a couch inspection and the critical areas you should look if you want to inspect your couch for bed bugs. You should consider inspecting your couch as a couch is one of the first and most common areas for bed bugs to infest. Many people sleep on their couch and spend an excessive amount of time sitting on the couch and therefore, bed bugs prefer to be located on or in them. Please be aware that a visual inspection can be unreliable when trying to detect low level infestations of bed bugs. Therefore, if you perform an inspection and don't find any bed bugs, it does not necessarily mean you don't have bed bugs in your home. A knowledgeable professional should always be contacted if you think you may have bed bugs.

How to Inspect a Bed for Bed Bugs

admin — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 22:53:42 +0000

In this episode Jeff will explain the areas on a bed you should inspect if you want to inspect your bed for bed bugs. As information spreads about bed bug infestations on the rise, more and more people want to inspect their bed for bed bugs. This episode will walk you through a bed inspection and the critical areas you should look if you want to inspect your bed for bed bugs. Please be aware that a visual inspection can be unreliable when trying to detect low level infestations of bed bugs. Therefore, if you perform an inspection and don’t find any bed bugs, it does not necessarily mean you don’t have bed bugs in your home. A knowledgeable professional should always be contacted if you think you may have bed bugs.

DIY #2 – Effective Method to Apply Dusts

admin — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:01:29 +0000

In this episode Jeff will describe the most effective way to apply dusts to kill bed bugs. When working in homes, it is common to see white dusts applied to the surface of floors and carpets in an attempt to kill bed bugs. While some dusts allow for it to be applied in this fashion it may not be the most effective way to treat for bed bugs. When applying dusts to kill bed bugs, it may be best to get the dust into cracks, crevices and voids. The idea behind this treatment is to get the dust to where the bugs are hiding. By doing so, you optimize the chance that you kill the bugs and if the dust does not get wet, it should be active for a long period of time and thus eliminate that crack as a place to hide for the bugs. If you place the dust on the top of the floor or carpeting, there is a chance the bug may avoid the dust and find another way to get to the sleeping person. Also, applying dusts on to the surface of flooring may not be the best option if pets or children are present in the home.

DIY – Introduction

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:15:16 +0000

Bed Bug Central always recommends that you hire a knowledgeable pest control professional to assist you in your bed bug control efforts. This “Do It Yourself” or “DIY” series of videos is intended to provide people who can’t afford to hire a knowledgeable professional or purchase the products mentioned in our other videos the best possible methods to better their situation in regards to bed bugs. Please be aware that attempting to control bed bugs on your own comes with the potential to worsen you problem and cost you more money in the future. Bed bug control can be very difficult and is best left up to pest control professionals. If you have any questions about the information contained in these videos please e-mail Jeff White at jeff.white@bedbugcentral.com

Using Solar Heat to Kill Bed Bugs

admin — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:47:12 +0000

In this episode, Jeff will explain how some people have tried to use the sun’s energy to heat treat items by placing them in the hot sun in the yard or car and his position on this technique. Although, if done properly, this technique can be effective, Bed Bug Central does not recommend this technique since the chance for it to fail and possibly infest your car exists. The temperatures in a car or in the direct sunlight during the summer months can be in excess of 160 degrees which is well over the lethal temperature to kill bed bugs and their eggs. The issue with this technique is that there are sometimes ways for the bugs to escape the bags they are contained in and then your car can become infested. Also, if you place items in the yard in the direct sunlight, where the bags of items touch the ground can be a cold spot and provide an area for bed bugs to avoid the lethal temperatures. In conclusion, although this technique can work it is not recommended by Bed Bug Central due to the concerns with failure and possibly infesting your automobiles.

Bed Bugs in the Workplace

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:43:43 +0000

In this episode, Jeff will explain how bed bugs are typically introduced into the workplace, how to inspect the area around your desk and some things office managers can consider when thinking about ongoing bed bug monitoring programs. Unfortunately, bed bugs in the workplace are becoming more and more common. What typically happens is that someone has a problem at home and accidentally transports a bed bug into the office on a bag or article of clothing and the bug proceeds to walk off of the item. Typically, when the area is inspected, additional bed bugs cannot be found which leads most experts to believe that the bugs that were found were just rogue bugs that were introduced into the office and have not established as a reproducing population. Although, a reproducing infestation is not commonly found, it can happen and is something to be aware of. This episode will explain how you can inspect your work area and suggestions managers can consider in regards to ongoing bed bug monitoring. Please be aware that if you are an employee in an office setting, outside of inspecting your individual area, you should always contact management if you have any concerns of bed bugs in the office and you should not set any bed bug monitors without first consulting management.

PackTite Portable Heating Unit

admin — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:18:02 +0000

UPDATE: We filmed an update to this video that discusses placing fully packed bags and suitcases into the PackTite Portable Heating Unit. Click here to watch this update

In this episode, Jeff will discuss the new Packtite™ portable heating unit and it’s potential to address bed bug infested items that cannot be laundered or treated. The Packtite portable heating unit is intended address bed bug infested items that cannot be laundered or treated. We know that when bed bugs are exposed to temperatures in excess of 120^oF, over time all stages, both live bugs and eggs, will be killed. During testing, temperatures inside the unit reached approximately 145^oF which is well in excess of the lethal temperature for bed bugs. If you place these items in the unit, plug the unit in and run the unit for four hours (as mentioned by the directions for use), it theoretically should kill any live bed bugs and their eggs that are present in the items. It is extremely important that you follow all manufacturer directions in regards to what can be placed in the unit and how to properly use the unit. If the directions are followed properly, the Packtite unit can play a significant role in treating items that cannot be laundered or treated. These items are often very difficult to find a suitable solution for and the Packtite unit could be one of the very few good solutions we have for these items.