Bed Bug TV » Do It Yourself

DIY Bed Bug Monitors: Creating a Trap Around the Bed Leg

admin — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:53:03 +0000

In this episode Jeff will discuss how to make a bed bug barrier and/or interception device for your bed or couches at home. Many don't have the money to afford commercially available interception devices and this will discuss some ways to create your own. A bed bug barrier attempts to prevent bed bugs from gaining access to the bed but making the bed legs unable to be climbed. These monitors will only work if the sheets are tucked in, the bed is pulled away from the wall and no other items touch the floor. Bed bug interception devices catch the bugs as they travel to and from the bed. By using such items as soapy water, oil, sticky tape, glue and vaseline, you can created your own interception devices using a household container. Please remember that when creating a barrier device bed bugs should not be able to climb the outside of the container but when creating an interception device they should be able to climb the outside of the container. Also, remember that these devices should not be viewed as control tools and will most likely not control your bed bug infestation.

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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.

Placing Items in the Cold to kill Bed Bugs

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:30:04 +0000

In this episode Jeff will discuss why placing bed bug infested items outside in the cold may not be an effective option for eliminating bed bugs from items. Bed bugs may not be as susceptible to cold as they are to hot and therefore, placing items outside may not be effective for eliminating bed bugs. In addition, no matter how cold it is outside, there may be areas on that couch that the cold never treats and thus the bugs may be insulated from the cold temperatures. Even though snow may be on the couch, the snow may insulate the bugs from the cold environment and not eliminate bugs from it. In conclusion, placing items outside in the cold to eliminate bed bugs is not recommended and may not be effective in controlling bed bugs.

Related Links:

University of Kentucky

Bed Bugs 101

Effectiveness of Steamers on Bed Bugs

admin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:51:36 +0000

In this episode Jeff is explains how to determine if the steamer you have purchased or have at home will be effective in killing both bed bugs and their eggs on contact. One thing that we know about bed bugs is that they are susceptible to heat and if they are exposed to temperatures in excess of 180oF both bed bugs and their eggs should be killed on contact. In previous episodes we have also discussed how steamers can be effective for killing bugs and their eggs on contact and good be a good tool to address resistance concerns in a bed bug population. If you have purchased a steamer and would like to determine if it will be effective in killing bed bugs and their eggs on contact, you should first purchase an instant read thermometer (similar to the one you would use to cook food in an oven). If you then take the steamer and turn it on and move the steamer over the thermometers sensor you can see if you are achieving temperatures in excess of 180oF. If you do achieve temperatures in excess of 180oF then that steamer should be sufficient to kill bugs and eggs on contact. Please be aware that steamers can damage fabrics and finishes on different surfaces, so always use caution when steamer different items.

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