Yesterday, we interviewed Justin Shaffer from Connor’s Pest Protection about bed bug detection (and the use of dogs to find them) and removal. He offered to answer any questions our readers had. Behold: answers!
ggators: I just bought a mattress and boxspring that will be delivered tomorrow. Is there anything I can do as soon as I get (or before) the mattress to protect myself from bed bugs?
There is no preventative measure for bed bugs. However, buying a mattress encasement will keep bed bugs from getting into your mattress and box spring. This will eliminate one of their favorite places to hide, the box spring. If you do bring in bed bugs, you will find out sooner, because it will force them to hide in other areas that are easier to find them in. We carry Protecta-A-Bed mattress encasement which have been specifically designed with bed bugs in mind. If you would like one just call Connor’s with the size and depth of your mattress.
Kansas Jack: Ooh! I have a question! What’s Justin’s view of Diatomaceous Earth? Powdered snake oil or effective preventative measure?
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) works well. We use it ourselves, though we only limit it to deep cracks and crevices and the wall voids. Its not a product that you want to be breathing in on a regular basis. As with all products used for bed bugs, it’s not so much what you use, but how you use it. The last thing you want to do with DE is apply it to everything, everywhere. Google search “silicosis” — its not a nice thing to have. Once again, there is no preventative treatment that can be done in your home to where if you do bring a bed bug home it will pick up a product and die. The best preventative measure is to learn more about their biology and how to look for them. When traveling, definitely wash your clothes ASAP. There are a few other commercial products available like a Pack Tight. Pack Tight allows you to heat up a medium-sized carry-on bag to above 113 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 6 hours. Its a great tool if your traveling frequently. And yes Connor’s carries them and a lot of other products.
