Questions and Answers from In-House Bed Bug Management Webinar: Part 2

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Part 2

Control Options
Other Pests

Control Options

For a good overview (in addition to this recorded webinar), consider Bed Bug Best Management Practices from the National Pest Management Association.

Do you suggest treating units that are above, below, and across from the infested unit?

It depends on the building construction and the level of infestation in the infested unit. At a minimum, place passive monitors in adjacent units and inspect after they have been in place for at least a week.

See:

Licensing Requirements

Is there any special training need for treating bed bugs infestation?

Yes. For non-chemical approaches the training and experience required to do a good job can vary by treatment method. For example, whole-unit heat requires special training, but using a clothes dryer does not.

Do I have to be licensed to apply pesticides in multifamily housing?

In the U.S., each state, tribe and territory have an agency in charge of pesticide regulation and issues. It may be called the Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation, Environmental Conservation or something similar. They work under cooperative agreements with Regional Offices of the US EPA. Requirements for pesticide applicator certification vary by state. In many states, the person applying the pesticide in multifamily housing as part of their job, must hold a license. In other states, individuals can operate under the license of a certified applicator. State laws also govern pesticide distribution (which would include selling pesticides to residents).

You might consider contacting your State Pesticide Agency for issues like these:

How to comply with pesticide regulations
How to become a certified pesticide applicator, operator or dealer
How to find local opportunities for applicators’ continuing education
How to report a pesticide application or product that may be concerning or illegal

Find contact information for your state pesticide registration agency at http://pi.ace.orst.edu/pals/.

Note: we do not know of any country-wide HUD requirement.

Treating Specific Items

Wheelchairs and other mobility aids: residents usually need these items back as soon as possible. Vacuum all surfaces. Steam the object.

Couches, sofas, recliners, and other upholstered furniture (container heat): Dr. Miller showed heating units that work great for hard-to-treat items. University of FL has instructions for building your own heat box.

Couches, sofas, recliners, and other upholstered furniture (non-container heat): Pull away from the wall and nearby furniture. Vacuum thoroughly using a crack and crevice tool. (Tip: use a panty hose!) Steam seams, folds, and areas where you see signs of bed bugs. If possible, put the legs in passive monitoring devices. Have a licensed pesticide applicator treat the item with desiccant dust following the label directions. See the next bullet for recommendations for blankets and pillows.

Beds: Pull away from the wall and nearby furniture. If the mattress does not have a box spring/frame, install these (a frame with legs). Vacuum the mattress and frame thoroughly using a crack and crevice tool. (Tip: use a panty hose!) Launder bedding on high-heat settings. (Tip: if an item is not dirty/dry-clean-only, simply put it in a dryer for 30 minutes on high heat.) Encase the mattress and box spring. Heat, replace, or encase the pillows. If possible, put the legs in passive monitoring devices. Put the bed-bug-free bedding back on the bed.

Clothes: Many “prep sheets” for pesticide-based bed bug treatments require residents to launder and bag all of their clothes. This is a burdensome and often unnecessary practice. In a high-level infestation it may be justified, but be sure to tell residents when they can take their clothes out of the bags. (Tip: supply clear plastic bags to residents. No one likes to see their belongings in a black trash bag. In addition, clear bags don’t need to be opened if you forget what’s in them.)

Bed bugs must feed on blood to survive. Focus efforts near sleeping/resting areas. Treatment of a low-level infestation is often successful without having to do any more laundry than the dirty clothes on the floor and the bedding. The less burdensome the process, the more compliance you will have.

Hardwood floors: Bed bugs cannot burrow into wood and are visible. In addition, they need to get to a food source (humans) to feed. We don’t need to focus too much on a hardwood floor during a bed bug treatment. Vacuuming and whole-unit heat treatment or steam are non-chemical options for treating floors. Baseboards are more of a concern because bed bugs can get behind a baseboard. Desiccant dust is a good options for baseboards (see

Encasements

Is there a recommendation as to the type of mattress encasement to be used?

We can’t recommend one brand over others. Factors to consider include durability (tear- and rip-proof fabric encasements work best), the fit (the encasement must fit snugly over the mattress or box spring), and the quality of the zipper (if you are worried about the zipper as a site of escape, consider taping over it). If you only have money for one, encase the box spring. The box spring has more spots where a bed bug could hide.

Would you recommend, instead of families throwing out mattresses and box springs, to wrap their beds in mattress covers if they KNOW bed bugs exist in the bed? If the bed bugs are trapped in the bed without feeding, will they just die?

Yes. If the residents want to keep their mattresses and box springs, they should be able to. A durable, snug-fitting encasement will:

Trap any bed bugs that are on the mattress/box spring. Bed bugs live for under one year and cannot feed through fabric. We do recommend Vacuuming off the mattress before encasing, just to get rid of as many bugs as possible.
Make inspection of the bed MUCH easier because the encasements are white, making signs easy to see and they eliminate the seams, folds, and other places where bed bugs could hide

Ultrasonic

What is “ultrasonic”?

In the pest control context, ultrasonic devices are said to emit a noise that humans can’t hear, but repels rodents and insects. There is no research backing these devices. Don’t waste your money! For more information, read our blog post “Don’t Waste Your Money on Ultrasonic Pest Repellers.”

Isolation

If we seal items in a bag, how long before the bed bugs die?

To be safe, leave it tied up for a year at room temperature. Bed bugs will die due to desiccation or starvation, not oxygen deprivation.

Freezing

What is the latest on freezing temperatures and how long until it kills the bed bugs?

Here are the search results from our research database for “bed bug” and “freezing.”

We currently use the freezing method—when a resident returns from a night out they are required to place all belongings that come in the door with them in the freezer for 7 days. Will running their clothes in the dryer work as well? This would enable those with little to no extra clothes to get them back sooner.

Yes! Using heat is much faster and more reliable than freezing. Dry fabric can go in a dryer for 30 minutes on high heat and be bed-bug-free. 122F kills all life states of bed bugs. For items that can’t go in a dryer, consider a portable steamer or a container heat system. Many plug-in units are available in addition to the ones that Dr. Miller showed and the DIY option tested by University of FL.

Heating

THIS SECTION IS STILL IN PROGRESS.

If the temperature at all monitors gets to 125 degrees F, should that temperature be held for another hour or more or can the process be shut down at that point?

It depends on how well your monitors are placed. If you are confident that the monitors are recording the temperatures at the middle of potential cool spots, then you can shut off when 125 is reached. In most situations, waiting for 1-3 hours after temperature has been reached is best practice.

We contract with a local pest control company that uses heat treatment. We have good results with them but are planning to purchase our own equipment because we are seeing more and more cases (we have 580 units). Do you recommend a certain brand?

No, but talk with your local fire Marshall to know your options in terms of heat source that is legal (propane, electric, etc.). They will also have recommendations for capping sprinkler heads. If a company’s heat equipment package does not come with training, multiple heaters, fans, and monitoring devices and software go with another vendor!

When having a heat treatment, is it necessary to remove electronics or any items from the unit?

Most electronics can remain in the unit. There will be preparation required including removing perishable food, flammables, wax items, and medicines.

Does a company bring in a machine for heat treatment or does the tenant just turn up the thermostat?

Machines and fans and heat monitors as well as other items like sprinkler caps. Turning up a thermostat or using plug-in/propane heaters will not work. Do not try it.

Is “heat” method more effective than “chemical” method to get rid of bed bugs?

In IPM, we keep a lot of control options in the “toolbox” and pick which to use based on the level of infestation and the area where the treatment will happen.

How long does a bed bug have to be exposed to 122F. could a heat gun be used in tight spots.

122F will kill adult and eggs right away. My concerns with a heat gun is damaging the surface and blowing the bugs away before killing them.

Will you share proper heat treatment approach? What temperature should the monitors reach and how long should that temperature be held before stopping heat treatment?

Do you have design information on building a heat chamber and heating units/fans recommendations to use vs. a commercially made heat chamber?

FL How-to heat treatment video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plHVC68hB8s

Based on the fact that some people do not control their heating system during the winter, especially tenants with isolation problems, what’s the best way to deal with bed bugs?

Heat treatment for bed bugs does not use a thermostat, it uses specially-designed equipment. Alternatives to whole-unit heat treatment include vacuuming, steam, and pesticides.

What about steam heaters? To at least clean/heat personal items like clothing?

Steam cleaners work to kill bed bug eggs and adults. Be wary of potential moisture damage to the surface you are steaming. To make sure you are not blowing the bugs away, use a wide nozzle and put a cloth over it. For a demonstration, see the steam videos from Rutgers University.

In a unit that is large, is it effective to use whole facility heat treatment? Including costing?

If you mean whole-unit heat treatment, then yes, it can be cost effective to use heat to get control of a high-level infestation. Whole-building heat treatments are rarely done for bed bugs due to cost and equipment limitations.

How did the apartment complex prevent bed bugs being spread through common laundry facilities?

Resident education about using a hot dryer to kill bed bugs and providing bags for taking items to the laundry facilities can lower the risk of bed bugs being transferred between residents' belongings at laundry facilities. Fortunately, we don't hear many stories of laundry facilities becoming infested or a major source of bed bug spread.

How does heat treatment work?

Bed bug eggs, nymphs, and adults will die when exposed to 122F heat. To use this against the bed bug, we apply heat using different heat sources depending on the situation.

For clothes, fabric items, and some shoes: Put dry items in a clothes dryer for 30 minutes on high heat. If the items are wet, run for a full cycle until dry.

For individual items that don't fit in a dryer/ cannot withstand the tumbling: Put the item(s) in an insulated container and heat it up. Many versions of this exist. For example, University of FL's DIY chamber, plug-in heating chambers, and heating up an insulated truck or shipping container. OR Spot-treat using a portable steamer.

For an entire area and its contents (including rugs, baseboards, etc): have a professional slowly bring the temperature up to at least 125F (as verified by monitors throughout the area). Equipment used for this type of treatment can be propane- or electrically-sourced. Fans, monitors, sprinkler head covers, and strategic movement of furniture are used throughout the treatment. This treatment takes many hours and is best suited for a high level infestation or sensitive situation.

When putting couch in a heat chamber do you remove cushions and treat them separately?

The cushions can be put in the chamber too, but place a monitor underneath them. If you have room, stand the cushions up next to the couch. The key is for all surfaces and folds to reach 122F.

If using a household dryer to treat clothes, dry, how long should the dryer run?

Dry clothes take 30 minutes on high heat, but don’t over-stuff the dryer. For more, read our blog post, “Using a clothes dryer to kill bed bugs.”

During the webinar, you showed a slide of an electric heat unit (blue, box type, looked to be a Mosebach unit), which is what we currently use to treat our units for bed bugs, and mentioned that the unit was the subject of a lawsuit in California. Can you give me any additional info on that?

Desiccant Dusts

Note: Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a type of desiccant dust that has been shown to be effective at killing bed bugs. Another example of an effective desiccant is amorphous silica gel.

Is diatomaceous earth (DE) a pesticide?

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is an active ingredient in some pesticides. DE is made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. Their skeletons are made of a natural substance called silica. Over a long period of time, diatoms accumulated in the sediment of rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans. Today, silica deposits are mined from these areas.

For more information, see http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html

Do you have to be a registered applicator to apply DE?

You might consider contacting your State Pesticide Agency for issues like these:

How to comply with pesticide regulations
How to become a certified pesticide applicator, operator or dealer
How to find local opportunities for applicators’ continuing education
How to report a pesticide application or product that may be concerning or illegal

Find contact information for your state pesticide registration agency at http://pi.ace.orst.edu/pals/.

Note: we do not know of any country-wide HUD requirement.

If DE gets wet and dries again, is it useless?

If the DE is dry, it should be effective. Our concern would be if the dust clumped when it got wet and then dried like cement. This would likely decrease the efficacy.

Can we use the food grade DE, so it’s non-toxic?

No. If it is killing pests, it is toxic to, at least, the pests. Use EPA-registered products that are labeled for use on bed bugs. The pesticide label will provide instructions for proper use, storage, disposal, and first aid precautions. The signal word on a pesticide label helps you gauge the toxicity of the product. For more information, see our blog, “Talking about pesticides.”

What are the risks associated with diatomaceous earth (DE)?

DE has a very “broad label.” This means the label directions state many locations where it can be applied. It is an irritant to some people. Follow the label instructions for maximum efficacy and minimum risk to people and pets.

A good rule-of-thumb with pesticide dusts: if you can see lots of white powder/dust, it’s likely in the wrong location and too much was applied. As with any dust, limit inhalation.

If a pregnant female bed bug comes in contact with a desiccant, will it also kill the eggs?

DE does not kill eggs. If a female dies from anything, the eggs inside her will not hatch. If eggs are laid where DE is applied, the nymphs that hatch out will be exposed to the dust and they will die.

How long will a DE application remain effective?

DE remains effective as long as it is dry and not covered by other dust. In wall voids, reapplication may be necessary once every few years. If it gets wet and then dries, it will not be as effective.

What are Cyclone and Exacticide?

They are applicators for pesticides that are in a dust formulation. The researchers at Virginia Tech found the Cyclone was better for treating many units. The Cyclone duster costs approximately $600.

Is DE safe for household pets? Can it be applied when residents have a cat or dog?

There are no restrictions on the label that say not to use it around pets. In fact, DE is an active ingredient in some veterinary products. Follow the label to minimize risk.

Does DE get vacuumed up during regular cleaning?

DE in areas that get vacuumed will get vacuumed up. We recommend using a HEPA filter for any vacuuming in homes so that the dust and other allergens do not become airborne.

DE stops infiltration from adjacent units. Does it kill bed bugs already in the unit?

The pesticide label on DE allows application on many surfaces/in many areas. If a bed bug crawls over a surface that has DE, it will be exposed and die. Note that DE is not fast-acting and should not be applied in thick piles.

Other Pesticides

THIS SECTION IS STILL IN PROGRESS.

Are those products [DE and other pesticides] also available in Massachusetts companies?

EPA registers pesticide products and maintains a searchable database of bed bug products. States then have the option of going through a more strict process. Find contact information for your state pesticide registration agency at http://pi.ace.orst.edu/pals/.

I was told someone was using soybean oil and I tried to convince him not to use it to no avail. Is this legal or does it vary by state?

EPA registers pesticide products and maintains a searchable database of bed bug products. States then have the option of going through a more strict process. If states do register pesticides, suppliers have to go through BOTH federal and state agencies in order to sell product in that state. This is one of many reasons why procurement and property management should ask for a list of pesticides that a contractor will use. Find contact information for your state pesticide registration agency at http://pi.ace.orst.edu/pals/ and make sure the products are registered for use in your state. You will also find contact information for reporting illegal sales/use at this link.

Do bed bugs build an immunity to the chemicals used? Do we need to check on changes in treatments? How often?

Yes. Pesticide resistance is well-documented in bed bugs. The population may be resistant right away (it developed resistance elsewhere) or it may develop over time. Most pesticide treatments will involve at least two different pesticides with different modes of action. This helps manage resistance (if they are resistant to one, they may not be resistant to the other). Always evaluate the effectiveness of any treatment with inspection and monitoring. If you are not getting control after three treatments, use different control options.

Should a different chemical be used/alternated for the second/third treatment?

If you are going to use chemical, do rotate between products with different "modes of action" to manage resistance. Always evaluate the effectiveness of any treatment with inspection and monitoring. If you are not getting control after three treatments, use different control options.

How long does residents/everyone have to stay out of their unit/the building when fumigation is done?

True gas fumigation is highly-supervised. The area will remain blocked off until all fumigant has been cleared. Residents/everyone will be able to go in immediately when the fumigation contractor is done.

What about Lysol sprays? Will they work?

Not labeled for use on bed bugs. Not a legal application. It will drown them, but so will water.

Have you heard of VA88 product and if so is it a successful product?

I'm told Phantom or perhaps some other products, advertise they have a 6 month residual. Doesn't sound like that's accurate?

How does Bedlam compare to the products mentioned?

I had a pest control company come in and use the following: Phantom Aerosol, Temprid SC 0.015% and Tri-Die Dust Aerosol . . . How effective were the products they used?

Are there chemical products that do kill the eggs?

Are there any new chemicals on the market?

I have heard from 2 colleagues who are using cedar oil - not sure how it is used. Do you have any info about this?

We have been using Cimi Shield, a "non toxic organic soy product which dehydrates the bugs." It is also supposed to work for a year after application. Are you familiar with it or its effectiveness?

Other Pests

Is there special treatments for lice?

Not of a home. Lice do not live off of the host (person's scalp) for long. Treatment is focused on the hair of the person. There are registered pesticides for treating lice.

For more information visit our lice page.

Do you have any webinars on mold?

No webinars, but we do have a mold page. Thanks for letting us know this is an important topic for you.

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