Colleges are ground zero for bedbugs, so students need to study up on how to avoid them. Richard Cooper, author of ”The Bedbug Handbook,” shares tips with Maggie Rodriguez.
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Bed Bugs Move Into Dorms
August 21, 2008 – 2:53 pm
Greg Toppo of USA Today reports that Bed Bugs are on the rise in college dormatories across the United States. "A bed bug makes itself at home on a mattress. Like hotel rooms, dorms are the ideal bedbug habitat: small and crowded." The Full Article can be read here.
Frequently Asked Questions
August 19, 2008 – 4:24 pm
What does a bed bug look like?
Bed bugs are small nocturnal insects that feed exclusively off the blood of hosts while they are sleeping. Bed bugs are ¼ inch long, relatively flat, and lead a very cryptic lifestyle.
Please see pictures below for some reference of bed bugs at different life stages.
Can bed bugs transmit disease?
At this point in time, research suggests that bed bugs are not transmitters of any diseases.
How can I determine if the bites I have are from bed bugs?
What can I do on my own if I find bed bugs?
If you think you have found bed bugs, we recommend you first contact a qualified pest control technician. Once they confirm you have bed bugs, you can begin treatment with them. [How to choose a qualified pest control company?]
If you cannot afford treatment, please read [What can I do if I cannot afford treatment?]
How can I get them out of my bed?
We recommend encasing all mattress and box springs in the home. After they have been encased, thoroughly wash all bedding.
Should I sleep on the couch?
We recommend that you sleep in your normal sleeping location, because regardless of where you go, the bed bugs will eventually follow.
Will fogging kill them? I’ve seen foggers in the store for fleas.
Yes, foggers will kill visible exposed bed bugs, but we do not recommend the usage of foggers for killing bed bugs. Foggers are not effective in eradicating bed bug infestations because foggers are a space treatment, and since bed bugs hide in cracks and crevices in the walls and inside the bedding, this treatment does kill bugs in these locations.
Service
What do I need to know to pick a good pest control company to treat my bed bugs?
There are many different aspects to consider when choosing a pest control company to treat your bed bug infestation. Please click here to learn more.
How can I tell if I need professionals to come in? Can’t I just take care of it myself if I catch it early enough?
We do not recommend attempting self-treatment when dealing with bed bug infestations. We suggest contacting your local pest control company and discussing your options for treatment with them. If you would like our professional consultation, or would like us to help in choosing a qualified pest control company, please [click here].
I have gone to court with a bed bug issue, is there anything you can do to help me?
We suggest having your lawyer contact Richard Cooper, as he may be able to help you with any legal questions you may have. Please click here for Richard Cooper’s contact information.
Products
Can I spray the luggage spray on my mattress too?
According to JT Eaton “Rest Easy Bed Bug & Insect Control for Luggage” Product Label to Control Bed Bugs:
Spray mattresses lightly, particularly around tufts and seams. Take beds apart and spray in all joints. Treat baseboards, moldings and floor. Allow all treated surfaces to thoroughly dry before use.
Precautionary statements:
- Wash thoroughly after handling and before smoking or eating
- If swallowed, call a poison control center or doctor immediately for treatment advice. Have a person sip a glass of water if able to swallow. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a poison control center or doctor. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person
- If in eyes, hold eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for 15-20 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present, after 5 minutes, and then continue rinsing. Call a poison control center or doctor for treatment advice.
- If on skin or clothing, take off contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes. Call a poison control center or doctor for treatment advice.
- If inhaled, move person to fresh air. If person is not breathing, call 911 or an ambulance, and then give artificial respiration, preferably mouth-to-mouth, if possible. Call a poison control center or doctor for further treatment advice.
- You may also call 1-800-858-7378 for emergency treatment advice. This product is also toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. Do not apply directly to water, to areas where surface water is present or to inter-tidal areas below the high water mark. Do not contaminate water when disposing of equipment wash waters.
Why do I need to encase the box spring?
Do not let the name fool you, bed bugs do not just live in beds. Bed bugs live as close as possible to their hosts, regardless of if this is in a dresser, behind a picture frame or in a wall. If you encase the mattress and not the box spring, the next location they will look to infest will be the box spring. Also, bed bugs sometimes infest box springs first because there are tears and rips that make access easy.
What do I need to look for in an encasement to make sure it is bed bug bite proof and escape proof?
Look for products that have been researched by a third party to be effective against bed bugs. Please click here to see Richard Cooper’s encasement comparison study.
Can I remove the encasements from my bedding?
We recommend that you leave on encasements for the life of the bedding, but if you have to remove it for any reason, we recommend removing it after at least a year. We understand that a situation may arise where you feel the need to wash and dry your encasements before that time frame; however, it is crucial to understand that by removing encasements, you are increasing your chances of re-infestation.
Can I machine wash my Protect-A-Bed encasements?
Yes, you can wash your Protect-A-Bed Allerzip® Bedding Encasements; however, we do not recommend removing encasements and washing them after you have already installed them on your mattress and box spring.
Keep in mind when drying encasements; you should dry at low to medium heat (65°C/150°f to 70° C/160°) with other linens to prevent burning.
Can I dry clean my Protect-A-Bed encasements?
Unfortunately, you cannot get your encasements dry-cleaned. The chemicals used when dry-cleaning actually will destroy the Miracle Membrane®.
Can I iron my Protect-A-Bed encasements?
No, do not iron your encasements because it could also damage the Miracle Membrane®.
Can I use bleach when washing my Protect-A-Bed encasements?
No, you cannot use bleach when washing your encasements because the bleach will destroy the Miracle Membrane®.
Have a question not answered above? Submit your own to Stephanie.madden@bedbugcenral.com. We will also post the question here for others to see who might have the same question.
Who is Richard Cooper?
August 19, 2008 – 1:25 pm
The content on this website was made possible by Richard Cooper, a dedicated and knowledgeable entomologist, who has recently been nationally recognized in his field as the #1 leading bed bug industry expert. Please take a minute to read a little bit about this diligent author who has put numerous hours and time into making this website as accurate and educational as possible.
So, who is Richard Cooper?
Along with being a well-known entomologist, Richard is also the Technical Director for Cooper Pest Solutions, a family-owned pest control company located in
Richard has also received numerous awards, one of them being the highly esteemed and prestigious pest control technology (PCT) leadership award.
FREE Travel Lite
August 19, 2008 – 1:03 pm
Required: Adobe Acrobat
How To Choose A Pest Control Company
August 19, 2008 – 12:27 pm
Since we are a web-based bed bug educational website, we thought it necessary to give tips on how to choose the best pest control company to treat you bed bug infestation.
Note: These questions may or may not apply when contracting a pest control company to treat general pests.
Is the company licensed and insured?
Although this question may seem basic, it is a very important question many people may forget to ask.
What experience does the company have treating bed bug infestations at structures or sites similar to your own?
Be sure to confirm that the pest control company has not only treated bed bug infestations before, but ones at structures similar to your own. As you learn more about bed bugs, you will realize that the way an infestation is treated varies by site and structure (ie. apartments, rowhomes, etc.).
Get references.
Make sure to not only ask if they have treated infestations at structures similar to your own, but to ask for references of the previous work they have done. Make sure to follow up with these references before taking further action with the pest control company.
What is the plan of action to handle infestations?
Do not hire a bed bug company unless they can provide you with some type of bed bug protocol for your type of structure beforehand and/or after the inspection.
Does the company endorse or require the use of encasements?
We believe that the most effective bed bug eradication plans require the use of encasements on all mattresses and box springs. For more then one reason, we believe this to greatly aid in managing and treating a bed bug infestation. [Click Here] to read more about the use of mattress and box spring encasements in proactive and reactive bed bug management plans.
Is the pricing a flat fee does it vary by job?
We think that every bed bug infestation is unique and should be treated that way. We may be wary of a flat fee pricing system because depending on the level of your infestation, the pricing may or may not be fair.
IPM
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach to pest management that involves using both chemical and non-chemical measures to manage pest infestations. This approach is used to manage and reduce the amount of pesticide damage done to the environment.
Vacuum and Steam.
The use of vacuum and steam has proven to be a very effective and useful tool in bed bug management program. This is usually part of an IPM protocol, and is an effective alternative to pesticides.
Educational Materials
A knowledgeable pest control company will provide you with educational materials educating you on the behavior and biology of bed bugs, and what you can do to aid in the eradication process. They should also provide you with directions, written or spoken, or what to do during treatments.
GreenClean(tm) Dissolvable Laundry Bags
July 31, 2008 – 3:14 am
We recommend GreenClean™ Dissolvable Laundry Bags for use in bed bug management plans. Dissolvable laundry bags have been used in the healthcare industry for more than 30 years, and now, for the first time ever, are available to the general public for purchase.
GreenClean™ laundry bags are safe for washing machines and for all washable clothing, including delicate items. They also leave no residue behind on either the washing machine or the clothing. Our laundry bags also come in two convenient sizes, one for top-loading machines and one for front-loading machines.
"We hope the introduction of this product at this time will, aside from other things, aid in the bed bug eradication process across the country," said Phillip Cooper, President of GreenClean™. "Washing bed bug infested clothing and not having to worry about disposing of the infested garbage or laundry bag and using a GreenClean™ dissolvable laundry bag instead is really an innovative idea."
For more information on this one-of-a-kind product and for purchasing information, please go to wwww.bedbugcentral.com
GreenClean™: Washing your clothes has never been easier
Now the step of washing your clothes becomes simple and bed bug free. The GreenClean™ line of dissolvable bio-degradable laundry bags makes the process of transporting your clothes from your luggage to the washing machine a simple one-step process.
Simply place your clothes into a GreenClean bag, tie the bag with the attached dissolvable tie strip, walk to your laundry machine and drop the bag into the machine, add your normal detergent and set the cycle to hot laundering and turn the washer on. When you return only your clean clothes will remain free of bed bugs.
Convenient & Safe: Washing Machines and Clothes
GreenClean™ Dissolvable Laundry Bags have been proven to be safe for all washing machines, leaving no noticeable residue in the machine or on the clothing. Once dissolved, the bags are biodegradable and GreenClean™ laundry bags are safe for washing machines and for all washable clothing, including delicate items. They also leave no residue behind on either the washing machine or the clothing. Our laundry bags also come in two convenient sizes, one for top-loading machines and one for front-loading machines.
The bags are bio-degradable once dissolved, safe for your washer and leave no residue on clothes. It is even safe to use on delicate items.
Used in Hospitals for 30 years
Environmentally_Friendly
Dissolvable laundry bags have been used in health care fro more than 30 years in cleaning laundry. Now this technology is available to the public to combat bed bugs along with an easier way to wash your clothes everyday.
Hassle Free
GreenClean™ Dissolvable Laundry Bags help make mundane chores a little easier. These bags provide excellent protection from unnecessary bed bug contact because they eliminate the hassle of disposing of the empty infested garbage bag in an outside trash receptacle. We believe that by eliminating this step by using a dissolvable bad, you are decreasing the chances of infesting your home by bed bugs falling off en route.
Gone is the hassle of putting your clothes into a large garbage bag emptying the clothes into the wash and then discarding the bag in an outside trash receptacle.
Convenience
The bags are also a great convenience item. They dissolve in water above 60 degrees Fahrenheit so you can use them on an everyday basis for all types of laundry.
Two Styles
The bags are available for both front load and top load laundry machines. When using top load machines we recommend putting two pages of clothes to balance out the load.
Bags are sold in 25 packs and 10 packs, and are available here or at leading pest management companies throughout the US.
Bed Bug Travel Guide Version 2
July 31, 2008 – 3:04 am
This new version contains the most up-to-date Bed Bug Information, color pictures and tips to help you remain bed bug free when you travel. Authored by the Bed Bug Experts at Bedbugcentral.com, this exclusive publication is designed for Frequent Travelers, college students, and anyone that may be worried about bringing bed bugs home.
This travel guide is a comprehensive text detailing steps and possibilities of what to do, when and if encountering bed bugs during travel. This guide also explores some bed bug biology, but focuses mainly on how to prepare for your trip, what to do once you arrive at your destination, how to quickly inspect the room, packing to go home, and steps to take in case bed bugs have traveled home with you.
The release of this guide is part of Bed Bug Central’s mission to educate the general public on the subject of bed bugs. Bed bugs, a recent re-emergent pest, have created challenges that the pest control industry has never seen before.
Richard Cooper, Technical Director of Bed Bug Central, is one of the author’s of this guide and the [Bed Bug Handbook]. He has recently been recognized as one of the country’s leading industry experts on the subject of bed bugs and bed bug management. This guide was also written by Jeff White, research entomologist and Stephanie Madden. Together they have gathered the latest industry research and packaged it into a practical travel guide.
This guide is sold via PDF File and the download will start immediately after purchase.
Pillow Encasements
July 31, 2008 – 3:02 am
Bite-Proof ▪ Escape-Proof ▪ Soft Fabric ▪ Allergy ReliefBed Bug Central also supports and endorses Protect-A-Bed Allerzip® Premium Pillow Protectors in proactive and reactive bed bug management plans. These pillow encasements are exactly like the Allerzip® bedding encasements, but for your pillows. Bed bugs like to live as close to the host as possible and once the mattress and box spring have been encased, the next place the bed bugs will look for harborage will be the pillows. Therefore, the next logical step is to encase all pillows.
Protect-A-Bed Allerzip® Premium Pillow Protectors are available in standard, king, and queen sizes. Similar to the bedding encasements, the pillow protectors are bite-proof, escape-proof, and are made of a soft and comfortable fabric. Protect-A-Bed Allerzip® Premium Pillow Protectors are also,
- Waterproof and breathable
- Effective in preventing bacteria and dust mites from breeding in your
pillow & mattress (a major cause of asthma, eczema and rhinitis) - Effective in protecting against dust mites
- Machine-washable
- Soft and super absorbent
- Ultra thin with four way stretch that does not detract from the comfort
of the pillow
Protect-A-Bed Allerzip® Premium Pillow Protectors are completely bite-proof due to the coating of Miracle Membrane® on all six interior sides of the encasements. Miracle Membrane® is a polyurethane barrier film that is waterproof and breathable. This thick polyurethane barrier renders it impossible for hungry bed bugs trapped inside to bite through.
Currently, Protect-A-Bed Allerzip® Bedding Encasements and Pillow Protectors are the only encasements featuring six interior sides coated with Miracle Membrane®.
Mattress & Box Spring Encasements
July 31, 2008 – 3:00 am
Bed Bug Central endorses and supports the usage of Protect-A-Bed Allerzip® bedding encasements in proactive and reactive bed bug management plans. Protect-A-Bed Allerzip® Bedding Encasements are currently the only encasements on the market that we feel confident recommending.
Richard Cooper, the current leading bed bug expert in the pest management industry, worked closely with Protect-A-Bed of Chicago to create these bed bug bite-proof AND escape-proof mattress and box spring encasements.
Read more to see why these encasements provide exceptional bed bug bite-proof and escape-proof protection while at the same time providing defense against common allergens and dust mites.
o Fabric- Smooth and Soft
o Escape-Proof: BugLock® Zipper
o Bite-Proof: Miracle Membrane®
o Proactive Use of Encasements
o Reactive Use of Encasements
o Added Bonus- Allergy Relief
o Encasement Comparison
Fabric- Smooth and Soft
Protect-A-Bed Allerzip® Bedding Encasements features 100% soft and comfortable terry cotton, unlike most other encasements on the market. These encasements are breathable, waterproof and absorbent. They are also meant to stay on the mattress and box spring for life, and have been created with that type of lifetime comfort in mind.
Escape-Proof: Unique Patented Zipper End Stop: BugLock™
When encasing your mattress and box spring, one must be aware of the possibility of bed bugs escaping or entering through the zipper end stop. This is a very vulnerable area as it is the opening of the encasement. Protect-A-Bed Allerzip® Bedding Encasements recognized this vulnerability and through the use of rigorous laboratory studies, created a zipper end stop with practicality and strength in mind. The result, BugLock™, is a zipper end stop strong enough to support movement, such as tossing and turning, or sitting on the edge of the bed. BugLock™ makes it virtually impossible for bed bugs to escape or enter the encasement, even if the zipper has backed off a little due to stress and pressure from movement. This means you can sleep with ease and be confident that no amount of movement will render these encasements ineffective.
How does BugLock™ work?
BugLock™ is a three-sided zipper with an extra square piece of material sewn behind the end stop, making it virtually impossible for bed bugs to escape. Laboratory studies indicated that the zipper would need to open 3.5 inches or more for bed bugs to be able to escape or enter the encasements.
Bite-Proof: Miracle Membrane®
Protect-A-Bed Allerzip® Bedding Encasements are completely bite-proof due to the coating of Miracle Membrane® on all six interior sides of the encasements. Miracle Membrane® is a polyurethane barrier film that is waterproof and breathable. This thick polyurethane barrier renders it impossible for hungry bed bugs trapped inside to bite through. You can sleep easy knowing
Currently, Protect-A-Bed Allerzip® Bedding Encasements and Pillow Protectors are the only encasements featuring six interior sides coated with Miracle Membrane®
Proactive Approach
With the incidents of bed bug infestations on the rise, now is the ideal time to encase all mattresses and box springs. Once encased, bed bugs are unable to penetrate encasements, and you can sleep easy knowing that if bed bugs were to infest your home, they would not be able to infest your bedding. Mattresses and box springs can be expensive to replace, and sleeping on an encased infested bed is not the most appealing option to many.
Reactive Approach
Here at Bed Bug Central we caution against throwing away mattresses and box springs if they are discovered to be infested. We believe that by discarding your mattress and box spring you are increasing the chances of spreading bed bugs throughout your neighborhood, via a neighbor ‘trash picking,’ and we believe that by moving your mattress and box spring out of your home, you are increasing the chances of bed bugs likely falling off en route.
We instead believe that when an infestation is discovered, all mattresses and box springs in the home should be encased. With the right encasements this method will effectively trap all bugs inside of the encasements and they will eventually die from lack of a food source.
Although we do not recommend discarding infested bedding, we do understand the possible mental distress associated with sleeping on an infested encased bed. If this is the case and you wish to replace your mattress and box spring, we recommend encasing both before moving them out of your house and into the garbage. We also recommend marking the bedding as bed bug infested so that it does not get unknowingly picked up and brought into another home. Purchase your Protect-A-Bed Allerzip® Bedding Encasements here
Added Bonus- Allergy Relief
In the process of creating bed bug bite-proof and escape-proof encasements, Protect-A-Bed discovered that these revolutionary encasements also provide exceptional allergy relief for allergy sufferers. Protect-A-Bed Allerzip® Bedding Encasements provide protection from allergens such as:
o Pet Dander
o Pollen
o Mold
o Dust Mites
These are just a few more reasons Protect-A-Bed encasements stand well above the rest.
Encasement Comparisons
New-Richard Cooper evaluates mattress encasements for use in bed bug management- Click Here for the Video