Bedbugs and pre-vacuuming

[Shawn Forsythe]

Irrespective of the fact that I don't recommend that carpet cleaners take on the role of an amateur unlicensed pest control specialist, we are selling the dickens out of Microban X-580 lately. The problem that has spurred sales of X-580 seems to be an epidemic of bedbug infestations here in Cali, that carpet cleaners are being confronted with on a daily basis. For many parts of the country, this is nothing new. But here in Cali, we've never seen anything like this.

One of the DIY control measures suggested for remedying infestations is to vacuum frequently with a HEPA vacuum cleaner, paying extra-special attention to the crevices and corners in and around the mattress seams, edges, between mattresses and box springs, corners.

I wonder for the myriad of carpet cleaners, especially ones that do not use HEPA....are they unwitting potential vectors for the dissemination of the problem through cross contamination?

Something to think about.

 

[Mikey P]

I hear LV Hilton is crawling with the little buggers.

 

[cucu]

it is a big problem in the apartment business in the bay area. pest control companys are doing well out of it

 

[Captain Morgan]

There was some discussion a couple weeks ago about which was better to get rid of bed bugs... chemical application like Steri-Fab or high heat systems like an E-Tes. Then this article ran in the local newspaper where I work. A landlord bought an "oven" system because he was spending so much money on exterminators with mixed results.

http://www.sunjournal.com/city/story/885088

Does Steri-Fab and Microban X580 really work? Chemical application seems too hit or miss. I've had a lot of people call this year about flea infestation questions/problems/issues. Vet clinics/stores sell out of Frontline and other flea control products in a flash.

For the bed bug problems, seems like high heat treatments are working. Appears E-Tes owners could easily branch into a new market with their systems?

 

[The Great Oz]

The small portable systems might work, but everyone I've talked with that is using heat are using the larger trailer mounted systems. This way they aren't tenting a bed or doing one room, but everywhere the bugs might have transferred to in the house or apartment.