The problem we see in the forums is that people think they’re following label instructions when they’re not. Even if the label says to dust in crevices, some people think, “Hey! My floor has lots of crevices,” and they get out the broom and go to work.

I completely understand the overapplication too, which is part of a syndrome among people who’ve just discovered bed bugs — the product is being applied by panicked people who may just have discovered a blood-sucking insect on their person, or in a child’s bed. There’s a real desperation factor. People stop sleeping and stay up all night doing all the wrong things.

And since DE takes time, I think there’s even more of an inclination to overapply and stick it everywhere.

Also, are inhalation dangers posted on food grade DE? I think not, but have to confirm. We’ve been told by others that a respirator mask is better for applying DE than a dust mask.

Also, this is a minor issue for most, but people have had skin problems from continued contact with DE (again, overapplied or not carefully applied). It dries you out. Which can lead to irritation and itching.

Meticulousness is certainly the most important factor.

I agree sprays are not absolutely a MUST, but when it is necessary to treat an entire building (as the caller said was happening), it seems that every unit should be given aggressive concurrent treatment. If the PCO could not use the same methods in every unit, I would like to see them substitute something for the faster-acting sprays (for example, careful applications of dry vapor steam).

We also hear from MANY people who misuse DE (overapplying it). And many do not understand that it only works if the bed bugs cross it. Simply throwing down some DE is not a substitute, in my mind, for a good, thorough treatment (IPM and steaming, spraying, or otherwise).

There is a lot of misinformation out there.
With respect to treatment,,,,,, there are a number of things that kill bed bugs, but it takes meticulous care and detail fo treatment for it to work.
If someone objects to having their home “sprayed” it doesn’t mean that they cannot achieve good control with a combination of methods including steam treatment, vacuuming, sealing of baseboards and other hiding places, and yes, Diatomaceous Earth as well. The difficulty with diatomaceous earth is more about application .. it is slow acting,b but it is reported it does work in time.
Being methodical is what really counts.
tidy the home .. reduce clutter, launder and/or heat dry all clothing, vacuum thoroughly and not “every day” as some wild enthusiastic suggested.. If you can get a steam cleaner with a reasonable reservoir (not the hand held units), then vacuum and treat the entire bedframe very carefully, treat inside drawers, under dressers, behind pictures,under sofas and upholstered chairs.. it takes time. and put matt and box into encasements.
early treatment means better control…
all of the above are useful and valuable..
spray products work too but they are not necessarily a MUST….
it is the quality of preparation and meticulousness of treatment that counts..
that more than anything else…
Sam