On WNYC on Friday, Brian Lehrer talked to Jennifer 8 Lee (of the New York Times) about bed bugs, and asked callers to share their bed bug fighting tips.

There’s a mention of New York vs. Bed Bugs‘ FOIA request on HPD bed bug complaints. (Woo hoo!)

As you’d expect, it’s a bit dangerous asking callers for bed bug fighting tips.

Caller Lulu refused “fumigation” (though she described traditional spraying) of her unit when her entire building was treated. She recommended diatomaceous earth (DE), though gave incorrect information (“bed bugs eat it”).

I fully understand the desire to avoid pesticides where possible, but I also would not want to be the only person in a building not getting simultaneous bed bug treatment (or one of her neighbors)!

Christina believes she got bed bugs from her neighbors; she used DE and caulking. (Lehrer makes the helpful point that caulking does not prevent one from bringing bed bugs in to the home.)

Jennifer 8 Lee reminds listeners that NYC is moving towards a more coordinated approach, per Cincinnati’s and Toronto’s approaches.

Another caller called to warn Lulu that DE could be very dangerous if inhaled. (Rightly so!)

You can listen to this and the rest of the segment in full below:

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