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How to apply DE on carpet?
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pillowstreak
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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Jul 29 2012 22:44:45
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So i have bed bugs and a fully carpeted apartment. I'd describe the shagginess of the carpet as "medium." How do i go about applying DE to a carpet like this?
A few specific questions:
- I'm going to assume the bugs are mostly coming from where the carpet meets the wall, or under the carpet, so am i correct in thinking that is where i should be putting the DE?- How much DE should i apply to shaggy carpet? I know on a flat surface you should not even see the DE, but a carpet is a different beast yes? How do i get "full penetration?"
- If the bugs are harboraging under the carpet, will applying the DE to the places where the carpet meets the walls actually encourage the bugs to find other exits, thus dispersing them?
- Should i use a duster for putting DE on carpet?
Thanks guys!
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your host
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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Jul 29 2012 23:55:51
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I am not an expert but I don't think you should be putting DE on carpet. It is dangerous if inhaled and anything you're walking on has a danger of being kicked up and inhaled. We're told it should be dusted lightly in cracks and crevices only.
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pillowstreak
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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Jul 30 2012 0:19:14
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Nobugsonme - 22 minutes ago »
I am not an expert but I don't think you should be putting DE on carpet. It is dangerous if inhaled and anything you're walking on has a danger of being kicked up and inhaled. We're told it should be dusted lightly in cracks and crevices only.That's kinda what i'm planning. I'm going to put it in the crack between the carpet and the wall.
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pesticidalmom
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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Jul 30 2012 0:53:22
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I know where you are talking about, pillow. I dusted that area with a hair dye applicator...a ketchup bottle would work, too. Dollar store type item. Get a good respirator rated for small particle dust and goggles before you do it. Not dollar store type items, but will be well worth it to your health. I recommend sleeves, gloves, pants, etc. You don't want this stuff on your body or it will potentially make you just as itchy as the bbs.
Only fill the bottle half way to allow air to push it out into the space. Squeeze VERY gently. Work it back and forth in small areas to rub it in. If any comes to the surface, you've squeezed too much, so work it across and further down until you no longer see it. Tedious work to say the least.
That said: If you are in an apartment, notify your landlord and get a PCO in to do these perimeter areas...The sprays they will use will be far more effective than DE. It will save you time, money, and sanity. DE is not a cure-all or even a safe bet.
Dispersal to dressers, ceilings, etc is possible anyway. Just make sure the PCO is aware of anything you have done in advance and does a thorough inspection.
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pillowstreak
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Joined: Mar '12
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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Jul 30 2012 1:37:37
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pesticidalmom - 42 minutes ago »
I know where you are talking about, pillow. I dusted that area with a hair dye applicator...a ketchup bottle would work, too. Dollar store type item. Get a good respirator rated for small particle dust and goggles before you do it. Not dollar store type items, but will be well worth it to your health. I recommend sleeves, gloves, pants, etc. You don't want this stuff on your body or it will potentially make you just as itchy as the bbs.
Only fill the bottle half way to allow air to push it out into the space. Squeeze VERY gently. Work it back and forth in small areas to rub it in. If any comes to the surface, you've squeezed too much, so work it across and further down until you no longer see it. Tedious work to say the least.
That said: If you are in an apartment, notify your landlord and get a PCO in to do these perimeter areas...The sprays they will use will be far more effective than DE. It will save you time, money, and sanity. DE is not a cure-all or even a safe bet.
Dispersal to dressers, ceilings, etc is possible anyway. Just make sure the PCO is aware of anything you have done in advance and does a thorough inspection.Awesome, thanks for the advice. I have a couple questions, just to help me understand you better:
What do you mean when you say to "rub it in?" Physically rub it in with my hand?
You mentioned if anything "comes to the surface" then i've applied to much. What is coming to the surface? The bugs? I'm not sure what you mean here.Thanks, please get back to me!
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pesticidalmom
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Joined: Jul '12
Posts: 42offline
Posted 9 months ago
Mon Jul 30 2012 1:47:36
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With the tip of the bottle. not your hand. and your hand better be in a glove regardless. I also used a plastic spoon if it came to the surface (further up the wall) and pushed further out from the wall than anticipated...A slow steady hand is a big thing here. Like I said, tedious.
Also, I think they recommend a full mask respirator, not a half with goggles...I don't want nobugs raking me over the coals for that faux pas!
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pillowstreak
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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Jul 30 2012 21:47:00
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pesticidalmom - 19 hours ago »
With the tip of the bottle. not your hand. and your hand better be in a glove regardless. I also used a plastic spoon if it came to the surface (further up the wall) and pushed further out from the wall than anticipated...A slow steady hand is a big thing here. Like I said, tedious.
Also, I think they recommend a full mask respirator, not a half with goggles...I don't want nobugs raking me over the coals for that faux pas!Thanks for clarifying, and thanks for the advice. I'll be sure to take great care.
Out of curiosity, did you notice a difference after using the DE?
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pesticidalmom
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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Jul 30 2012 22:37:12
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I did not use DE alone. I used a dust no longer on the market that also contained 2 poisons. However, I noticed that if they made it to me through the dust, the bites were more painful...Like they were perforated, but trying to sate themselves, therefore taking more and more until they died. It happened to me twice and my neighbor a few times. The dust was not the only measure taken at any time, so any knock down could not be attributed solely to the dust and based on the pain I could not see why anyone would want to use it as a stand alone treatment.
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pillowstreak
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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Jul 30 2012 23:46:13
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pesticidalmom - 1 hour ago »
I did not use DE alone. I used a dust no longer on the market that also contained 2 poisons. However, I noticed that if they made it to me through the dust, the bites were more painful...Like they were perforated, but trying to sate themselves, therefore taking more and more until they died. It happened to me twice and my neighbor a few times. The dust was not the only measure taken at any time, so any knock down could not be attributed solely to the dust and based on the pain I could not see why anyone would want to use it as a stand alone treatment.I see. Good info. Thank you.
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