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Some things you need to know (from an entomologist/PCO)
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old timer
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Posted 1 year ago
Fri Jul 8 2011 18:42:45
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Pest control technicians are not magicians.
We need you to remain as an attractant during most bed bug control programs.
Most people if the are physically able to, do a decent prep and are as good or better then some prep companies. You can also evaluate and declutter, which is important.
Routine vacuuming, with the crack & crevice device for appropriate areas is a defensive tool, especially in office/commercial environments to pick up an introduced bed bug.
Use irons, and blow dryers over the tub for some items.
Don't assume one way or another. Can't and won't are not the same.
Many things cause "bites" rashes or reactions other than bed bugs, more so in the summer.
While poor sanitation and clutter do not bring bed bugs, they can make them harder to get rid of.
If your home is full of dust bunnies you have not vacuumed properly for bed bugs.
Couches are one of those items that on occasion may need to be discarded if heat or fumigation are not an option. Especially if a pull out.
Encasement of box spring is a must.
Captains beds and platform beds suck when it comes to bed bugs.
Some of my best friends have bed bugs. -
your host
Joined: Mar '07
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Posted 1 year ago
Fri Jul 8 2011 19:06:40
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I appreciate your sharing that, Winston.
I added the parenthetical description to the title to give a sense what this is about-- hope you don't mind!)
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bbgirl
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Posted 1 year ago
Sat Jul 9 2011 8:50:43
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Hi Winston: Wouldn't encasing the couch work if it was maintained in a sealed state for 18 months?
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old timer
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Posted 1 year ago
Sat Jul 9 2011 20:46:39
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bbgirl - 11 hours ago »
Hi Winston: Wouldn't encasing the couch work if it was maintained in a sealed state for 18 months?Yes and perhaps shorter if it is stored in an area over 75F. But many folks can not do that.
These comments are generalizations and may not apply in all cases.. -
Blue_Ox
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Posted 1 year ago
Sat Jul 9 2011 22:16:25
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For someone doing the routine vacuuming (who currently doesn't have bedbugs or believes they don't) are you advocating throwing the vacuum bag away each time you use it?
I am just not sure what good vacuuming would do if the bedbug is just still alive in the vacuum cleaner. Does being sucked up a vacuum hose usually kill the bug?
There used to be some advice about putting a nylon/pantyhose over the end of the tube of the vacuum and then discarding that -- does that advice still hold or was it never good in the first place?
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old timer
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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Jul 10 2011 20:01:28
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Blue_Ox - 21 hours ago »
For someone doing the routine vacuuming (who currently doesn't have bedbugs or believes they don't) are you advocating throwing the vacuum bag away each time you use it?
I am just not sure what good vacuuming would do if the bedbug is just still alive in the vacuum cleaner. Does being sucked up a vacuum hose usually kill the bug?
There used to be some advice about putting a nylon/pantyhose over the end of the tube of the vacuum and then discarding that -- does that advice still hold or was it never good in the first place?1. Bed Bugs can escape from vacuums, make your own decision.
2.The nylon tip works in environments without a lot of dust, which could be achieved by vacuuming regularly. Good luck. BTW way when you vacuum leave the windows open so the dust can blow out the window. Some folks also use HEPA vacuum bags but they are even more expensive. -
bugfreedreams
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Posted 1 year ago
Sat Jul 16 2011 11:36:01
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Re: boxsprings and captains beds
We found out the bugs were at least pooping on the boxspring, which was uncovered. Have decided to (properly) get rid of it, and have ordered this metal bed frame that doesn't require a box spring. I just hope it doesn't rip our bb mattress cover.
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old timer
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Posted 1 year ago
Sat Jul 16 2011 20:29:26
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You could try putting duct tape over the sharp points or those areas that will be coming in contact with the encasement.
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bugfreedreams
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Posted 1 year ago
Sat Jul 16 2011 22:57:37
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Thanks - we will do that. Wouldn't have thought of it.
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old timer
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Posted 1 year ago
Sat Jul 16 2011 23:26:02
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I would like to clarify the difference between an Entomologist and a PCO (Pest Control Operator):
Entomologist - is a person that studies insects. They are schooled on their anatomy, their biology, behaviour, and identification. Most entomologists specialize in a specific genus or species of insect. They are typically not trained in pest control and typically do not know how to solve pest problems.
PCO - is a person that is trained in pest control procedures. They know how pesticides work, the ingredients in them, and how they are applied. They know the basics about the pests that they are treating and can correctly identify common pests.
Often there is confusion out there about which of the two professions is best for solving their problem.
If it is a pest problem in your home the best person for the job is a PCO that has some entomological skills (most PCOs do).
If it is a pest in your home that you need identified the best person would be a skilled PCO. They would readily be able to recognize and correctly identify most common household pests.
If you have an insect that the PCO could not identify then an entomologist would be helpful.
You do not need an entomologist to solve a bed bug problem. Any PCO worth their weight can correctly ID bed bugs.
In some instances you will find a person that is cross trained (an entomologist that is also a PCO or a PCO that is also an entomologist). These people are well rounded and have the skills of both.
Sean
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your host
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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Jul 17 2011 0:03:40
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Thanks, Sean!
I believe "Winston," who started the thread is both an entomologist and a PCO, hence the title of the thread.
I agree that it's important for people to be aware of the distinction.
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old timer
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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Jul 17 2011 8:54:47
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A distinction to be aware of, FYI Winston, who started the thread is both an entomologist and a PCO, actually a bit more of a rant then post though.
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your host
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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Jul 17 2011 23:39:05
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Technically speaking, all rants are posts, but not all posts are rants.
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