*** Public Advisory Notice from Coutts Pest Control ***
If you have bed bugs, you might be tempted to try a do-it-yourself solution. however, do-it-yourself bed bug extermination is a very bad idea… here’s why.
One of the products people commonly try when to use for do it yourself bedbug care is Diatomaceous Earth (DE) — a white powder that comes in a bottle. People buy DE from the store and “dump” it everywhere. It is often dumped in and around beds (adult, children and infant beds), around the baseboards, carpet, etc.
The problem is that DE is HARMFUL when inhaled. It can cause asthma, bronchitis and in severe cases, cancer. I also know from personal experience – I accidentally inhaled DE when I lifted a mattress that had DE between it and the box spring. When I unknowingly breathed in the DE dust particles, my eyes, nose and throat burned for a few weeks. If it does that to a grown man, imagine what kind if damage would it do to children or infants when spread on their beds?
DE should be kept out of the reach of children and precautions should be taken to ensure it is never inhaled. All too often, I find these precautions are not being taken and people are putting themselves and their families at risk.
When considering “do it yourself” pest control, be sure to read, understand and follow the product labels. If you can’t understand, are unsure or can’t be bothered to read the labels — don’t use them. Call a professional who can safely take care of your bed bug problem.
Also of note — DE does not have a great long-term effect against bed bugs. It is designed to work by being spread in the infested area and bed bugs walk over the dust which penetrates through the wax coating on the bed bugs and dehydrates them. The problem is… when a bed bug’s coating and exoskeleton has be damaged, it feeds (on peoples’ blood), sheds it’s skin and is as good as new within days.
If you find you have a bed bug problem, DON’T do it yourself. Contact a professional. We have the needed expertise and carry the proper equipment, tools and products necessary to perform the treatment safely and efficiently.
