BBB of
WESTERN MICHIGAN, INC
CONSUMER ARTICLE
Issued: 05-03-2011
Contact: Ken Vander Meeden
616-774-8236 or Email: bbbceo@iserv.net
www.bbb.org
BBB Advice on
Keeping Pesky Bed Bugs
at Bay and out of Your Home
It
appears that the bed bug infestation has hit homes once again. These pesky
little critters are not only latching onto your beds, but to your wallets as
well. Some self-proclaimed bed bug eradicators are coming into your home with
the intention to only take your money and not actually rid you of your critter
problem. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Better Business Bureau are
advising consumers on ways to ultimately prevent bed bug infestations from
stepping “foot” in your home.
In
just this year alone, BBB has received over 375 complaints against pest control
service companies. In a recent October release, BBB recommended tips
for choosing a trustworthy pest control company to banish bedbugs. This time,
BBB, along with the FTC are advising consumers on ways to prevent a bed bug
problem from taking over your home in the first place.
“While it may be
easier said than done, it’s always important for consumers to know how to
prevent and control a pest problem,” said Ken Vander Meeden, President, BBB of
Western Michigan. “Preventing the
problem, prevents the possibility of a pest control scam.”
BBB
and the FTC urge consumers to be proactive when it comes to preventing bed bugs
from entering your home.
Inspect, inspect,
insect? If
you recently purchased furniture from a secondhand store or flea market, make
sure that your purchase doesn’t actually have “fleas,” or in this case, bed
bugs, before bringing it into your home.
Take out the “hide”
in hide-and-go-seek. Keeping bed bugs from being able to hide is
important. Only enclose mattresses and box springs in covers labeled “allergen
rated,” “for dust mites,” or “for bed bugs.” Make sure to periodically check
for rips or openings so that you can patch them up securely. That also includes
repairing cracks in plaster, loose wallpaper and any loose light switch covers
and being proactive by always making sure to apply caulk to seal crevices,
joints in baseboards and gaps on shelves or cabinets.
Don’t be a hitchhiker. When traveling,
use luggage racks to hold your suitcases when packing and unpacking rather than
setting your luggage on the bed or floor. When staying in a hotel, check the
mattress and headboard before getting into bed. Keep the critters from
infesting your home by unpacking directly into a washing machine. Wash all
items showing bed bug stains, and dry on the highest setting for at least 20
minutes. The heat from the dryer kills the bugs. Before relaxing, inspect and
then vacuum your luggage. Empty the vacuum or seal and dispose of its bag
outside of your home after each use.
For more
tips on choosing a trustworthy pest controller or to learn more about keeping
bed bugs out of your home, visit www.bbb.org,
the FTC’s consumer alert www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt194.shtm
and the National Pesticide Information Center www.npic.orst.edu/pest.htm.