Harris Bed Bug Killer™ Can Help You Sleep Tight

Have you ever heard the old saying "Sleep tight; don't let the bed bugs bite"? There's a reason for that saying and a reason for it being such an old one --they've been living with us for centuries. Even in these modern times, bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are still a problem. In fact, there has been quite a resurgence within the past decade. Most experts believe the reason is because of increased international travel and the discontinued use of insecticides such as DDT. These little hitchhikers often find their way into travelers’ luggage and are transported throughout the US to ultimately find their way into the bedroom. (Where do you put your luggage after returning home from a long flight...on your bed?)

Here are some "fun" facts about bed bugs:

• They usually feed between 3am and 5am, while we are in a deep sleep.
• Bed bugs can drink their body weight in blood in just 5 minutes!
• Bed bug bites are painless (which is why they are able to feed un-noticed).
• They can be carried on furniture, luggage, clothing and other materials.
• Places with high amounts of public sleeping traffic, such as hotels, motels, and apartments are at more risk of infestation.
• Bed bugs are most frequently found in the northern temperate climates such as North America and Europe. However, there is a tropical variety as well.
• Even in a five star hotel, bedbugs can arrive with any guest who is carrying them.

Armed with an effective line-up of Harris Bed Bug Killer products, here's where to begin:

Detection:
First, inspect yourself for bites. Usually, a reddish swelling spot may develop, associated with some swelling and itching. There may be little response immediately following the bite with peak itchiness being noticed at about a week, then gradually declining. Next, inspect mattress and box springs for bed bug activity. Adult bed bugs are the size of apple seeds, and leave both blood and fecal spots.

Preparation:
Wash and dry linens at high temperatures to kill bed bugs and eggs. Remove clutter from around bed & vacuum to pick up eggs, immature hatchlings and dead bed bugs. Dispose of vacuum bags or empty vacuum.

Application:
Spray night stands, wall hangings, carpets and walls near bed with EGG KILL™. Use mattress covers to prevent bed bugs and dust mites from entry or escape. Puff Bed Bug Killer Powder™ into cracks and crevices. Spray luggage if needed.

Prevention:
If you intend to travel, here are some tips:

• Before leaving, spray your luggage with EGG KILL™ Bed Bug Killer.
• It's also a good idea to pack your clothing and personal effects in sealable plastic bags.
• Remember to bring extra re-sealable plastic bags for soiled clothing.
• Once at your destination, first place your luggage in the bathroom while you do an inspection.
• If you see any signs of bed bug activity, simply check out of the hotel.
• It's a good habit to leave the contents of your suitcase where they are and not unpack into dressers.
• You may be surprised to learn that many bedbugs are picked up from the luggage hold on the plane. They can crawl from one person’s bag into your own, so make sure that your bags are sealed tight before putting them into the hold.
• When you return home, unpack in the laundry room or bathroom. Don't place the luggage on your bed!
• Inspect your luggage and clothing for signs of activity. Spray luggage again if signs are found.
• Wash and dry clothing at high temperatures.
• Leave you luggage in the garage.

Harris Bed Bug Killer™ is available in liquid, powder and aerosol form:

Bed Bug Killer Liquid™ is ready-to-use and best suited for spraying mattresses, box springs and rails to control bed bugs. It's also approved to kill lice.

Bed Bug Killer Powder™ is made from diatomaceous earth, and is meant for cracks and crevices. Simply puff into cracks/walls, around baseboards, apply to bed framing, and treat bedside tables and drawers.

Egg Kill Bed Bug Killer™ is an aerosol that kills bed bugs and their eggs. Use it to spray on carpets, luggage and furniture.

More information on the complete line of Harris Bed Bug control products can be found on our Featured Product page.

You can view the brochure here.

Both the EPA and the CDC issued a joint statement on bed bug control in the United States. View the entire statement here.