How to get rid of bed bugs at home.

Kill bed bugs

Get rid of bed bugs

Eliminate bed bugs

Whatever the words you use – you’re interested in ONE THING!

Making Bed Bugs B-Gone!

This is a personal Blog. I know the horror, the shame, and the frustration of dealing with Bed Bugs.

We’ve all heard the mothers admonishment to “Don’t let the bed bugs bite”… but, like most, I thought they were something from the past that had been eliminated in modern society. You know, like the plague!

Oh, how wrong I was!

Turns out, bed bugs infestations are on the rise across the developed world. I lived in an apartment, and sure enough – I got them.

Just about 1 year later – now married, living in a home (not the apartment) we got them again!  Oddly, it came right after an overseas cruise. Hmmmmm, sounds like we had hitchhikers on the luggage.

And they are a PAIN to get rid of!

This blog will help give you means to :

  • Identify the bed bugs.
  • Are they dangerous?
  • How to get rid of them.

If you’re in a hurry HERE is the best resource I’ve seen detailing how to get rid of Bed Bugs from your HOME!

-JP


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BedBug Central Announces Expert Line-Up for the BedBug University: North American Summit 2012

Lawrenceville, N.J. — BedBug Central, an authoritative bed bug information resource, announces the new speaker line-up for the third annual North American Bed Bug Summit. This year’s summit welcomes new and returning bed bug experts from around the globe while addressing new research and projects. In addition, research introduced at the 2010 Summit is coming to fruition and the results, which will greatly impact pest professionals and affected industries, will be highlighted.   

Officially titled, “BedBug University’s: North American Summit 2012” the two-day event will be held on Thursday, September 6th and Friday, September 7th, 2012 at the Red Rock Casino and Spa in Las Vegas.

During the Summit, attendees will hear the latest research and strategies for bed bug control, genetics, legal protection, and clinical relevance. The Summit will also focus on applied research and practical usage of the information. The North American Summit will continue to provide a level of depth only provided by BedBug Central.

According to Phil Cooper, President and CEO of BedBug Central, the 2012 Summit will not only focus on recruiting the leading entomologists and bed bug experts internationally, but will highlight new topics, research, and case studies. In addition, research that was first discussed at the original Summit in 2010 is now completed and the results will change bed bug science and protocol forever.

“Bed bugs cause frustration and affect individuals financially, psychologically, and physically. These pesky pests also provide various implications to the hospitality industry, private sector, government, education, and the pest management industry,” said Cooper. “To accommodate numerous industry concerns about bed bugs, the Summit will highlight various topics including health and medicine, canines, pesticide ethicacy, basic and applied science, and legal implications.”

Tentative List of BedBug University: North American Summit 2012 Speakers:
  • Dr. Klaus Reinhardt, University of Tuebingen & University of Sheffield
  • Dr. Michael Siva-Jothy, University of Sheffield
  • Dr. Ed Vargo, North Carolina State University
  • Paul Ashton, Anticimex, international pest control company
  • Dr. Dini Miller, Virginia Tech University
  • Dr. Michael Potter, University of Kentucky
  • Dr. Changlu Wang, Rutgers University
  • Dr. Stephen Doggett, Westmead Hospital
  • Richard Cooper, BedBug Central/Rutgers University
  • Dr. Phil Koehler, University of Florida
  •  Jeffrey White, BedBug Central
  • Joel Greenwald, Greenwald Doherty LLP: Labor and Employment Law for Management
  • Tom Jarzynka, Massey Services, Inc.
  • Christian Hardigree, University of Nevada Las Vegas
  • Jeff Lipman, Lipman Law Firm, Attorney At Law & Magistrate Judge

Additionally, to further increase interaction between experts and attendees, BedBug Central will continue its popular EXPOcentral which will feature over 75 bed bug product manufactures and various networking opportunities.

Early bird registration is now in effect at $525.00 per person until April 1st and regular registration for an attendee is $595.00. For more information or to register for the Bed Bug University: North American Summit, visit http://www.bedbugcentral.com/summit.  

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About Bed Bug Central
Bed Bug Central serves as the nation’s most authoritative information resource and website available to the public for information concerning bed bugs and bed bug related issues concerning health, prevention, and treatment methods.More information can be obtained at www.bedbugcentral.com.

About BedBug University
BedBug University is an intensive four day course that covers bed bug biology and behavior, treatment protocols and explores the unique legal challenges and business opportunities of bed bugs. BedBug University is now being expanded to include other learning opportunities such as the North Ameican Summit 2011 and serves as the educational arm of BedBug Central. The program was developed by BedBug Central entomologists Jeff White and Richard Cooper. More information on BedBug University can be found at www.bedbugcentral.com
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University of Nebraska Creates Bed Bug Housing Plan After Spring Semester Infestation

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln faced a challenge during the 2012 spring semester: bed bugs. Since January, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) had eight dogs search all 3,256 rooms on City and East campuses and 197 rooms were heat treated for bed bugs.  During the inspection, UNL created a website which provides bed bug education, detection and prevention tips. UNL also developed a bed bug housing plan for potential future infestations.  

To read the full article from the Daily Nebraskan, click here.
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Bed Bug Action Plan for Home Health Care and Social Workers

Dini Miller, of Virginia Tech University, and Dr. Stephen Kells, of the University of Minnesota, created a document that contains various information for healthcare works concerned about bed bugs.

Healthcare and social workers that routinely visit clients’ homes as a part of their job are at risk for contacting bed bugs. Service workers need to be bed bug conscious if they are to avoid transporting bed bugs in their cars, taking bed bugs to the office, or even taking bed bugs home with them. Also, service workers must beware of transporting bed bugs from one client to another.

To read the full article, click here

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Batzner Bed Bug Services Inc. Joins bedbugFREE Network

Lawrenceville, N.J.— Batzner Bed Bug Services Inc., of Wisconsin and Illinois, is the most recent company approved for bedbugFREE membership. Batzner Bed Bug Services Inc.joins an expanding national network of pest management firms committed to the guidelines and practices of BedBug Central.

 Batzner Bed Bug Services Inc. and its sister companyBatzner Pest Management has over 65 years of experience serving Wisconsin and Illinois businesses and homes. Batzner’s bed bug services offer specialized commercial and residential services designed to meet the needs of their clients.

“Batzner Bed Bug Services Inc. decided to become bedbugFREE because we wanted to provide our clients with the peace of mind in knowing that we provide quality and accurate bed bug elimination services,” said Jerry Batzner of Batzner Bed Bug Services Inc.
 
bedbugFREE is a network of “like-minded companies sharing the philosophies of BedBug Central”. All companies undergo a rigorous screening process overseen by research entomologists Rick Cooper and Jeffrey White. Approved companies are then listed as bedbugFREE on BedBug Central’s website and in turn, receive referrals as part of the bedbugFREE network.

BedBug Central was created in response to inaccurate information available to pest management professionals treating bed bugs and consumers faced with bed bug issues. Their website serves as an information resource for professionals and consumers regarding bed bug products, research, prevention and treatment methodology.

As a bedbugFREE approved company, Batzner Bed Bug Services Inc. becomes a part of the growing network of pest management firms committed to BedBug Central treatment methods.

“By becoming bedbugFREE,Batzner’s bed bug services are now part of a large community of respected and reputable bed bug professionals,” said Batzner.

Companies seeking to accelerate the bedbugFREE approval process may attend BedBug University. BedBug University is a four-day course designed to shorten the learning curve of companies that want to increase bed bug revenues and enhance their bed bug business model.

Another primary aim of BedBug University is to shorten the time spent on independent research to enable pest management firms to enter the bed bug markets quickly.

The BedBug Central’s seminar and website continue to serve as an authority in the bud bug sector with daily submissions to the bedbugFREE network and acknowledgement from industry leaders such as Dr. Austin Frishman, president of AMF Pest Management Services Inc. and industry consultant since 1967.

“BedBug University is the best way to learn because BedBug Central’s technicians take you out to the field and show you technology and practices,” said Dr. Frishman about BedBug University. “BedBug Central and Jeffrey White are the only ones with this program. I recommend that people in pest control go to secure hands-on training. If you have just started dealing with bed bugs as a pest management professional, it’s an invaluable resource.”

Batzner Bed Bug Services Inc. services the following counties in Wisconsin: Brown, Calumet, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Jefferson, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, and Winnebago. Batzner also services the following counties in Illinois: Cook, Lake, McHenry, Boone, Winnebago, Dekalb, Kane, and Dupage.

For more information on BedBug University or to participate in our seminars please visit www.bedbugcentral.com or call Robert DiJoseph at 877-411-1142 ext. 1002.

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About BedBug Central
BedBug Central serves as the nation’s most authoritative information resource and website available to the public for information concerning bed bugs and bed bug related issues concerning health, prevention, and treatment methods.

Links:
BedBug Central: www.bedbugcentral.com
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Rutgers University Posts Informative Video About Bed Bugs and Integrated Pest Management

Rutgers University New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) recently produced a video that gives information about bed bug biology and principles of integrated pest management. This short video also introduces various aspects of bed bug biology and how to control them. Click the link or watch the video below.

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BedBug Central?s Boot Camp Takes a Road Trip to the Mid-West

Lawrenceville, N.J.  — As bed bugs spread across the nation, BedBug Central will travel to help prepare pest professionals on how to successfully treat bed bugs in an interactive environment. This July, BedBug Central will collaborate with the Kansas Pest Control Association to offer the Kansas Bed Bug Boot Camp.

The Kansas Bed Bug Boot Camp is an off shoot of BedBug Central’s BedBug University: Boot Camp. The Kansas Bed Bug Boot Camp will be held on July 30 and 31, 2012 at the Holiday Inn Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, MO.  

This boot camp will focus on the necessary knowledge and skills needed to create, run, or manage a successful bed bug program. The boot camp offers a series of courses that provide in-depth, practical and actionable knowledge regarding pertinent areas surrounding bed bugs and effective treatment.

“This is a unique opportunity for pest management professionals in the Mid-West to learn how to treat for bed bugs in an interactive and hands on environment,” said Jeffrey White, Technical Director for BedBug Central. “The bed bug epidemic is growing and proper training and information is needed to prevent and treat these pests.”

The boot camp sessions’ will include Bed Bugs 101: Basics of Bed Bug Biology, Bed Bugs 102: Protocol Overview, Bed Bug 201: Tools of the Trade, and Bed Bug 301: The Business of Bed Bugs.

Boot camp will also focus on the concepts of minimal preparation and the principals of least disruption. This technique will increase productivity by reducing labor and will ultimately reduce costs for pest management industries while increasing the value and convenience for customers.

“Learning about new processes and technologies, including the no prep method, was intriguing. It was one of the main reasons I wanted to come to the boot camp,” said Dena Burg of Northwest Exterminating in Arizona. “The information and expertise shared will be easily integrated into the day-to-day aspects of our bed bug business.”

All individuals involved in bed bug detection, prevention or remediation are invited to attend. The four sessions are designed to help staff understand and implement a more effective bed bug strategy.

"We are new to offering bed bug services and I’m glad we were able to receive top-of-the-line education through Bed Bug University’s Bed Bug Boot Camp,” said Will Bullard of Dayton Pest Control in Tennessee.

In addition to the educational sessions, attendees can visit exhibits that showcase various products and services from leaders in the bed bug industry.

The traditional BedBug University: Boot Camp is a four-day course offered six times per year and is designed to shorten the learning curve of companies that want to increase their bed bug revenues and enhance their bed bug business model. The program examines the most effective and efficient treatment protocols in addition to providing hands-on training with industry-standard tools for bed bug remediation.

Kansas Pest Control Association members can attend this boot camp for only $250 (early bird booking before July 1, 2012). KPCA members who register after the early bird date will be charged $265. Non- KPCA professionals can attend the Kansas Bed Bug Boot Camp at a rate of $295 (early bird booking before July 1, 2012). Non-KPCA members who register after the early bird date will be charged $325. Call and reserve your spot now to get the best rate!

For more information about the Kansas Bed Bug Boot Camp, please visit http://www.bedbugcentral.com/bedbuguniversity/kansas_boot_camp.cfm or call (877) 411-1142. For more information about the Holiday Inn Country Club Plaza, click here.

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About Bed Bug Central
 
Bed Bug Central serves as the nation’s most authoritative information resource and website available to the public for information concerning bed bugs and bed bug related issues concerning health, prevention, and treatment methods.More information can be obtained at www.bedbugcentral.com.

About Kansas Pest Control Association
 
The Kansas Pest Control Association (KPCA) is the statewide voice in Kansas for pest control professionals. KPCA promotes general standards and ethics, fosters research, uses multiple platforms to spread information and promote the industry and works closely with government officials on the national and state level to create an atmosphere beneficial to our communities and industry. Founded in 1948, KPCA provides programs and services which assist its members in achieving success in the operation of their businesses as protectors of the health, environment and property of Kansans.  KPCA is comprised of members from every region in Kansas and represented by a 10-member Board of Directors and Officers, along with Executive Director Spencer Duncan. KPCA is an active member of the National Pest Management Association. KPCA holds training statewide for all pest management professionals, and has been recognized for its comprehensive training programs. The Association is also home to the Kansas Pest Control Hall of Fame. More information can be found at www.kansaspest.com

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BedBug Central’s Jeffrey White featured in the Village Voice

 
Jeffrey White, Technical Director of BedBug Central, is quoted in a recent post by the Village Voice. In this article, he discusses the abnormally warm winter in the Northeast and how this may potentially affect bed bug populations this spring and summer.

Although some seasonal pests are directly affected by warmer winter temperatures, bed bug populations on the other hand, present the unknown.

Despite this unknown, BedBug Central found that many pest control companies in the Northeast are experiencing a similar number of bed bug service calls this January and February to what they serviced in 2011.

"Most [pest control companies] were still around the same point where they were last winter," said Jeffrey White. “However, July, August, and September are typically the worst three months for bed bugs.”

 



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Recent Bed Bug List Provides Insight, but Unseasonably Warm Winter has Experts Worried About Populations for Summer

Lawrenceville, N.J.  — Last week, Orkin (a subsidiary of Rollins Inc.) released its top 50 bed bug cities list for 2011 and entomologists and pest control professional are currently debating what factors effect fluctuations in bed bug populations in a given city. Is the population dependent on high tourism, such as New York (#9 on list) or Los Angeles (#5), warmer average summer temperatures in southern cities like Dallas (#7), or are trends from city to city driven more by warmer than average seasonal temperatures?

Although these types of lists provide insight into trends within a city, bed bug awareness and prevention continues to be the critical step in minimizing the spread of this pest.

 “This recent list about bed bugs should not cause panic or provide a sense of security for residents in these particular cities,” said Jeffrey White, Technical Director and Research Entomologist at BedBug Central. “Although a city may have moved on the list, many factors can influence the rankings on this list. For example, since only one company was evaluated, this company could have multiple chains or a greater influence and presence in one city over another.”

Over the past year, the Department of Housing, Preservation and Development (HPD) in New York City reported a small decrease in bed bug complaints for the first time since the resurgence started.   A decrease in bed bug calls may be due to an increase public awareness from the various media coverage this pest has received or due to the efforts of NYC to institute bed bug policies recommended by the Bed Bug Advisory Board. 

In contrast, Dallas, a city with limited media bed bug coverage, reported significant increases in bed bug service calls in 2011 compared with 2010. 

In addition to looking at trends within cities, many experts in the Northeast are wondering what affect the warmer than normal winter that has recently ended will have on summer bed bug populations.

“We have definitely documented for the past few years that bed bugs show a seasonal trend where July through September are their peak time,” said White. “Although bed bugs are a problem year round, this significant peak in activity during the warmer months is most likely due to the warmer temperatures inside the home or other public places.”

In response to the warmer than average winter in the Northeast, BedBug Central asked several companies in the Northeast to compare winter 2011 to winter 2012 bed bug service calls to see if there has been an increase in bed bug populations.

 “Most companies we spoke to are not reporting an increase this winter in bed bug calls in residential homes compared to last winter,” said White. “That being said this does not conclude that the warmer than average winter temperatures will not affect summer bed bugs. Unfortunately we won’t gain additional insight until the summer is behind us.”

With the summer months quickly approaching, bed bug awareness and prevention are essential to avoiding and limiting damage incurred by bed bug infestation. Although, top bed bug city lists can provide limited insight, it is important to realize the most significant way to slow the spread of bed bugs is through community wide bed bug education programs.

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About Bed Bug Central
 
Bed Bug Central serves as the nation’s most authoritative information resource and website available to the public for information concerning bed bugs and bed bug related issues concerning health, prevention, and treatment methods.More information can be obtained at www.bedbugcentral.com.
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Minimal Prep and Least Disruption: Key Focus Areas for BedBug Central?s April Boot Camp

Lawrenceville, N.J.  — Minimal preparation and the principals of least disruption are the concentration points for the April BedBug University: Boot Camp, which will take place from April 17th through April 20th at BedBug Central headquarters in Lawrenceville, NJ.

The concept of minimal preparation was researched during field observations and demonstrates how limiting the degree of prep work will actually increase the efficacy towards achieving elimination. The principals of least disruption prevent the disturbance of the bed bug’s environment, which in turn limits these pests from dispersing further into the structure while aiding the removal process.

Boot Camp’s focus on minimal preparation will increase productivity by reducing labor and will ultimately reduce costs for pest management industries. This technique also increases the value and convenience for customers.

“Learning about new processes and technologies, including the no prep method, was intriguing. It was one of the main reasons I wanted to come to the boot camp,” said Dena Burg of Northwest Exterminating in Arizona. “The information and expertise shared will be easily integrated into the day-to-day aspects of our bed bug business.”

BedBug University: Boot Camp is a four-day course offered six times per year and is designed to shorten the learning curve of companies that want to increase their bed bug revenues and enhance their bed bug business model. The program examines the most effective and efficient treatment protocols in addition to providing hands-on training with industry-standard tools for bed bug remediation.

“Our company became bedbugFREE in late 2009, nevertheless, we attended the Bed Bug University Boot Camp in December of 2011 and found it to be time well spent” said Mark Hassman, Vice President of Hassman Termite and Pest Control of Kansas. “It isn’t often that an expert will open up and train you on what works, what to avoid and how to build a bed bug business that works. That is exactly what we received from the boot camp experience.”

One of the most beneficial features of BBU: Boot Camp is the on-the-job observation in which attendees will accompany BedBug Central’s seasoned technicians to a job where there can watch the protocol in action. Attendees will also learn first-hand how the proven minimal preparation will increase efficacy of the treatment.

"We are new to offering bed bug services and I’m glad we were able to receive top-of-the-line education through Bed Bug University’s Bed Bug Boot Camp,” said Will Bullard of Dayton Pest Control in Tennessee.

For a better understanding of how BedBug University: Boot Camp can be useful to new attendees or existing bedbugFREE members, view out exit poll analysis that enabled BBU: Boot Camp attendees to offer critical feedback. You may also view our coverage on CBS 3.

Attendees of the BedBug University will receive a full hour of post-attendance consultation with the BedBug Central instructors. Class size is strictly limited. To inquire about rates and availability Click Here.

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About Bed Bug Central
 
Bed Bug Central serves as the nation’s most authoritative information resource and website available to the public for information concerning bed bugs and bed bug related issues concerning health, prevention, and treatment methods.More information can be obtained at www.bedbugcentral.com.

About BedBug University

BedBug University is an intensive four day course that covers bed bug biology and behavior, treatment protocols and explores the unique legal challenges and business opportunities of bed bugs. BedBug University is now being expanded to include other learning opportunities such as the North Ameican Summit 2011 and serves as the educational arm of BedBug Central. The program was developed by BedBug Central entomologists Jeff White and Richard Cooper. More information on BedBug University can be found at www.bedbugcentral.com
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BedBug Central?s Announces New Location and New Rates for the Third Annual BedBug University: North American Summit

Lawrenceville, N.J.  — BedBug Central, an authoritative bed bug information resource, is excited to announce their third annual North American Bed Bug Summit, which will be held in September at a new location, Las Vegas, Nevada.

The two-day Summit titled, “BedBug University: North American Summit 2012” will be held on Thursday, September 6th and Friday, September 7th, 2012 at the Red Rock Casino and Spa in Las Vegas.

The North American Summit will continue to serve as the educational blue-print for all affected industries in the battle against bed bugs and will provide in-depth and innovative sessions for less of an investment.

During the Summit, attendees will hear the latest research and strategies for bed bug control, legal protection, and treatment cost containment. The Summit will also focus on applied research and practical usage of the information. The North American Summit will continue to provide a level of depth only provided by BedBug Central.

According to Phil Cooper, President and CEO of BedBug Central, the 2012 Summit will not only focus on recruiting the leading entomologists and bed bug experts internationally, but will also continue to create opportunities for attendees to interact and network with experts on a one-on-one or small group setting at an affordable rate.

“The Summit’s mission has always been to bring together leading experts and manufacturers in the bed bug industry and deliver unrivaled information for our attendees,” said Cooper. “We also want to create a greater interaction between experts and the attendees, while offering unique and successful networking opportunities for attendees, experts, and exhibitors.”

To further increase interaction, the Summit will continue its popular EXPOcentral, which will feature over 75 bed bug product manufactures. In addition, BedBug Central has brought back its premier free Beer Tasting Reception and Night Out with the Experts.

Early bird registration is now in effect at $525.00 per person until April 1st and regular registration for an attendee is $595.00. For more information or to register for the Bed Bug University: North American Summit, visit http://www.bedbugcentral.com/summit.  

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About Bed Bug Central
Bed Bug Central serves as the nation’s most authoritative information resource and website available to the public for information concerning bed bugs and bed bug related issues concerning health, prevention, and treatment methods.More information can be obtained at www.bedbugcentral.com.

About BedBug University
BedBug University is an intensive four day course that covers bed bug biology and behavior, treatment protocols and explores the unique legal challenges and business opportunities of bed bugs. BedBug University is now being expanded to include other learning opportunities such as the North Ameican Summit 2011 and serves as the educational arm of BedBug Central. The program was developed by BedBug Central entomologists Jeff White and Richard Cooper. More information on BedBug University can be found at www.bedbugcentral.com
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