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Bed Bugs: The Green Way to Take Care of Your Home

By
Real Estate Agent with Harvest Realty 678-617-0715

Bed Bugs have been around for thousands of years and were eradicated from most countries using the toxic chemical DDT after World War II.  DDT was later banned because it was so dangerous and toxic to the environment. These reddish-brown, flat bugs have made a comeback in North Georgia since 1995 and cases appear to be on the rise.

The best place to start when ridding your home of bed bugs is with vacuuming everything, including your furniture and curtains. Empty the vacuum bag and make sure that you remove the bag from your home.  Clean your living space and wash/dry-clean all bedding and pillows.

Heat has been found to be effective in killing bed bugs and there are many companies offer steam treatments for your home.  Some companies use high powered heating machines and fans to raise the temperature.  These devices are heated at a high speed and "zap" the bugs before they can leave the area. 

 

 

Thermal heaters are heated to temperatures as high as 134 degrees.  The heat is used in quick shots which immediately exterminate the bed bugs.  This process requires that you remove oils paintings, pets and all plastic items, but other interior items are not damaged by this process.  Many companies offer this service starting around $2,000, which is not much more than a traditional extermination treatment using chemicals for bed bugs.

Stern Environmental Group Cryonite uses the extreme cooling of liquid CO2 to freeze bedbugs. www.sternenvironmental.com 

Eco Smart offers an organic insecticide that claims to be highly effective. www.ecosmart .com

There are many new, interesting ways to end the biting bed bugs without any harm to your family!

 

bed bugs

Comments (8)

Rhonda Kenney Hallesy
Keller Williams Realty - Fredericksburg, VA
GRI

They just sound disgusting.

Sep 18, 2010 11:54 AM
Paula Hathaway, REALTOR, LBA
Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Southampton, NY
...A Local Expert in all The Hamptons

Jennifer: Very helpful post! I don't have any bedbugs but the problem in New York City leaves me to believe that we could end up with them here too--it will be very helpful to suggest what you have talked about here if any of my landlords need to eradicatethem. I think it is a very timely post because from what I hear, more and more states are battling the critters!

Sep 18, 2010 11:56 AM
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

These bed bugs are literally sweeping the nation. WE have a problem. Go Gree

Sep 18, 2010 12:09 PM
Christa Borellini
Prudential California - San Diego, CA

Gosh Jennifer I have never seen those things!...knock on wood.   Now, it I do I know what to do about them.  Very thorough post.  Thank you.

Sep 18, 2010 12:11 PM
Ralph Janisch ABR CRS Broker
Janisch & Co. - Conroe, TX
Selling Northwest Houston to good people like you!

Quite interesting.  I went online to see some photos to check what they look like.  Here's a webpage in case some of you want further info.

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/slideshow-bedbugs?ecd=ppc_google_picturesofbedbugs_BedBugs_BedBugs-Overview++Facts++EducationandCauses_search&gclid=CKTViuGUkqQCFUZl7AodWDrkIA

 

After all I know that inquiring minds do want to know.....

Sep 18, 2010 12:48 PM
Robert Schwabe
Herron Real Estate - Orange Park, FL
Orange Park Real Estate

Jennifer - When I was a little kid my mom always told me don't let the bed bugs bite. I always thought she was kidding and there wad no such thing as bed bugs.

Sep 18, 2010 03:17 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Jennifer - Excellent information and tips on how to remove bed bugs. Thanks for the blog.

Sep 18, 2010 05:11 PM
Leesa Finley
RED Properties - Wake Forest, NC
RED Properties - Raleigh NC Real Estate

I can't believe the huge appearance lately of bed bugs!  Scary - they seem to be everywhere!  Thanks for the tips Jennifer as I am sure they will be needed by many.

wake forest nc house chick

Sep 19, 2010 02:02 AM