EPA Unveils Bed Bug Database

   The Environmental Protection Agency is getting into the bed bug game by releasing an online database which allows consumers to search 300 EPA approved pesticides that may be used to destroy the little buggers. The EPA also operates a bed bug website which offers general information on bed bugs, how to get rid of them without using pesticides, and how to contain a bed bug infestation.

   I find it interesting that the "Environment" Protection Agency advocates pesticides which are inherently harmful to the environment rather than pushing non-chemical solutions such as heat treatment, vacuuming, and other safer methods. According to an online posting, a simple solution for destroying bed bugs is as follows:

EPA has no expertise in insects or treatments

Comment by JMWilliams Oct 6, 2010, 13:37 PM EDTI read the whole list of treatments (300+). All EPA is concerned about is toxicity of commercial chemicals; they don't care about efficacy or treatment.

The EPA list should be ignored. A simple and effective treatment is to apply a small amount of flours of sulphur (finely powdered sulphur) to the body before bed. The sulphur will get into the nightclothes and bedding and remain there until laundered.

Sulphur is nontoxic even if ingested, and it is cheap, being a bulk chemical, like salt or sugar.

Sulphur works by generating microscopic amounts of hydrogen sulphide when in contact with insect body carapaces, oils, eggs, or insect body fluids. This repels or poisons bedbugs, as well as lice, ticks, fleas, and other parasites.

I got a bedbug bite when new neighbors moved it; I applied flours of sulphur about once every two weeks for a year -- never got a second round of bites.