Dream A Way
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- May 2023
I'm not sure how many people are familiar with Mark Rober, but he is an ex-Nasa engineer and now has a science channel on YouTube. He recently did an episode on bed bugs. It is a bit disgusting, but also quite educational.
Mark Rober: Bed Bugs- What You've Been Told is Totally False
Here is some summary info ...
They Do Not Transmit Disease
Bed bugs do not carry or transmit diseases. They are really just a nuisance, but disgusting nonetheless.
Avoiding Bed Bugs
Check mattresses, cracks and corners for bed bugs or bed bug droppings before you sit down or lie down.
Do not put your clothing or belongings on the floor, on the bed, or in hotel drawers. Keep it in your suitcase / backpack, and on something like a luggage rack / stand if possible.
Deterring and Killing Bed Bugs
Bed bugs do not like strong smelling items like dryer sheets, moth balls, baking soda, essential oils, or insecticides. However they will happily crawl over these items if they smell blood or carbon dioxide (CO2) on the other side. Insecticides do nothing to kill bed bugs. Sonic noise emitters do nothing to kill or even deter bed bugs.
The best way to kill bed bugs when travelling is heat. Put your clothes / belongings in a dryer and heat them to 50 degrees Celsius. The bed bugs will die almost instantly.
Diatomaceous earth also kills bed bugs, but can take several days. Sprinkle in a fine dusting, not in piles.
Mark Rober: Bed Bugs- What You've Been Told is Totally False
Here is some summary info ...
They Do Not Transmit Disease
Bed bugs do not carry or transmit diseases. They are really just a nuisance, but disgusting nonetheless.
Avoiding Bed Bugs
Check mattresses, cracks and corners for bed bugs or bed bug droppings before you sit down or lie down.
Do not put your clothing or belongings on the floor, on the bed, or in hotel drawers. Keep it in your suitcase / backpack, and on something like a luggage rack / stand if possible.
Deterring and Killing Bed Bugs
Bed bugs do not like strong smelling items like dryer sheets, moth balls, baking soda, essential oils, or insecticides. However they will happily crawl over these items if they smell blood or carbon dioxide (CO2) on the other side. Insecticides do nothing to kill bed bugs. Sonic noise emitters do nothing to kill or even deter bed bugs.
The best way to kill bed bugs when travelling is heat. Put your clothes / belongings in a dryer and heat them to 50 degrees Celsius. The bed bugs will die almost instantly.
Diatomaceous earth also kills bed bugs, but can take several days. Sprinkle in a fine dusting, not in piles.