Insecticides are often recommended to eliminate bed bugs…wrongly because the use of these products is not free from health risks. Explanations.
Being invaded by bed bugs remains the nightmare of many people because once the house is infested, it is difficult to get rid of them. To overcome them, those who are victims often resort to insecticides… wrongly because the use of these chemicals is not without risk. In total, more than 1,000 poisoning cases, some serious, have been recorded between 2007 and 2021.
As ANSES points out on son Internet site, it is recommended first of all to give preference to non-chemical means of eradicating bed bugs. First it is advisable to meticulously vacuum all surfaces to capture eggs and parasites, then clean the vacuum cleaner duct, wrap the bag in a plastic bag and throw it in an outdoor bin to avoid contaminating other places.
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Wash clothes at more than 55°C
Une fois cette étape franchie, il est essentiel de laver en machine les vêtements et le linge de maison à plus de 55°C ou bien de les place in the congélateur à – 17°C pendant au moins 72 heures en l’absence de machine à wash. Finally, corners or upholstery should be cleaned with a high temperature dry steam (at least 120°C) which destroys all stages of bed bugs. If this fails, contacting a pest control specialist is recommended rather than applying the insecticidal products yourself.
We remind you that these small insects, which very often hide in mattresses and springs, feed on blood and bite during the night. They are carried in clothes and luggage, when traveling or buying second hand bedding, furniture, books and clothes. They are particularly tenacious because their life expectancy can exceed a year without food. A female lays 5 to 15 eggs per day, resulting in very rapid proliferation.
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