The EPA Pushes a Safe Alternative to Removing Bed Bugs
All but eliminated in the 1950s, bed bugs have made more than a strong comeback following the ban of the carcinogenic pesticide DDT.
In April, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a two-day summit in Washington, D.C. discussing alternative ways to eliminate these pests.
Conversations revolved around using intense heat instead of spraying toxic chemicals into mattresses and couches. Some opinions even point to how these pesticides, such as Propoxur, are more dangerous to children than bed bugs themselves.
One company that stood out was ThermaPureHeat, via CEO David Hedman. He hounded the point of using a “safe and extremely effective non-chemical tool” if it is available instead of harmful chemicals.
ThermaPureHeat superheats the infested areas, breaking the insect’s 118-degree heat toleration point. Hedman went on to describe the ways in which ThermaPureHeat outperforms commonly used pesticides, with a success rate of 100% when performed by professionals.
Steve Owens, head of the EPA’s pesticide program, said that Propoxur can create nervous system problems for kids. Everything from dizziness to difficulty breathing can happen as a reaction to the chemical. Despite these negative affects, the EPA is being heavily pressured to make a move on bed bugs and is debating allowing some use of the product if there is no way children can come in contact with it.
Finding a safe and effective way to eliminate these 5-millimeter wide creatures is at the top of the EPA’s list. Trained dogs seem to be the newest trend for a remedy for bed bugs, but they aren’t as easy to find.
The EPA is taking legal action on some pesticide companies whose products have sent families to the hospital. So keep an eye out for a change by the EPA and safer way to remove bed bugs.
-Michael Boytano
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