- Dini Miller of Virginia Tech's department of entomology reports bedbugs do not respond to insect repellents. He cites studies of insect repellent materials applied to bed frames. None of the materials studied kept bedbugs away. The University of Kentucky concurs that conventional insect repellents, like those used to deter ticks and mosquitoes, do not work against bedbugs.
- Bedbugs don't transmit disease to humans. However, their bites can cause itching and inflammation in some individuals. Since insect repellents are not effective in preventing these bites, the best option is to completely rid your house of bedbugs.
- The University of Kentucky suggests using professionals to get rid of bedbugs. These exterminators will utilize low-odor sprays, aerosols and dusts to treat areas where the bugs have been seen or tend to hide and crawl. The University of Kentucky also discourages the use of baits designed to control other bugs such as ants or cockroaches since they are not effective against bedbugs.
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