Beware of bogus bed bug products

Some products are ineffective or unsafe.

October 04, 2010|by Cara Restelli, KY3 News | crestelli@ky3.com

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Bed bugs continue to be a nuisance is hotels, dormitories and homes across the country. Many companies are trying to capitalize on our fears.

If you do an online search for "bed bugs," hundreds of products pop up claiming to get rid of the hard-to-fight nuisance. We asked Bug Zero Pest Control how to know if they're for real.

When it comes to killing bed bugs, even pest control companies don't have all the answers.

"I'd love to have a silver bullet," said Bug Zero's Michael Woodring.

It worries him that so many products promise quick results for cheap.

"The web is just littered with all kinds of different sprays, aerosols, liquids and all kinds of stuff," said Woodring.

One product's main ingredient is peppermint oil.

"If it was effective, we might have it in our arsenal, and we don't," said Woodring.

With fears growing, so are the choices online.

"(This is) not EPA-regulated, not proven to be effective and kill the bed bugs and they're going to charge you $24.95."

Woodring says it's tough to know which products are bogus, which are ineffective, and which are unsafe.

"Some of them can be flammable."

He says any of them can be dangerous if you don't read the label.

"People will get hold of a product and, 'If a little will do us, then a lot will do a lot better.' (That's) not the case."

How do you know if you're purchasing a worthwhile product? It's tough but checking with the Environmental Protection Agency is a good start. Products that are approved by the EPA will have a number on the labeling. You can go to EPA's website and confirm that the product has been approved to fight bed bugs as it claims.

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