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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Having Regular Bug Problem. Using Pesticides. Any Permanent Solution?

Hi - we are having a bug problem. They appear as small ( 1-2mm) red and black pinpricks. They are more active at night. They are attacking my wife the worst. We have an indoor only cat, treated with revolution. Pyrethin bath every 1 week. The bugs seem to get her and she often is isolated in a bedroom becuase of it. The bugs seem to multiply every 24-48 hr and we are getting bit. We ve ruled out bedbugs and fleas. We suspect possible bird or rodent mites. We ve been trying to use pesticides, permethrin and tetramethrin, in aerosol and liquid form (2% permethrin solution). This has been occurring since at least April. There were fleas in Feb, Chiggers in March-April, now these bugs since April-May. We are getting help from an exterminator. Any ideas on how to combat this?
Sat, 19 Oct 2013
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Ayurveda Specialist 's  Response
**
1. using readily available aerosol pesticide sprays WILL cause bed bugs to scatter making eradication more difficult. [same might be occurring in your case], instead spray them with rubbing alcohol which kills them on the spot and use it with a dish brush to kill the visible eggs, then get help from exterminator.
2. as it is natural for the bed bugs to disperse throughout, it also may be necessary to inspect adjoining rooms and apartments.
3. use of steam kettle is an ideal solution to kill bed bugs and eggs, thoroughly spray steam at corners, and cracks and thereafter vacuum clean your mattresses, carpets,walls.
4. first remove the dirt and debris from the [whatever] surface and thereafter use of insecticides will have greater penetration.
5. instead of going for complete house cleaning, individual de- infestation is advisable [ It is difficult to find all hiding places and hidden eggs may have hatched]. i.e. individual items which cannot be washed should be placed inside the plastic bags and kept in sun for a day and temperature should be monitored [minimum 120 F].
6. purchase and grind crystal silica gel and apply it all over in your bed room, on your mattress,around the bed and along the wall, because it is a drying and dehydrating agent it will get stuck to the bug and it cannot be shaken off, causing the bug to dehydrate and die. [Be careful not to inhale it], similarly use a natural dehydrating substance called Diatomaceous Earth which has has the same effect as silica gel but is safe and exposure to it is not dangerous for children and pets.
7. If you have a cat, change the cat litter with crystal silica gel [which absorbs cat urine and takes all the odor and moisture out of the waste] every 5 days so the newly hatched eggs will dehydrate too. Repeat for 5 weeks.
8. if thinking of possible rodent or bird mites [any rat or bird nests located]. . bird problem are common in springs and summer, whereas rodent mites are possible any time of the year but mainly during winters

PS
i. bed bugs have an affinity for wood and fabric more than to metal or plastic, so examine them carefully.
ii. check common places like: wall-to-wall carpeting [especially behind beds and furniture], cracks in wood molding and ceiling-wall junctures.
iii. if they are more active at night, consider SCABIES and seek medical attention.
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Having Regular Bug Problem. Using Pesticides. Any Permanent Solution?

** 1. using readily available aerosol pesticide sprays WILL cause bed bugs to scatter making eradication more difficult. [same might be occurring in your case], instead spray them with rubbing alcohol which kills them on the spot and use it with a dish brush to kill the visible eggs, then get help from exterminator. 2. as it is natural for the bed bugs to disperse throughout, it also may be necessary to inspect adjoining rooms and apartments. 3. use of steam kettle is an ideal solution to kill bed bugs and eggs, thoroughly spray steam at corners, and cracks and thereafter vacuum clean your mattresses, carpets,walls. 4. first remove the dirt and debris from the [whatever] surface and thereafter use of insecticides will have greater penetration. 5. instead of going for complete house cleaning, individual de- infestation is advisable [ It is difficult to find all hiding places and hidden eggs may have hatched]. i.e. individual items which cannot be washed should be placed inside the plastic bags and kept in sun for a day and temperature should be monitored [minimum 120 F]. 6. purchase and grind crystal silica gel and apply it all over in your bed room, on your mattress,around the bed and along the wall, because it is a drying and dehydrating agent it will get stuck to the bug and it cannot be shaken off, causing the bug to dehydrate and die. [Be careful not to inhale it], similarly use a natural dehydrating substance called Diatomaceous Earth which has has the same effect as silica gel but is safe and exposure to it is not dangerous for children and pets. 7. If you have a cat, change the cat litter with crystal silica gel [which absorbs cat urine and takes all the odor and moisture out of the waste] every 5 days so the newly hatched eggs will dehydrate too. Repeat for 5 weeks. 8. if thinking of possible rodent or bird mites [any rat or bird nests located]. . bird problem are common in springs and summer, whereas rodent mites are possible any time of the year but mainly during winters PS i. bed bugs have an affinity for wood and fabric more than to metal or plastic, so examine them carefully. ii. check common places like: wall-to-wall carpeting [especially behind beds and furniture], cracks in wood molding and ceiling-wall junctures. iii. if they are more active at night, consider SCABIES and seek medical attention.