While there are some studies that claim microorganisms can have harmful effects on bed bugs, this is not true for humans or bed sheets. In fact, most antimicrobial agents used to treat infectious diseases contain chemicals that promote growth of bacteria!
Most people believe that using antibiotics will cure bacterial infections. It does not work like that – it only makes things worse by giving infected individuals a chance to out-compete other strains of bacteria.
This is what happens when you take an antibiotic after eating food with salmonella in it, for example. Your body gets rid of the salmonella, but then has no more natural gut flora to help prevent secondary infection from external sources.
So instead of curing your current infection, you create a situation where your body is too vulnerable to outside factors. This also creates an opportunity for new infections because now there is less protective barrier material around susceptible areas.
Does microban kill bed bugs?
Absolutely not! Using antimicrobials to eradicate bed bugs is actually very risky. It may even spread the bed bug epidemic further as exposed dead insects can act as a source of contamination for next year’s nests.
In fact, one study found that vacuuming treated mattress dust could re-infection rates. Vacuum cleaner bags needed to be washed thoroughly before use to avoid spreading any untreated bed bug droppings.
What is microban?
Recent research suggests that using a powerful tool against bed bugs may actually contribute to their death. It’s called micro-current disinfection, or microbicidal washing, and it uses very small amounts of electricity to kill bacteria, viruses, and other disease agents.
Microbicides are antimicrobial products used for topical application in prevention of infectious diseases. They can be directly applied to an area of skin or fluid (such as saliva) coming into direct contact with the mucous membranes or fluids within the body.
For example, microbicides could help prevent HIV transmission by applying them before and after intimate encounters. Or they could be use to treat infected wounds or areas. Many people have noticed success using microbicides to reduce symptoms of acne.
In fact, one recent study found that using a washable gel containing triclosan and/or PVPK30 was effective at reducing viral levels up to 70%! This seems particularly promising given that many bed bug bites are typically caused by viruses.
Triclosan is a broad spectrum antibacterial agent that has shown effectiveness in killing both bacteria and fungi. PVPK30 is a synthetic polymer that works like soap in removing surface contamination and preventing reattachment of any remaining particles.
The researchers tested their product on bed bugs that had been artificially made sick with the virus lactic acid bacteria.
Does microban kill bed bugs?
While there are some studies suggesting that using alcohol or other chemicals can rid your home of bedbugs, these treatments are not recommended for most people.
Many homeowners choose to use products like microbials (pronounced “micro-baes”) because they seem to work more effectively than trying chemical pesticides. Unfortunately, a study conducted by Stanford University shows that this is not always the case!
The researchers tested eight different concentrations of microbials on five different species of bedbugs in their laboratory setting and found no effect on any of the bedbug specimens.1
This means that even though the product was advertised as being effective against bedbugs, it did nothing at all!
Furthermore, the team also studied how much microbial gel remained on each bed bug after treatment and determined that none of them washed off completely.2 This suggests that the bedbugs were able to easily re-absorb the leftover bacteria.
It seems clear that leaving a trace amount of microbials on a bed bug may actually help spread its disease. It could give infected insects an extra advantage over healthy ones.
Does microban work?
While there are some reports of bed bugs that survive exposure to microbicides, these instances are very rare. When used as intended, microbicides can effectively prevent you from getting infected with an HIV virus or other diseases!
Studies have shown that using a condom during sex is one of the most effective ways to avoid contracting HIV. Unfortunately, condoms cannot be used when your doctor has advised abstinence due to risk of pregnancy. Because women need close contact to get pregnant, avoiding sexual activity for even just a few days may put you at greater risk for disease transmission.
Microbicide gel could serve as a temporary solution to help you achieve that goal! Some people believe that this product will not work because it does not contain any active ingredients. This assumption is completely false!
There are actually two different types of microbicides that have been studied. The first type contains substances such as bleach which claim to kill off bacteria and viruses. The second type contains anti-HIV agents such as PRO2000 that claim to protect against infection by preventing viral particles from attaching to healthy cells.
It is important to note that both of these products are applied directly onto the vagina and/or penis before engaging in intimate activities.
Does microban do anything else?
Because bed bugs cannot survive without moisture, using a mattress de-fibering machine or buying a dry packed mattress is not an effective way to get rid of them. If you must switch out your current mattress, try to do it as soon as possible to minimize exposure to potential bed bug infestations.
In fact, some brands of mattresses contain microbans that help prevent new bedbugs from attaching themselves to the surface! These microbans also work by preventing fecal matter to stick to the mattress. Some reports indicate that this helps eliminate the need for other treatments.
However, these theories have been called into question because even though microbans may help prevent attachment, they do not affect already attached bed bugs. In addition, studies show that most people are exposed to microbans for less than a week before reevaluating their beds so there is no lasting effect.
So while microbans can be a starting point in getting rid of bed bugs, make sure to look at all possible treatment options before deciding on any one approach.
Does microban harm humans?
While not totally conclusive, there is some evidence that suggests using alcohol-based products such as disinfectants can be harmful for bed bugs. More than 50% of all cases reported to state health departments involved use of an antimicrobial spray, cleaning with plain water, or both.
Some studies suggest these practices may spread microorganisms in the area where the bug was located, increasing your risk of infection from other sources. Health officials advise limiting exposure to any kind of pesticide by washing off any surface areas first and making sure you completely wash yourself and your house after treating for pests.
In fact, one study found people were twice as likely to get sick due to poor pest control measures than getting sick directly from contact with a bedbug.
Is microbanking safe?
Recent studies suggest that using dry heat, such as the use of burners or ovens to de-contaminate bed bugs can actually spread infectious agents in your home. In fact, some experts believe that exposing newly found bed bug nests to high temperatures may be necessary to eradicate the pests.
While this is true for outside areas, it isn’t recommended when cleaning an infested mattress or other sleepwear because these items typically contain starch which helps bed bugs stick together.
When you wash new clothes in water, they will sometimes pick up bits of dried blood or skin cells from the laundered item. This is called “dirtiness.” When washing these dirty pieces of clothing, researchers recommend either boiling them or treating them with chemicals that are not contaminated by bacteria.
Microbanking involves taking one small sample size (such as a drop of saliva or a bit of stool) of someone and then testing those samples on a culture medium to see if any microbes grow. If so, you can determine whether the person has a viral infection, a bacterial infection, or both.
What should I do?
The best way to get rid of bed bugs is by doing a full inspection of all areas in your house where they could possibly live. You can check under and around pillows, in cracks and crevices, along furniture seams, and even in mattress nooks and crannies.
When you find an area with evidence of bed bugs, treat it as if there was actually a bug present. Use either one of our recommended products or use whatever product you have at home!
Your house will stay free of bedbugs for up to two years after the last time they show themselves. Make sure to inspect frequently throughout that period to ensure complete success.
General tips: When treating your bed frame, make sure not to pull out any fabric. That would only spread the problem and make finding more insects harder. Also, be careful when pulling off covers, sheets, or blankets – try washing them first before throwing them away.
When should I call a pest control company?
The best way to get rid of bed bugs is by identifying all source points for their growth and then taking action to either prevent them from re-occurring or completely eradicating them. This means looking at everything, not just your bedroom!
By now most people have heard about the bed bug epidemic that has plagued North America for the past few years. All major news outlets talk constantly about how much these blood sucking insects can inflict upon their victims.
They mention things like how difficult it can be to find sleep due to the constant itching caused by their bites, how they must be dealt with immediately to avoid more serious health issues such as infection, and even if you are able to forget about them for an hour there’s always one person who will wake up in pain and angry.
Most importantly, they warn about potential health problems related to exposure to chemicals used to eradicate the pests. It is important to do your research before calling someone to take care of your home.
There are some rumors circulating around about whether using certain products can actually make the situation worse for those struggling with bedbugs. Some say only use professional level equipment and products so consumers cannot claim ignorance anymore.