Experiment 2 – Use of Petroleum Jelly to prevent bed bugs from climbing on.
Theory – Petroleum jelly is thought to prevent bed bugs from climbing on to surfaces. Petroleum jelly when applied onto the metallic frame of the beds or even around the mattress edges are supposed to repel the bed bugs from climbing on.
Application of Petroleum Jelly – We applied petroleum jelly all around the mattress (which did make it sticky a little bit) and around the legs of the bed frame.
Results: When used alone this method did prevent the number of bed bugs which would climb into the mattress. However if you already have bed bugs within your mattress this method would not be of much help. It could be used as a preventive measure after you disinfect your bed or even if you get a brand new one.
Conclusion: Use of petroleum jelly in combination with other methods of bed bug prevention would be helpful, however if used alone it will not do much good, especially if you already have an infested mattress. This is an inexpensive way to start your defense against bed bugs though.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Experiment 1 – Use of camphor as a repellant towards bed bugs.
Experiment 1 – Use of camphor as a repellant towards bed bugs.
Theory : It is believed that the odor of camphor acts as a natural deterrent towards insects especially bed bugs. The pungency of the camphor is useful in keeping bed bugs away. In fact camphor extracts are often a constituent in natural pesticides and insecticides.
Application of Camphor: There are many ways in which people suggest to use camphor. One way is to simply powder the camphor and place it all over the bed or all around it. Another method is to dissolve it in a suitable solvent such as kerosene or alcohol and spray it on the bed. Personally, I would use the first one for a longer lasting effect and the second one if a larger area has to be covered. Also placing camphor powder in the grooves and cracks of walls and floor boards is advised.
Results: The application of camphor all over the bed did keep the bed bugs away for a period of time till the camphor sublimes. However if there is a spot or groove where the camphor application is not done properly there is a possibility of the bed bugs to come from there.
Conclusion: If used alone as a line of defense against bed bugs, camphor is not that effective. However, camphor treatment when combined with other means of repelling bed bugs is an extremely useful measure that one can take.
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