Chemicals and procedures for bedbug control?

We've been trialing some chemicals over here to tackle some of the pests that manage to weave their way into the hostel. Our hostel is a new building but it's located on a Colonial street which dates back to the 1550's which means all the other buildings are Adobe (mud bricks) and perfect for harbouring ever manner of beastie. We find that we get some beasties finding their way into the hostel when the lights go out. Despite having various contracts with fumigation companies and also a variety of products throughout the building, their are some that just a little more stubborn than others and take a bit more persuading.

Recently, we paid a visit to a chemical company and asked their advice - they told us that one of the best methods for getting rid of woodworm, fleas (and keeping away the bedbugs) is "Creollina" which I believe is "creosote" in English - the same stuff you use to paint your garden shed or fence but without the oil in it so it doesn't stain.

Basically, you can put a few drops in and around the dorm beds and it (should, and i repeat should) knock out any bugs. Touch wood, we haven't as yet had any bed bug issues but we'd like to be well armed for the time when some arrive.

We have a large number of "rustic" hostels in our Latin American network...many are lodges that have bunk beds made of bamboo and thatch roofing and so it's a real nesting ground for beasties. The humidity levels and cold temperatures in the Andean areas can also force people to use sleeping bags in hostels where there isn't sufficient blankets. in the really cheap and cheerless places, people often question the cleanliness of the bedding and so use their own sleeping bag - again adding to the the problem. Yet another issue is that there are still many hostels in south america that provide only cold water from the tap which means (unless people invest in a costly machine that heats the water before the cycle) the sheets and clothes are washed in cold water.

As such, if you fall into one of these categories, it may provide tricky to erradicate bed bugs if you come across them and a chemical alternative might be the only way of getting rid of the beasties. I'll be sure to let you all know if I find the creosote method effective.

PS. It works a treat for dog fleas!

Crikey! They never mentioned that little lot when I spoke to them.

Thanks for the heads up...looks like it's back to the drawing boards.

All of the 'good stuff', and by good, I mean effective, but highly toxic is restricted here in NSW, Australia. It's one of the theories why bedbugs have managed to gain a strong foothold in a lot of places recently.

Indeed and it's because some places can't afford to close down the entire building for fumigation, so those bugs which can escape will be resistant to the next fumigation. Remember, what doesn't kill you will make you stronger.

The only solution against bedbugs - regardless what stuff you use - is a total annihilation, leaving no chance for any bug to survive. Despite how harmful you think it could be on a short term, it is always beneficial on the long run. :cool: