Well, it’s been about five minutes since we’ve all talked about bed bugs so let’s dive in, shall we?
One of the first things I learned after joining the staff of PMP magazine was that bed bugs are a much bigger pain than most people (in the general public) realize. They might continue their rampage across the country, but that doesn’t mean they’re unstoppable. (Lucky for you!) But they ARE still a problem, especially here in Ohio where most of our major cities are stars of Orkin’s top-bed-bug-cities list. (Go, team Ohio!) My perception —always from the outside looking in on the industry —is that basic bed bug education with the help of a responsible news media could do a LOT to help the situation. And sometimes they do help. But for every informative newspaper article, there’s about three breathless scare-mongering news reports that stoke fears rather than provide helpful information on treatment and prevention.
But of all the cards stacked against the pest industry when it comes to educating the public on bed bugs, the most nefarious element in the mix is the still-circulating belief that bed bugs can be eradicated with a simple do-it-yourself (DIY) remedy. Do a Google or YouTube search for “bed bug solutions” and after you scroll past the legitimate ads for pest management companies and legitimate pest management products, you’ll find a vast sea of misinformation and DIY tips. Naturally we all understand the appeal of a good DIY remedy. For those on a tight budget, the allure of a 99-cent bottle of rubbing alcohol solving your problem would probably sound good. Unbelievably good. … ie. “too good to be true.” It’s something I KNOW the industry is still up against because I have lots of my own anecdotal evidence regarding misguided neighbors and family members (tales I’ve related in the pages of PMP before.) I’ve done MY due diligence in spreading the word: You must hire a professional! But thanks to the advice of non-industry-related, fly-by-night, nothing-to-lose-by-making-stuff-up self-help YouTube gurus, the true facts are often disregarded.
I’ve little doubt each and every one of you has a story about a client who, after calling you for professional help, spun the tales of what they tried before finally picking up the phone. I want to hear about your worst (or funniest?) encounter with DIYer who finally broke down and sought help from someone who knows. Leave a comment here, send me an email ( wnepper@northcoastmedia.net ) or post a reply on our Facebook page. What DIY made you think OMG! or LOL?
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