Bed Bugs in Google, Time Warner Offices – What’s Next?

Six-year-old boys think bugs are cool. They’re colorful, they’ve been around for eons and some are even movie stars (remember Bug’s Life?). But they don’t belong in your bed – or hotels or offices. But how that’s where they’re cropping up – and it’s time to stop the madness.

New York City is officially under siege with Google and Time Warner offices the most recent cases of infestations.

How do you know if you have bed bugs in your bed or your office? A cluster of itchy, raised bumps is the first telltale sign. Strip the sheets off your bed and look carefully at seams and folds. If it’s an office infestation, look closely at furniture crevices. The little critters don’t like light, but you may see them scurrying for cover if you’re quick. Adult bugs are the size of apple seeds, while their offspring are closer in size to sesame seeds. You may also see reddish stains on carpeting or light-colored furnishings (their poop).

Treating a bed bug infestation

Bed bugs can survive an entire year without feeding, and getting rid of them takes dedication. A licensed exterminator can inspect your house or office and treat hot spots with insecticide. For a more natural approach, tackle the infestation yourself:

• Vacuum all upholstery daily – and change the bag after each session.
• Wash all your linens in hot water and dry on high heat – every day.
• Seal all your pillows and soft furnishings in an airtight bag for at least a week.
• Remove as much clutter as possible so they have nowhere to hide.
• Seal all light switches and cracks in the floor, walls and baseboards.
• Lay double-sided tape around your bed to catch bugs hiding out in other pieces of furniture.

Preventing a bed bug infestation

Skin and hair cells shed during sleep, along with heat and moisture, create an ideal breeding ground for bed bugs. A mattress protectorfrom Natura maintains a hygienic sleeping environment by killing dust mites, bacteria and harmful allergens on contact with the use of Natural Silver Technology.

The bottom layer is a thin, breathable, waterproof barrier (polyurethane), which seals your mattress. The barrier layer will not off-gas and is considered safe enough to eat off of by the FDA. Natural Silver Clear Technology is embedded into this layer to prevent bed bugs and other bacteria from traveling between your sheets and your mattress.

Need some extra insurance at the office but don’t want to use chemicals? Our NaturaProtect Spray is made with natural silver and works great on soft furnishings like sofas, boardroom chairs – anywhere the little critters can hide.

Hungry for more bed bug information?

• How a mattress protector can help
• Mattress protection solutions
• Silver technology and bed bugs

• Toronto Bed Bug Registry
• North America Bed Bug