PestAway: Exterminator deals with DDT, honestly


Here’s a cool breeze:  Pest Away Exterminators in New York explains, patiently, that DDT no longer works against bedbugs, and is otherwise ill-advised in most applications.

Try to find an error in this short post:

DDT

The truth about DDT…

  • It was highly effective when it was first introduced.
  • It nearly wiped out bed bugs in America.
  • It is NO LONGER effective in treating bed bugs.
  • It is more dangerous than people realized.

In 1939, DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane) was introduced as the “miracle pesticide.” It was effectively used in military and civilian arenas to control lice, malaria, mosquitoes and bed bugs. It nearly wiped out all bed bugs in an allegedly “safe” method, but by the 1960’s, bed bugs had built up a resistance and potential immunity to DDT.

In 1962, Rachel Carson wrote Silent Spring, which essentially demonized DDT and helped launch the environmental movement. By 1972, DDT was banned in the USA, but DDT is still used very effectively in other countries to control Malaria. Although there is a public outcry to bring DDT back, it’s very unlikely that it would have any meaningful effect on controlling bed bugs.

Jeff Eisenberg founded the company in 1991, after a career with a large accounting firm.  It appears his training on the importance of accuracy in numbers, and honesty in facing tough situations, carried over to his new business.  Good on him.

2 Responses to PestAway: Exterminator deals with DDT, honestly

  1. Many residents resist spraying of DDT for various reasons. For instance, the smell lingers, and DDT leaves a stain on the walls. As the chemical dries, it leaves a white deposit on the hut walls, and it has been found to make bedbugs more active. Bedbugs are resistant to DDT, but are irritated by it, making them more active. This is unpopular with residents of DDT sprayed houses, and so health departments may need to use alternative insecticides to control the bed bugs; It is certainly a health risk to you and anyone who may come into contact with it. – Peter

    Like

  2. Many residents resist spraying of DDT for various reasons. For instance, the smell lingers, and DDT leaves a stain on the walls. As the chemical dries, it leaves a white deposit on the hut walls, and it has been found to make bedbugs more active. Bedbugs are resistant to DDT, but are irritated by it, making them more active. This is unpopular with residents of DDT sprayed houses, and so health departments may need to use alternative insecticides to control the bed bugs; It is certainly a health risk to you and anyone who may come into contact with it.

    Like

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