"Those bites are from WHAT--BED BUGS!"

As I was thinking of a good topic to blog about, a colleague of mine sent me a great email. It was so good, in fact, I asked permission to re-post it. She told me to "blog away!" So, here in its entirety, complete with NATURAL REMEDIES to get rid of those pesky critters, is "Bed Bugs."

Bed Bugs

By Yvonne Salcido M.H.

Renee Waters ND

I love animals just like most of you but bed bugs are not my favorite of the animal kingdom. There has been much coverage the last few months on bed bugs in the media. Several states are having significant problems having an economic impact on the citizens and local government. Yet this problem is not new. People have been sleeping with bed bugs for centuries. Hence the saying "sleep tight don't let the bed bugs bite". Shortly after World War II, the pest in America and Western countries was virtually annihilated with toxic chemicals such as DDT. They continued to flourish in less developed nations. Reported infestations in the U. S. have increased 500% since the 1990's. All 50 states have reported infestations and this is not a lower income problem, bug bugs don't know the difference between anyone's tax bracket they just need a host. Many five star hotels, theaters, and upper end retail stores have had to shut their doors to deal with extermination.

So why are they back? We have created an environment for them to flourish! Many people travel the globe; more than any generation before us. Detection and prevention are critical--you must know what to look for. You can't fight an enemy you don't even know is lurking about. Here are a few guidelines and home remedies that could help in the battle with these pesky pests.

Are they Dangerous?

Bed Bugs feed on our blood causing:

Inflammation

Itchiness

Infection

Mental health issues (if you have an infestation in your home, it can make you crazy)

No evidence of transmitting disease? (This is according to doctors, but bed bugs DO carry 24 different pathogens. I wonder?)

Prevention:

Bed Bugs like clutter and crevices, so CLEAN UP & DE-CLUTTER

Vacuum often

Use Hot Water to clean clothes (as heat and freezing kills)

Dry clothes in the dryer (again, heat kills)

Place sheets that cover mattress completely (you can get plastic covers that cover entire mattress and pillows)

When traveling be careful where you put your suitcase; it's best to put in the closet

Detection:

Blood Stains (from bites, itching);

Black spots that look almost like mold on mattress, sheets, or furniture;

Bite patterns of three (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); they can be mistaken for mosquito bites;

Look like lentil or apple seeds, are reddish brown (very close to an jalapeño seed in size);

Prefer humans (but will take any mammal, typically mice or birds).

They do have electronic monitoring devices and trapping devices available now.

There are 5 different stages of molting (go to www.epa.gov/pesticides/bedbugs/index.html to view the different stages)

Elimination:

To eliminate bed bugs you can use heat or freeze methods. You can find many companies that use these methods. To eliminate by heat they bring in huge heaters seal up the house and basically cook the inside of your home. The freeze method uses Cryonite this is liquid carbon dioxide, in minus degrees. This is food safe no chemicals!! The EPA warns against companies using pesticides that are not to be used indoors. Of course we don't ever want to use toxic chemicals. Bed bugs are attracted to the smell of carbon dioxide (that is what we breathe out, and larger amounts while sleeping).

Here are some herbs that repel bed bugs: Black Walnut, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Lavender, Black Cohosh, Cayenne, Mint, Lavender, Guyabano, Thyme, Neem.

Traveling:
Be prepared make an herbal sachet that repels bed bugs. Take 4 leave two in your suitcase (so you don't take pests home). Then place one under your bed and one on your bed. Eat plenty of garlic while traveling it will keep you from getting food poisoning and repel other creatures you wouldn't want to bring home.

Herbal Sachet: (use cut herbs) this not only has bed bug repelling herbs, but will be pleasantly aromatic - 3 parts Black Walnut, 3 parts Thyme, 2 parts Sweet Flag, 1 part Lavender, 1 part Mint.

I make my own bug sprays—if anyone would like a bug repellant just e-mail me. Also check out this website for great deals on Natures Fresh Herbal products for home and office use. www.mynsp.com/thecountrydoctor

Mama Z's is the place to be!

I was lucky...yes, very lucky. It turns out one Saturday I stopped in to Mama Z's Bakery & Java Hut and attended a Partylite/Pampered Chef party. I was able to order much-needed beeswax tealights (unscented) and a couple of cute kitchen gadgets.

As it turns out, Mama Z's offers many more such events. There is a Tupperware party scheduled, as well as a sewing class--making mittens.

Clubs use the shop: quilters and scrapbook/Stampin' Up have monthly get-togethers. If your group is in need of a place to gather, check out Mama Z's.

Okay...okay, I know I need to talk about the FOOD and DRINKS. Forgive me, it has been so long since I've been to a party. I'm a little giddy.

At the party, we munched on the mouth-watering chocolate-drizzled cheesecake! Since the party, I've stopped in to purchase donuts (LOVE the chocolate icing and sprinkles!) and the bestest-tasting chai tea. A scratch bakery and a fresh java hut--offering delectable and reasonably-priced items in the midst of fast food and gas station crud. No matter how many times I complain to the local 'golden arches'(you know who you are), my vanilla cappuccino always tastes like it is made with "burned" coffee. Ick! Why settle for burnt when you can have fresh, tasty drinks at a better price?

And guess what? Starting in a few weeks, Mama Z's will be adding salads and soups to their menu made with fresh, organic and locally-grown ingredients. Purchasing your healthy meal is a very "green" way to sustain and support a local business. I hope that they will be able to add sandwiches...

Whether you are in search of pies for Thanksgiving, birthday & wedding cakes, cupcakes or freshly-baked wheat and sunflower bread, Mama Z's has something for you. Donuts, cookies, and the drinks--MMM-mmm!

Want to learn more? Well, you're in luck! Mama Z's Bakery & Java Hut has a website: www.mzsbakery.com. You can also "like" them on Facebook: Just search for Mama-Zs-Bakery.

Want to place an order or book your group? Just call 715-942-0286.

Heck, why not just stop in? It's easy to find, right on the main drag in King: Mama Z's Bakery & Java Hut, N2826 Cty. Hwy. QQ in King, WI (next to Chef Chu's).

Or if you are in a hurry--they DO have a drive-up window!

And maybe you'll see me, chatting with the owners as they make my large chai tea...or a tasty vanilla cappuccino. Yum!