Jul 19, 2011 – Placing Nuvan Strips
QUESTION:
When using Nuvan pest strips it is recommended that the windows and doors be covered with 6 mil plastic and sealed with tape. We have done this and yet the tape we use continues to not work properly. We have tried three different types of tape and no good. Keep in mind we are applying it to painted cinder block and we do not wish to repaint. Would you have any suggestions other than contacting 3-M?
ANSWER:
I guess I remain a little mystified here, and wonder if one of two things has happened. Either there are some additional use instructions for Nuvan Prostrips that I have overlooked, or you may be interpreting the Label in a way it does not actually read. For use in residences the Label is pretty specific, stating several times that Nuvan strips are to be used "Only within closets, wardrobes, and cupboards", although it also goes on to say their use is allowed in "attics, garages, and enclosed spaces" including crawl spaces and pantries. I really am not fond of labels that give a clear mandate about the product's use and then immediately contradict themselves with further uses.
However, the Nuvan labels clearly state that the strips are NOT to be used in locations where "people will be present for an extended period of time", meaning living and sleeping areas, and since the strips would need to be in place for a minimum of 7 days if this is for bed bugs (specifically for their eggs), and according to some of our university experts that probably should be more like 2 weeks. Your question sort of implies you may be using the strips for either whole house treatments of at least for living areas, and unless the residents are leaving for a full week this could be off-label.
I also do not see the recommendations on the Nuvan labels that you mention - covering doors and windows with plastic and sealing with tape. The only mention I see for plastic and tape refers to the use within plastic bags where you could place things like electronic equipment or other items that could not be treated in some other way. This use is a fantastic benefit for us, and saves us from having to recommend to customers with bed bug infested homes that electronic items be disposed of. If there are bed bugs it should be assumed that they could be harboring within computers, bedside clocks, TV's, etc., and therefore depositing eggs within these items. Since missing a couple of eggs means the infestation lives on these sensitive items must be treated, and vapona offers us that opportunity. We just need to ensure we carefully stay within the allowances and uses on the Labels of these two products (Prostrips and Prostrips Plus) so we can continue to have them available.
View past Ask Mr. Pest Control questions.
When using Nuvan pest strips it is recommended that the windows and doors be covered with 6 mil plastic and sealed with tape. We have done this and yet the tape we use continues to not work properly. We have tried three different types of tape and no good. Keep in mind we are applying it to painted cinder block and we do not wish to repaint. Would you have any suggestions other than contacting 3-M?
ANSWER:
I guess I remain a little mystified here, and wonder if one of two things has happened. Either there are some additional use instructions for Nuvan Prostrips that I have overlooked, or you may be interpreting the Label in a way it does not actually read. For use in residences the Label is pretty specific, stating several times that Nuvan strips are to be used "Only within closets, wardrobes, and cupboards", although it also goes on to say their use is allowed in "attics, garages, and enclosed spaces" including crawl spaces and pantries. I really am not fond of labels that give a clear mandate about the product's use and then immediately contradict themselves with further uses.
However, the Nuvan labels clearly state that the strips are NOT to be used in locations where "people will be present for an extended period of time", meaning living and sleeping areas, and since the strips would need to be in place for a minimum of 7 days if this is for bed bugs (specifically for their eggs), and according to some of our university experts that probably should be more like 2 weeks. Your question sort of implies you may be using the strips for either whole house treatments of at least for living areas, and unless the residents are leaving for a full week this could be off-label.
I also do not see the recommendations on the Nuvan labels that you mention - covering doors and windows with plastic and sealing with tape. The only mention I see for plastic and tape refers to the use within plastic bags where you could place things like electronic equipment or other items that could not be treated in some other way. This use is a fantastic benefit for us, and saves us from having to recommend to customers with bed bug infested homes that electronic items be disposed of. If there are bed bugs it should be assumed that they could be harboring within computers, bedside clocks, TV's, etc., and therefore depositing eggs within these items. Since missing a couple of eggs means the infestation lives on these sensitive items must be treated, and vapona offers us that opportunity. We just need to ensure we carefully stay within the allowances and uses on the Labels of these two products (Prostrips and Prostrips Plus) so we can continue to have them available.
View past Ask Mr. Pest Control questions.
