Natural Is Not Always Better. Bed Bugs, Deceptive Marketing, And The Federal Trade Commission

When discovering bed bugs, most people can become very concerned and feel an immediate need to rid themselves of these pests

. In recent history, there has been a growing trend of switching to natural products for a variety of reasons. Some companies have used the natural trend to create natural solutions for particularly troubling vermin, such as bed bugs.

Bed bugs are a six-legged parasitic insect are that rapidly take over areas where they have been introduced. Bed bugs are found in the mattress of one"s bed. They feed on live hosts, meaning human beings, while they sleep.

Two products specifically, "Rest Easy" and "Best Yet!" produced by the companies Cedarcide Industries and RMB Group respectively have popped up in the market offering a natural solution to bed bugs. These companies claim that their natural ingredients that include cedar oil, lemongrass, and cinnamon are able to treat or prevent an infestation of bed bugs.

The problem at hand is that these companies have not been able to back up these claims with scientific evidence. The Federal Trade Commission or FTC released a statement saying that these companies" claims are "over hyped". Cedarcide is part of an ongoing legal case filed by the Federal Trade Commission about these claims. While RMB, producers of "Best Yet!" have already lost their judgment pending a court approval of a $264,976 settlement, which has been suspended dude to "inability to pay."

These judgments do not necessarily mean the companies must cease producing said products, but instead that they cannot make claims that lack support of science. This has happened many times in our history. Not all companies have seen damage from having to adjust their marketing and stay true to laws protecting consumers. Some very large companies, including Kellogg and Dannon, have had to stop making claims that their products could have health benefits.

These FTC actions do not stop the companies from producing their product, only how they are advertised. This is stated in a note on the FTC information that reads, "The Commission files a complaint when it has "reason to believe" that the law has been or is being violated and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The complaint is not a finding or ruling that the defendant has actually violated the law."

However, people with bed bugs do not care about litigation and solutions that may have no basis in reality. This is why the Federal Trade Commission exists, to protect consumers against deception when making purchasing decisions. Specifically, claims that have to do with health are particularly observed because of the emotional nature of making these purchasing decisions.

For now, the best decision to get rid of bed bugs is to contact a local pest control company that specializes in bed bugs. These companies can get rid of the infestation and give advice relating the best practices for keeping the insects from returning. Pest control companies stay up to date on the most current extermination methods and can make sure that these options are safe for you and your family.

When dealing with any claim by a company that seems either too good to be true or even one that gives you suspicion, remember to do some research into those claims. The FTC may not have caught up to the specific claim. Consumers should definitely be proactive in paying attention to the claims companies make and whether they are backed up by science.

by: Laine McKenna

POST COMMENT

New York Estate Settlement And Estate Planning Involves Many Kinds Of Issues Stop Delaying The Inevitable And Get A Hearing Aid How Body Detox In Orange County Functions And Exactly What You Could Anticipate Recommendations For Building Ventilation And Cooling Tips To Help You Advertise And Effectively Sell Off Properties Within Subdivisions Why You Should Hire Cleaning Services In Santa Clarita And San Fernando Valley Natural Search Engine Results And Website Consulting Breast Reduction For Men And Women Summary And Comments On 2012 Report On Higher Ed Marketing For Not-for-profit Colleges And Universit Hearing Aid Testing For Children And Adults Popular Hearing Aid Styles And Options Protecting And Storing Your Hearing Aid Factors To Consider While Buying Tubular And Fan Heaters