FTC Settles with Bogus Bug-Extermination Product Marketers

Bites bed bug marketers for $250,000-plus as part of settlement

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/10/2012 2:23:02 PM

Two companies whose advertising, including Web and broadcast, claimed that its product could kill or repel bed bugs have agreed to abide by a Federal Trade Commission order that they stop making those claims.

In a settlement with the FTC that must still be approved by the a Northern California District court, the RMB Group and the principles of Cedarcide Industries are enjoined from making marketing claims that their products, Rest Easy and Best Yet! bed bug and head lice treatments could prevent or eliminate infestations using cinnamon, lemongrass, peppermint, and clove and cedar oils.

RGB also agreed to pay over $250,000 to the government, though that was suspended due to inability to pay.

The FTC charged both marketing companies, as well as their principals, with deceptive advertising for claims they could prevent bed bug infestations. Cedarcide defendants also were charged with deceptive claims of preventing head lice infestations, as well as that the government endorsed and was affiliated with their product -- it claimed the product was developed for the military at the behest of the USDA, both of which were bogus, said the FTC. 

Bed bugs are a growing health problem and the FTC directs consumers to its site for a primer on what to watch out for, including marketers who could "suck [them] dry financially."