FTC: Bed-bug spray claims are deceptive

A Florida company that sold a bed-bug control product through chain stores has agreed to refrain from making product claims that it can't back up with scientific evidence, according to a Federal Trade Commission statement Monday. The FTC alleged that RMB Group, LLC and its officers Howard and Bruce Brenner failed to back up "overhyped claims" that their product "Rest Easy," a liquid containing cinnamon, lemongrass, peppermint and clove oils, was effective in killing and repelling bed bugs. Rest Easy was sold at retail chains such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Walgreens and Big Lots. The defendants admitted no wrong-doing. The settlement, awaiting court approval, imposes a $264,976 judgment, which is suspended "because of the defendants' inability to pay." Read the FTC's statement and the tentative settlement here.