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Fleishman-Hillard, one of the world's largest PR firms, seems pretty worried about that recent bedbug infestation at Fox News! Fleishman is sending out press releases for its client, Hot Shot insecticides, offering a free Hot Shot to anybody who's been a guest on Fox lately. So they don't bring the nasty Fox bugs back home! Funny thing is, most PR firms are painstakingly careful not to offend any media outlets, but here's a brave one that's willing to stand up and call Fox News—I'm really paraphrasing here—a den of dirty bloodsucking insects that has tainted anyone who set foot on its premises. Lots of people have said that before, but never a PR agency. Good show, Fleishman! Hope Fox doesn't get offended next time you're pitching them clients (such as Target, Motorola, Dow Chemical—email me for a longer list)! It's a good thing Fox News doesn't hold grudges, ha ha. Full pesticidal press release after the jump.

NO LONGER STUDIO GUESTS, DID BEDBUGS

FOLLOW NEWSMAKERS HOME?


Hot Shot® insecticide offers to help recent FOX News guests eradicate pests


ATLANTA, Mar. 19, 2008 - Following yesterday's New York Times report that the midtown Manhattan newsroom of FOX News was bitten by a case of bedbugs several weeks ago, the manufacturer of Hot Shot® insecticides is offering free product to the network's guests who may be worried that they accidentally transported the pests back to their homes.


"We want our newsmakers to live in a 'no-pest zone' and will ship them a complimentary fogger to rid their homes and offices of these itchy pests," said Allison Kaplinsky, brand manager for Hot Shot® products, which are manufactured by United Industries Corporation. "We understand that the problem no longer exists at the studio, but if these important people have been scratching their ankles, we want to help."


Generals, senators and rock stars who visited the studio may call a Hot Shot® representative at 314-982-1778, provide their name, the date they visited the studio, and the name of the program on which they appeared. The representative will take down the caller's contact information to arrange for delivery.


"Contrary to popular belief, bedbugs aren't caused by an unclean environment," said Kaplinsky. "They are actually transported by people, and often brought back after travel and hotel stays. We heard of the FOX News problem, and wanted to help guests who might have taken bedbugs home with them."


Bedbugs are nocturnal and feed on human blood. Generally active only at dawn, adult bedbugs are reddish-brown, flattened and wingless. The bugs are attracted to human warmth and the presence of carbon dioxide. While they typically don't pose a serious medical threat, the bug bites can leave scars and cause infection due to scratching.


Concerned FOX News guests and staff should call 314-982-1778 to request product between today and Wednesday, April 2.


About the Hot Shot® Flea Killer Plus Fogger
The Hot Shot Flea Killer Plus Fogger kills both adult and pre-adult (larvae) fleas for seven months. It also kills bedbugs, cockroaches, ticks and ants. Each can treats up to 5,000 cubic feet of unobstructed space.


About United Industries Corporation

United Industries Corporation, maker of Hot Shot® brand insect killers, is a subsidiary of Spectrum Brands, Inc., and is a leading supplier of lawn and garden care products and household insect and pest controls. Spectrum Brands is a global consumer products company whose merchandise is sold by the world's top 25 retailers and is available in more than one million stores in more than 120 countries around the world. Headquartered in Atlanta , Georgia , Spectrum Brands generated FY2007 net sales of approximately $2.0 billion. The company's stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SPC.


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