Bed Bug Treatment Techniques from the Experts

Bed Bug Treatment Techniques from the Experts

If you haven’t experienced any bed bug horror stories, then you most likely have heard a few. Although the bed bug epidemic of 2010 might be over, according to Brooklyn Magazine, they are still around and ready to attack. Bed bugs can result in serious issues, from lawsuits to closing up shop. Here are the insider techniques of an expert pest technician, which you can use to keep your business–and bed bugs–under control.

Bed Bug Inspection and Awareness

Because several employees may be visiting rooms and interacting with guests, staff should be trained and remain alert for evidence of bed bugs in rooms and on guests. If activity is suspected one should inspect the mattress, box spring and headboard for any insects. If an insect is found a sample should be saved and verified by a trained staff member or pest management personnel. If bed bug activity is confirmed alert your pest control company in a manner to allow for in-house preparation and bed bug treatment.

Bed Bug Preparation

Once a bed bug issue is reported, the pest technician should re-inspect the area and schedule treatment. At the day of service all linens must be removed and put in the dryer for immediate treatment. Remove the guest prior to treatment wearing clean bedbug free clothing (items that were just laundered). Your pest technician should advise on how to prepare all other items. Mattresses, box springs, pictures and other objects will have to be moved by staff per pest management technician’s instructions. In addition to inspecting the surrounding rooms, also inspect the individuals the guest may spend time with or regularly sit next to at meals or activities. Also keep in mind other items the guest carries or uses, such as a wheelchair–these items must be addressed as well.

Bed Bug Treatment

The beds, night tables, dressers, closets and even pictures need treatment. You should immediately remove and bag all linens, clothing and items that can be placed in a dryer. The cycle should be on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes (do not over pack dryer). Items can be returned to the room in sealed plastic bags if they cannot be stored till after initial treatment and additional recommendations. Outlet covers should also be removed and if your guest is wheelchair bound, the chair should remain in the suite for treatment; all removable, washable items should be cleaned.

The pest technician might use dry steam vapor and registered pesticides depending on the specific issue, or place insecticide dust into wall voids and in “hot” spot areas. The affected rooms should receive a follow up service 10-14 days following the initial service. All beds and box springs must be covered with an approved bed bug encasement. For follow up service guests should be out of room for and three hours following. Following the second treatment one should pay attention to any new bites or insects observed in the room.

These treatments should be done by a professional. We hope you find these tips useful feel free to incorporate them into your bed bug plan. Continue checking back for more pest advice from the experts.