What You Don’t Want To Know, But Should.
Bed bugs are making a comeback after nearly vanishing in the 40’s and 50’s with the use of DDT. But, DDT has been banned and we don’t have an alternative solution to eradicate bedbugs. Forty bed bugs can multiply to about 6,000 in approximately six months. Yes, you read that right – 40 bed bugs can turn into 6,000 in six months and we don’t have any way to eliminate them permanently!
Bed bugs are in our schools, upscale hotels, stores, libraries, public transit, hospitals, movie theaters, daycare centers, summer camps, airplanes – they’re everywhere! We are without a doubt on the threshold of a bed bug pandemic. Columbus, Ohio, New York, and Toronto, Ontario are listed as the three-worst afflicted city in North America and it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better.
Bed bugs are not just a problem for the poor, filthy, homeless, shelters, hostels, or community housing. Nor are they related to people with special needs, those who are physically, mentally, developmentally challenged, or people with disabilities! Bed bugs don’t discriminate their sole source of food is blood, rich or poor we all have one thing in common – BLOOD!!! The major difference is the rich can afford to pay to have bed bugs purged from their homes without the “stigma” attached to bed bugs made public. Unfortunately the poor can’t, they have to rely on Government funding, which is an exceedingly slow process and extremely limited.
Why is there such an overwhelming, devastating “stigma” involved when it comes to bed bugs? Nobody wants to have bed bugs, the poor didn’t create the problem with bed bugs, there’s no reason one should feel ashamed if they do have bed bugs. But, we treat people who do have a bed bug infestation like it’s a dirty secret and no one should know. Once again, I have to ask why?
In my quest to find the answer to that question, I learnt a lot about bed bugs, their habits, how people can get a bed bug infestation, and most importantly what has to be done to rid your home of bed bugs, but I didn’t find the answer to my original question – WHY?
I’m going to share the knowledge I gained with you and hopefully someone can answer my question, WHY.
WHAT ARE BED BUGS? 
Bed bugs are insects that, as adults, have oval-shaped bodies with no wings. Prior to feeding, they are about 1/4 inch long and flat as paper. After feeding, they turn dark red and become bloated. Eggs are whitish, pear-shaped and about the size of a pinhead. Clusters of 10-50 eggs can be found in cracks and crevices. Bed bugs have a one-year life span during which time a female can lay 200-400 eggs depending on food supply and temperature. Eggs hatch in about 10 days.
WHAT DO BED BUGS FEED ON?
Bed bugs prefer to feed on human blood, but will also bite mammals and birds. Bed bugs bite at night, and will bite all over a human body, especially around the face, neck, upper torso, arms and hands. Bed bugs can survive up to six months without feeding. Both male and female bed bugs bite.
CAN I GET SICK FROM BED BUGS?
There are no known cases of infectious disease transmitted by bed bug bites. Most people are not aware that they have been bitten but some people are more sensitive to the bite and may have a localized reaction. Scratching the bitten areas can lead to infection.
HOW DO BED BUGS GET INTO MY HOME?
Bed bugs are often carried into a home on objects such as furniture and clothing. If you think you have a bed bug problem, check for live bed bugs or shells in the following areas:
* Seams, creases, tufts and folds of mattresses and box springs;
* Cracks in the bed frame and head board;
* Under chairs, couches, beds, dust covers;
* Between the cushions of couches and chairs;
* Under area rugs and the edges of carpets;
* Between the folds of curtains;
* In drawers;
* Behind baseboards, and around window and door casings;
* Behind electrical plates and under loose wallpaper, paintings and posters;
* In cracks in plaster; and
* In telephones, radios, clocks, kitchen appliances; and electronics.
Bed bugs can also travel from apartment to apartment along pipes, electrical wiring and other openings. If the infestation is heavy, a sweet smell may be noticed in the room.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BED BUGS IN YOUR HOME?
The best method to deal with bed bugs is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which combines a variety of techniques and products that pose the least risk to human health and the environment.
Consult with your local health department or a Professional Pest Control operator to confirm that you have bed bugs. Inspect your mattress and bed frame, particularly the folds, crevices and the underside, and other locations where bed bugs like to hide. Use a nozzle attachment on the vacuum to capture the bed bugs and their eggs. Vacuum all crevices on your mattress, bed frame, baseboards and any objects close to the bed. It is essential to vacuum daily and empty the vacuum immediately.
Wash all your linens in the hottest water possible and place them in a hot dryer for 20 minutes. Consider covering your pillows and mattress with a plastic cover. Remove all unnecessary clutter. Seal cracks and crevices between baseboards, on wood bed frames, floors and walls with caulking. Repair or remove peeling wallpaper, tighten loose light switch covers, and seal any openings where pipes, wires or other utilities come into your home. If you live in an apartment or condo pay special attention to walls that are shared between units.
Monitor daily by setting out glue boards or sticky tape, carpet tape works well, to catch the bed bugs. Closely examine any items that you are bringing into your home. Consult Professional Pest Control Services and discuss options that pose the least risk to humans and the environment. If you choose to treat the infestation with an insecticide, call a Professional Pest Control Service for more information. (Not all companies will provide you with free advice, but there’s an easy way around that. Inform them you’re comparing services and pricing and request a quote! They’ll want your business and will be happy to answer any question(s) you have.) Use the least toxic product available and follow all manufacturers’ instructions.
Whether you choose Integrated Pest Management or insecticides, you may continue to see some living bed bugs for up to ten days. This is normal. If you continue to see a large number of bed bugs after two weeks, notify your Property Manager or contact a Professional Pest Control Service.
What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like? 
When bed bugs bite people, they inject their saliva into the biting area, causing the skin to become irritated and inflamed. Individual responses to bed bug bites will vary. The skin lesion from bed bug bites may go unnoticed, or be mistaken for flea or mosquito bites or other skin conditions.
There are four types of skin rashes:
* The most common rash is made up of localized red and itchy flat lesions;
* The classical bed bug bites could be presented in a linear fashion in a group of three, which is called “breakfast, lunch, and dinner;
* Small raised red swelling lesions are also common;
* In rare cases, people may develop large raised, often itchy, red welts; and
* In people with high sensitivity to bed bug saliva, people may develop a lump filled with blood or fluid.
Bed bug bites most commonly occur on exposed areas of the body, face, neck, hands, arms, lower legs and sometimes all over the body.
HOW TO TREAT BED BUG BITES?
Most bed bug bites go away by themselves and don’t need treatment. Keep the skin clean and try not to scratch. If the bites are very itchy, your doctor may prescribe cream or antihistamines to relieve the itchiness. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for any secondary skin infection from excessive scratching.
HOW TO PREVENT BED BUGS FROM ENTERING YOUR HOME?
Although even the cleanest homes and hotels can have bed bugs, regular house cleaning, including vacuuming your mattress, can help to prevent an infestation. Clean up clutter to help reduce the number of places bed bugs can hide. Be careful when buying used furniture or clothes. Make sure to inspect any used item, and feel free to ask the retailer if the items were checked for bed bugs. Use caution when bringing home used furniture or clothes from the curb side. These items may be infested with bed bugs.
WHEN TRAVELING TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Inspect the room and furniture:
* Check all cracks and crevices of the mattress and box spring, and look for blood spots or live insects;
* Request a different room if you find evidence of beg bugs or if possible move to a different hotel!!!
Protect your luggage:
* Keep all belongings in your luggage and wrap your luggage in plastic to help prevent bed bugs from entering your luggage; and
* Keep luggage on the shelf or away from the floor.
Upon returning home:
* Keep your luggage in an isolated area of your home, such as the garage;
* Inspect the luggage; and
* Wash all your clothes in the hottest water possible and put them in a hot dryer for 20 minutes.
Multi-unit dwellings, including hotels, apartments, condos, hostels, shelters, student residences and rooming houses, are high-risk locations for bed bug infestations. The best method to deal with bed bugs is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which combines a variety of techniques and products that pose the least risk to human health and the environment.
If you live in an apartment or rented condo collaboration between tenants and landlords are necessary to eliminate bed bug infestations. (If you own the condo check your purchase agreement to verify who is responsible for pest control. There may be a clause stating you are financially responsible. If there isn’t speak with the property manager, they may hold you fiscally accountable. Since, there are other units adjacent to yours & they definitely don’t want a bed bug epidemic, they might cover the cost or split the expense with you.) The following steps are recommended for tenants, landlords and property managers dealing with bed bug infestations:
* Early detection of bed bug infestation is key;
* Tenants, immediately report a bed bug infestation to your Superintendent, Landlord or Property Manager;
* Property Managers, respond to tenant’s complaints about bed bugs without delay, and conduct proper inspections; and
* Consult Your Public Health Department or Professional Pest Control Services on how to confirm bed bugs infestations.
CONTROL OF BED BUGS:
Use a Professional Pest Control service experienced in bed bug control and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Consult with tenant(s) in bed bug-affected unit(s) to ensure adequate preparation steps have been taken to prepare room(s) prior to treatment. After treatment ensure an inspection by either the Property Manager/Landlord or Pest Control Professional is carried out to assess the treatment’s effectiveness and determine if more spray is needed. Often numerous treatments are required.
Prevention:
Seal cracks and crevices between baseboards, on wood bed frames, floors and walls with caulking;
Repair or remove peeling wallpaper;
Tighten loose light switch covers; and
Seal any openings where pipes, wires or other utilities come into the home (pay special attention to walls that are shared between apartments).
Furniture removal:
Furniture from infested homes, apartments, condos or office buildings should be removed as soon as possible; and
When possible dismantled all furniture so they are not picked up by someone else.
Set of guidelines for the treatment of bed bugs in multi-unit dwellings for Pest Management Professionals (PMP).
Before the treatment begins, all occupants, including pets, must leave the unit and not enter for a minimum of 4 – 6 hours after the technician arrives. If your immune system is compromised do not return for a minimum of 48 hours. Aquariums may remain in place as long as the filtration and aeration systems are turned off and the tank is adequately covered. Filtration and aeration equipment should be turned back on 6 hours after treatment. Anyone who is pregnant or has allergies or asthma should take the necessary precautions.
Before treatment:
* All clutter should be removed from the unit;
* If possible, steam clean, wet vacuum or shampoo any carpeting and furnishings;
* Vacuum the mattress thoroughly including the crevices, handles and buttons;
* Vacuum bed frame, baseboards and objects/flooring close to bed;
* Immediately discard the vacuum bag, place in tightly sealed garbage bag before disposal;
* Remove all clothing from dressers and closets, place in clean plastic bags or plastic totes;
* Bookshelves, nightstands, wardrobes, and desks, must be emptied so the technician can spray the undersides of the furniture; and
* Place all items in tightly sealed garbage bags and leave them in the room to be treated.
LAUNDERING
All clothing items should be placed in garbage bags sealed and emptied directly into the washing machine. When the laundering cycles are complete, the clean laundry should be placed in new clear garbage bags and sealed during the treatment process. The garbage bags used for transporting clothing articles to the laundry room should be discarded outside the premise as they may contain bed bugs. For severe infestations, water soluble bags should be used if possible to collect sheets and clothing and put directly into the wash. It is important to launder items using hot water as cold water will not kill bed bugs or their eggs. All clean clothes should be put in the dryer on high for a minimum of 20 minutes. Some clothing may require dry cleaning.
BEDS
All bedding must be removed before the technician arrives. Soiled bedding should be washed in hot water (separate from all other laundry) or dry cleaned before or soon after the treatment to avoid resurgence of bed bugs. Pillows should also be placed in the dryer on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes. After treatment, bed skirts should be avoided; bedding tucked in tightly; and bed kept a few inches away from the wall.
BABY CRIBS
All linen should be laundered. All toys should be washed in soapy hot water and stuffed toys should be placed in dryer on high heat for 20 minutes.
DRESSERS AND NIGHT TABLES
All contents of dressers are to be placed in garbage bags and placed in the dryer cycle on hot for a minimum of 20 minutes. All articles on top of dresser are to be removed and placed in plastic bags or plastic totes. Bookshelves, nightstands or other furniture in the immediate area must be emptied so that the technician can spray the undersides of the furniture. Furniture and items should be moved at least 30 cm (12 inches) away from the walls to facilitate spraying of the baseboards. Shelving and drawers should be clean.
CLOSETS
All closets including linen closets are to be emptied. Clean articles should be placed in the dryer on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes. All soiled articles need to be washed in hot water and then dried in high heat. Laundromat dryers may have lower heat settings and may not heat up to 60o C so the full cycle should be used.
SOFAS AND CHAIRS
All chair covers, throws and pillows must be laundered prior to treatment.
DISPOSAL OF FURNITURE
Discarding beds, bedding, and furniture is NOT a sound approach to bed bug control as they can be easily re-infested. Furniture that is infested with bed bugs that cannot be salvaged needs to be disposed of in a manner that will prevent the further spread of bed bugs. In the process of removing a piece of furniture, bed bugs can escape into hallways and make their way into new apartments spreading the problem to new areas.
If you decide to throw out bed bug infested furniture:
* Take apart, deface or damage the piece of furniture to ensure it cannot be reused;
* Mattresses should be slashed or otherwise damaged to make it unusable and wrapped;
* Wrap the furniture in plastic so bed bugs cannot escape-this should be done in the unit before the mattress is removed; and
* Put in trash shortly before pick-up, so it doesn’t sit for a long time.
| MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT BEDBUGS
Myth: Bed bugs are too small to see.
Fact: Although they may be difficult to find because they hide well, bed bugs are big enough to be seen with the naked eye. Bed bugs look similar to an apple seed in size and appearance. |
|
Myth: Bed bugs are only found in shelters; just poor people or dirty people get them.
Fact: Bed bugs can be found in hotels, motels, dormitories, apartments, condos, private homes, and even in some public places, such as businesses and offices. Anyone can get bed bugs.
Myth: Walking into a room that has bed bugs means you will get bed bugs.
Fact: Bed bugs do not jump or fly. They spend 90% of their time hiding and are usually only active at night, but in severe bed bug infestations they will come out during the day. Bed bugs have a tendency to avoid light and do not like to be disturbed. Nevertheless, they will appear regardless if there is light or not.
Myth: Bed bugs cause disease.
Fact: Bed bugs are not considered a health hazard and do not transmit disease. Bed bug bites, however, can cause allergic reaction in some people similar to a mosquito bite. Frequent scratching of the bite marks or picking the scabs can cause infections. But according to most reports, bedbugs significantly impact mental health, causing anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation, shame, isolation and paranoia.
Myth: Chemicals/pesticides will kill bed bugs.
Fact: Pesticide application alone will not kill bed bugs at all stages. Successful treatment depends on an Integrated Pest Management approach to bed bug control which involves, vacuuming, and steaming, laundering belongings, sealing areas and gaps where bed bugs can hide. Do NOT use over the counter pest control products or home remedies such as kerosene – they do not work.
What You Don’t Want To Know, But Should. Bed bugs are making a comeback after nearly vanishing in the 40’s and 50’s with the use of DDT. But, DDT has been banned and we don’t have an alternative solution to eradicate bedbugs. Forty bed bugs can multiply to about 6,000 in approximately six months. Yes, you read that right – 40 bed bugs can turn into 6,000 in six months and we don’t have any way to eliminate them permanently!
Bed bugs are in our schools, upscale hotels, stores, libraries, public transit, hospitals, movie theatres, daycare centers, summer camps, airplanes – they’re everywhere! We are without a doubt on the threshold of a bed bug pandemic. Columbus, Ohio, New York, and Toronto, Ontario are listed as the three-worst afflicted city in North America and it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better.
Bed bugs are not just a problem for the poor, filthy, homeless, shelters, hostels, or community housing. Nor are they only related to people with special needs, those who are physically, mentally, developmentally challenged, or people with disabilities! Bed bugs don’t discriminate their sole source of food is blood, rich or poor we all have one thing in common – BLOOD!!! The major difference is the rich can afford to pay to have bed bugs purged from their homes without the “stigma” attached to bed bugs made public. Unfortunately the poor can’t, they have to rely on Government funding, which is an exceedingly slow process and extremely limited.
Why is there such an overwhelming, devastating “stigma” involved when it comes to bed bugs? Nobody wants to have bed bugs, the poor didn’t create the problem with bed bugs, there’s no reason one should feel ashamed if they do have bed bugs. But, we treat people who do have a bed bug infestation like it’s a dirty secret and no one should know. Once again, I have to ask why? In my quest to find the answer to that question, I learnt a lot about bed bugs, their habits, how people can get a bed bug infestation, and most importantly what has to be done to rid your home of bed bugs, but I didn’t find the answer to my original question – WHY?
I’m going to share the knowledge I gained with you and hopefully someone can answer my question, WHY.
WHAT ARE BED BUGS?
Bed bugs are insects that, as adults, have oval-shaped bodies with no wings. Prior to feeding, they are about 1/4 inch long and flat as paper. After feeding, they turn dark red and become bloated. Eggs are whitish, pear-shaped and about the size of a pinhead. Clusters of 10-50 eggs can be found in cracks and crevices. Bed bugs have a one-year life span during which time a female can lay 200-400 eggs depending on food supply and temperature. Eggs hatch in about 10 days.
WHAT DO BED BUGS FEED ON?
Bed bugs prefer to feed on human blood, but will also bite mammals and birds. Bed bugs bite at night, and will bite all over a human body, especially around the face, neck, upper torso, arms and hands. Bed bugs can survive up to six months without feeding. Both male and female bed bugs bite.
CAN I GET SICK FROM BED BUGS?
There are no known cases of infectious disease transmitted by bed bug bites. Most people are not aware that they have been bitten but some people are more sensitive to the bite and may have a localized reaction. Scratching the bitten areas can lead to infection.
HOW DO BED BUGS GET INTO MY HOME?
Bed bugs are often carried into a home on objects such as furniture and clothing. If you think you have a bed bug problem, check for live bed bugs or shells in the following areas:
* Seams, creases, tufts and folds of mattresses and box springs;
* Cracks in the bed frame and head board;
* Under chairs, couches, beds, dust covers;
* Between the cushions of couches and chairs;
* Under area rugs and the edges of carpets;
* Between the folds of curtains;
* In drawers;
* Behind baseboards, and around window and door casings;
* Behind electrical plates and under loose wallpaper, paintings and posters;
* In cracks in plaster; and
* In telephones, radios, clocks, kitchen appliances; and electronics.
Bed bugs can also travel from apartment to apartment along pipes, electrical wiring and other openings. If the infestation is heavy, a sweet smell may be noticed in the room.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BED BUGS IN YOUR HOME?
The best method to deal with bed bugs is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which combines a variety of techniques and products that pose the least risk to human health and the environment.
Consult with your local health department or a Professional Pest Control operator to confirm that you have bed bugs. Inspect your mattress and bed frame, particularly the folds, crevices and the underside, and other locations where bed bugs like to hide. Use a nozzle attachment on the vacuum to capture the bed bugs and their eggs. Vacuum all crevices on your mattress, bed frame, baseboards and any objects close to the bed. It is essential to vacuum daily and empty the vacuum immediately.
Wash all your linens in the hottest water possible and place them in a hot dryer for 20 minutes. Consider covering your pillows and mattress with a plastic cover. Remove all unnecessary clutter. Seal cracks and crevices between baseboards, on wood bed frames, floors and walls with caulking. Repair or remove peeling wallpaper, tighten loose light switch covers, and seal any openings where pipes, wires or other utilities come into your home. If you live in an apartment or condo pay special attention to walls that are shared between units.
Monitor daily by setting out glue boards or sticky tape, carpet tape works well, to catch the bed bugs. Closely examine any items that you are bringing into your home. Consult Professional Pest Control Services and discuss options that pose the least risk to humans and the environment. If you choose to treat the infestation with an insecticide, call a Professional Pest Control Service for more information. (Not all companies will provide you with free advice, but there’s an easy way around that. Inform them you’re comparing services and pricing and request a quote! They’ll want your business and will be happy to answer any question(s) you have.) Use the least toxic product available and follow all manufacturers’ instructions.
Whether you choose Integrated Pest Management or insecticides, you may continue to see some living bed bugs for up to ten days. This is normal. If you continue to see a large number of bed bugs after two weeks, notify your Property Manager or contact a Professional Pest Control Service.
What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?
When bed bugs bite people, they inject their saliva into the biting area, causing the skin to become irritated and inflamed. Individual responses to bed bug bites will vary. The skin lesion from bed bug bites may go unnoticed, or be mistaken for flea or mosquito bites or other skin conditions.
There are four types of skin rashes:
* The most common rash is made up of localized red and itchy flat lesions;
* The classical bed bug bites could be presented in a linear fashion in a group of three, which is called “breakfast, lunch, and dinner;
* Small raised red swelling lesions are also common;
* In rare cases, people may develop large raised, often itchy, red welts; and
* In people with high sensitivity to bed bug saliva, people may develop a lump filled with blood or fluid.
Bed bug bites most commonly occur on exposed areas of the body, face, neck, hands, arms, lower legs and sometimes all over the body.
HOW TO TREAT BED BUG BITES?
Most bed bug bites go away by themselves and don’t need treatment. Keep the skin clean and try not to scratch. If the bites are very itchy, your doctor may prescribe cream or antihistamines to relieve the itchiness. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for any secondary skin infection from excessive scratching.
HOW TO I PREVENT BED BUGS FROM ENTERING YOUR HOME?
Although even the cleanest homes and hotels can have bed bugs, regular house cleaning, including vacuuming your mattress, can help to prevent an infestation. Clean up clutter to help reduce the number of places bed bugs can hide. Be careful when buying used furniture or clothes. Make sure to inspect any used item, and feel free to ask the retailer if the items were checked for bed bugs. Use caution when bringing home used furniture or clothes from the curb side. These items may be infested with bed bugs.
WHEN TRAVELING TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Inspect the room and furniture:
* Check all cracks and crevices of the mattress and box spring, and look for blood spots or live insects;
* Request a different room if you find evidence of beg bugs or if possible move to a different hotel!!!
Protect your luggage:
* Keep all belongings in your luggage and wrap your luggage in plastic to help prevent bed bugs from entering your luggage; and
* Keep luggage on the shelf or away from the floor.
Upon returning home:
* Keep your luggage in an isolated area of your home, such as the garage;
* Inspect the luggage; and
* Wash all your clothes in the hottest water possible and put them in a hot dryer for 20 minutes.
Multi-unit dwellings, including hotels, apartments, condos, hostels, shelters, student residences and rooming houses, are high-risk locations for bed bug infestations. The best method to deal with bed bugs is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which combines a variety of techniques and products that pose the least risk to human health and the environment.
If you live in an apartment or rented condo collaboration between tenants and landlords are necessary to eliminate bed bug infestations. (If you own the condo check your purchase agreement to verify who is responsible for pest control. There may be a clause stating you are financially responsible. If there isn’t speak with the property manager, they may hold you fiscally accountable. Since, there are other units adjacent to yours & they definitely don’t want a bed bug epidemic, they might cover the cost or split the expenses with you.) The following steps are recommended for tenants, landlords and property managers dealing with bed bug infestations:
* Early detection of bed bug infestation is key;
* Tenants, immediately report a bed bug infestation to your Superintendent, Landlord or Property Manager;
* Property Managers, respond to tenant’s complaints about bed bugs without delay, and conduct proper inspections; and
* Consult Your Public Health Department or Professional Pest Control Services on how to confirm bed bugs infestations.
CONTROL OF BED BUGS:
Use a Professional Pest Control service experienced in bed bug control and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Consult with tenant(s) in bed bug-affected unit(s) to ensure adequate preparation steps have been taken to prepare room(s) prior to treatment. After treatment ensure an inspection by either the Property Manager/Landlord or Pest Control Professional is carried out to assess the treatment’s effectiveness and determine if more spray is needed. Often numerous treatments are required.
Prevention:
Seal cracks and crevices between baseboards, on wood bed frames, floors and walls with caulking;
Repair or remove peeling wallpaper;
Tighten loose light switch covers; and
Seal any openings where pipes, wires or other utilities come into the home (pay special attention to walls that are shared between apartments).
Furniture removal:
Furniture from infested homes, apartments, condos or office buildings should be removed as soon as possible; and
When possible dismantled all furniture so they are not picked up by someone else.
Set of guidelines for the treatment of bed bugs in multi-unit dwellings for Pest Management Professionals (PMP).
Before the treatment begins, all occupants, including pets, must leave the unit and not enter for a minimum of 4 – 6 hours after the technician arrives. If your immune system is compromised do not return for a minimum of 48 hours. Aquariums may remain in place as long as the filtrations and aeration systems are turned off and the tank is adequately covered. Filtration and aeration equipment should be turned back on 6 hours after treatment. Anyone who is pregnant or has allergies or asthma should take the necessary precautions.
Before treatment:
* All clutter should be removed from the unit;
* If possible, steam clean, wet vacuum or shampoo any carpeting and furnishings;
* Vacuum the mattress thoroughly including the crevices, handles and buttons;
* Vacuum bed frame, baseboards and objects/flooring close to bed;
* Immediately discard the vacuum bag, place in tightly sealed garbage bag before disposal;
* Remove all clothing from dressers and closets, place in clean plastic bags or plastic totes;
* Bookshelves, nightstands, wardrobes, and desks, must be emptied so the technician can spray the undersides of the furniture; and
* Place all items in tightly sealed garbage bags and leave them in the room to be treated.
LAUNDERING
All clothing items should be placed in garbage bags sealed and emptied directly into the washing machine. When the laundering cycles are complete, the clean laundry should be placed in new clear garbage bags and sealed during the treatment process. The garbage bags used for transporting clothing articles to the laundry room should be discarded outside the premise as they may contain bed bugs. For severe infestations, water soluble bags should be used if possible to collect sheets and clothing and put directly into the wash. It is important to launder items using hot water as cold water will not kill bed bugs or their eggs. All clean clothes should be put in the dryer on high for a minimum of 20 minutes. Some clothing may require dry cleaning.
BEDS
All bedding must be removed before the technician arrives. Soiled bedding should be washed in hot water (separate from all other laundry) or dry cleaned before or soon after the treatment to avoid resurgence of bed bugs. Pillows should also be placed in the dryer on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes. After treatment, bed skirts should be avoided; bedding tucked in tightly; and bed kept a few inches away from the wall.
BABY CRIBS
All linen should be laundered. All toys should be washed in soapy hot water and stuffed toys should be placed in dryer on high heat for 20 minutes.
DRESSERS AND NIGHT TABLES
All contents of dressers are to be placed in garbage bags and placed in the dryer cycle on hot for a minimum of 20 minutes. All articles on top of dresser are to be removed and placed in plastic bags or plastic totes. Bookshelves, nightstands or other furniture in the immediate area must be emptied so that the technician can spray the undersides of the furniture. Furniture and items should be moved at least 30 cm (12 inches) away from the walls to facilitate spraying of the baseboards. Shelving and drawers should be clean.
CLOSETS
All closets including linen closets are to be emptied. Clean articles should be placed in the dryer on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes. All soiled articles need to be washed in hot water and then dried in high heat. Laundromat dryers may have lower heat settings and may not heat up to 60o C so the full cycle should be used.
SOFAS AND CHAIRS
All chair covers, throws and pillows must be laundered prior to treatment.
DISPOSAL OF FURNITURE
Discarding beds, bedding, and furniture is NOT a sound approach to bed bug control as they can be easily re-infested. Furniture that is infested with bed bugs that cannot be salvaged needs to be disposed of in a manner that will prevent the further spread of bed bugs. In the process of removing a piece of furniture, bed bugs can escape into hallways and make their way into new apartments spreading the problem to new areas.
If you decide to throw out bed bug infested furniture:
* Take apart, deface or damage the piece of furniture to ensure it cannot be reused;
* Mattresses should be slashed or otherwise damaged to make it unusable and wrapped;
* Wrap the furniture in plastic so bed bugs cannot escape-this should be done in the unit before the mattress is removed; and
* Put in trash shortly before pick-up, so it doesn’t sit for a long time.
|
MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT BEDBUGS
Myth: Bed bugs are too small to see.
Fact: Although they may be difficult to find because they hide well, bed bugs are big enough to be seen with the naked eye. Bed bugs look similar to an apple seed in size and appearance.
|
|
Myth: Bed bugs are only found in shelters; only poor people or dirty people get them.
Fact: Bed bugs can be found in hotels, motels, dormitories, apartments, condos, private homes, and even in some public places, such as businesses and offices. Anyone can get bed bugs.
Myth: Walking into a room that has bed bugs means you will get bed bugs.
Fact: Bed bugs do not jump or fly. They spend 90% of their time hiding and are usually only active at night, but in severe bed bug infestations they will come out during the day. Bed bugs have a tendency to avoid light and do not like to be disturbed. Nevertheless, they will appear regardless if there is light or not.
Myth: Bed bugs cause disease.
Fact: Bed bugs are not considered a health hazard and do not transmit disease. Bed bug bites, however, can cause allergic reaction in some people similar to a mosquito bite. Frequent scratching of the bite marks or picking the scabs can cause infections. But according to most reports, bedbugs significantly impact mental health, causing anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation, shame, isolation and paranoia.
Myth: Chemicals/pesticides will kill bed bugs.
Fact: Pesticide application alone will not kill bed bugs at all stages. Successful treatment depends on an Integrated Pest Management approach to bed bug control which involves, vacuuming, and steaming, laundering belongings, sealing areas and gaps where bed bugs can hide. Do NOT use over the counter pest control products or home remedies such as kerosene – they do not work.
