Bed Bugs – resistance to pesticides
Cliff Eccles – Operations Director of Bed Bug Specialist,Heat and Go, reports that in USA a new study validates several other recent study findings on the inability of commonly used pyrethroid based pesticide products to control bed bug infestations.
The results reinforce the voices of concerned of the public calling for a wider adoption of proven, non-toxic methods to manage bed bugs and other household pest problems. The study was published in the June issue of the Journal of Economic Entomology.
While there is no magic bullet solution to bed bug eradication, there are ways to control them without the use of dangerous chemical pesticides. It will take better awareness by the public about travel tips and for local authorities to manage infestations in public housing and other high density areas. The first stage with many public and private dwellings will be to de-clutter to reduce the harbourages.
Hotel and Residence Managers will need to take and Integrated Pest Management approach through staff training and awareness. A pragmatic approach should be taken to carrying out detailed room inspections with the emphasis around mattress’s headboards, bed bases and nearby furniture to ensure that they are clear of bed bugs.
Bed Bugs can be effectively controlled through a comprehensive strategy that incorporates monitoring, cleaning, sealing and heat treatments.
Below are steps you can take to reduce and get rid of bed bug populations:
• Caulk and seal crevices. Deny bed bugs from harbouring.
• Eliminate clutter. Getting rid of as much clutter as possible will help you locate and eliminate infestations.
• Vacuum. This will only remove visible bed bugs, but is important to get rid of dead bed bugs and their frass. Use a stiff brush to dislodge eggs in cracks and crevices and use a vacuum attachment that does not have bristles to get into the corners. Be sure to discard the bag immediately after vacuuming.
• Launder Fabrics and Clothing. Wash and dry clothing for 30 minutes or a full cycle at the hottest setting the fabric will allow. Dry clean only clothes can simply be put into the dryer. If the fabric is too delicate for the hottest temperature, place it on a lower heat setting and let it run for the full cycle.
• Encase mattresses and bed bases. Make sure the encasement has been tested for bed bugs and will not rip and does not contain synthetic pesticides impregnated in the material. It will eventually kill all bed bugs inside.
• Heat Treatment. Heat, will provide complete control of bed bugs and their eggs, if all areas of infestation reach 120 degrees F.
