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Tips for Maintaining a Bed Bug-Free Environment Post-Extermination

After the relief of a successful bed bug extermination, the last thing anyone wants is a recurrence. Bed bugs are persistent pests that can cause discomfort, disrupt sleep, and affect the reputation of businesses, especially those in the hospitality industry. Furthermore, maintaining a bed bug-free environment requires diligence and a proactive approach to prevention. In this post, we’ll explore effective strategies for keeping your home or business free from bed bugs post-extermination. By including these tips into your regular routine, you can protect your space from future infestations.

Understanding Bed Bugs

First and foremost, to prevent bed bugs effectively, it’s important to understand their behavior. In other words, bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, traveling from one place to another on luggage, clothing, and furniture. They prefer hiding in cracks and crevices close to human sleeping areas, waiting to feed on blood at night. Knowing this can guide your bed bug prevention efforts, focusing on reducing their hiding spots and opportunities to hitch a ride into your space.

Regular Inspection and Monitoring

One of the key strategies in bed bug prevention post-extermination is regular inspection and monitoring. Check beds, furniture, and baseboards regularly for signs of bed bugs, such as small brown or red spots, shed skins, and the bugs themselves. Use bed bug interceptors under bed and furniture legs to catch and monitor for bed bugs. This ongoing vigilance is crucial in catching any new bed bugs early, preventing them from becoming established.

Encasements and Protective Covers

Meanwhile, invest in high-quality mattress and box spring encasements designed to keep bed bugs out. These covers are made of strong materials with tight zippers that prevent bed bugs from entering or escaping. By encasing your mattress and box spring, you create a barrier that protects against bed bugs, making it easier to spot and address any signs of bed bugs.

Clutter Reduction

Importantly, clutter provides numerous hiding spots for bed bugs, making removal efforts more difficult and increasing the risk of a reinfestation. By clutter, you get rid of potential bed bug hiding areas. Regularly declutter your space, focusing on areas around and under beds, closets, and storage areas. This not only aids in bed bug prevention but also makes inspections more effective.

Travel Smart

Since bed bugs are adept at hitchhiking, traveling can often lead to unintentional introductions into your home or business. To prevent this, always inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs upon arrival. In addition, keep luggage off the floor on luggage racks, preferably after inspecting the rack itself. Consider using luggage covers and packing clothes in sealable plastic bags. Upon returning home, immediately wash all clothes in hot water and vacuum your suitcase before storing it away.

Professional Follow-Up Treatments

However, even after a successful extermination, follow-up treatments by professionals can be a crucial step in ensuring that any lingering bed bugs are dealt with. Consult with your pest control provider about recommended follow-up treatments and inspections. Generally, these professionals can offer personalized advice and strategies specific to your situation, improving your preventive measures. 

Educate Yourself and Others

Additionally, education is a powerful tool in the fight against bed bugs. Learn about their habits, life cycle, and signs of bed bugs. Plus, share this knowledge with family members, employees, or tenants, ensuring everyone is aware of what to look for and how to respond. The more informed people are, the less likely bed bugs are to find a foothold in your space.

Immediate Response to Signs of Bed Bugs

It’s key that if you notice any signs of bed bugs, act immediately. The sooner bed bugs are addressed, the easier and less costly they will be to eliminate. Contact a professional pest control service that specializes in bed bug extermination. Quick and firm action can prevent a few bed bugs from turning into a full-blown infestation.

Seal Cracks and Openings

Since bed bugs can move between rooms or apartments through cracks in walls and floors, sealing these openings with caulk or another appropriate material can prevent their spread. Pay special attention to areas where pipes and wires enter walls and floors, as these can serve as paths for bed bugs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining a bed bug-free environment post-extermination requires a combination of watchfulness, knowledge, and proactive measures. By regularly inspecting your space, reducing clutter, using protective covers, being cautious while traveling, and responding quickly to any signs of bed bugs, you can significantly reduce the risk of a reinfestation. Surely remember, prevention is always easier and more cost-effective than dealing with an established infestation.

Ensure a Bed Bug-Free Home with Our Expert Pest Control Services in the Chicagoland Area! Call us now at (773) 570-0070 to protect your home and family from bed bug infestations.

Understanding the Bed Bug Lifecycle for Effective Extermination

Bed bugs are notorious for their resilience and ability to spread quickly from one place to another. These tiny pests can cause significant discomfort and stress, making effective extermination a priority for homeowners and pest control professionals alike. Understanding the bed bug lifecycle is crucial in devising strategies that are not just temporary fixes but provide long-term solutions to bed bug infestations. This post delves into the different stages of the bed bug lifecycle, emphasizing why this knowledge is essential for successful extermination.

Introduction to the Bed Bug Lifecycle

The lifecycle of a bed bug consists of several stages, starting from an egg to becoming a full-fledged adult. This cycle is critical in understanding the behavior and vulnerabilities of bed bugs at different points in their life. The stages include the egg, nymph (five substages), and adult stages. Each stage presents unique challenges and opportunities for pest control.

Egg Stage

The journey begins when a female bed bug lays eggs. These eggs are pearl-white and about 1mm in length, making them challenging to spot without magnification. A female can lay up to 5 eggs a day and may lay several hundred in her lifetime. The eggs hatch in about 6 to 10 days, depending on environmental conditions, primarily temperature and humidity. Recognizing and targeting the egg stage is crucial for preventing a new generation of bed bugs from maturing.

Nymph Stages

After hatching, they reach the nymph stage of the bed bug lifecycle, of which there are five. Nymphs are smaller and lighter in color compared to adults but become darker as they mature. Each nymph stage requires at least one blood meal to molt and progress to the next stage. This process takes about 5 weeks in optimal conditions. The nymph stages are critical periods for intervention, as nymphs are less resistant to treatments than adults.

Adult Stage

Once adulthood is reached in the bed bug lifecycle, it can start reproducing. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, reddish-brown, and can live up to 10 months under favorable conditions. Adults can survive months without feeding, making them particularly tough adversaries. Effective extermination strategies must account for adult bed bugs’ resilience and their ability to hide in tiny crevices.

Why Understanding the Lifecycle is Important for Extermination

Targeted Treatment Strategies

Knowing which stage of the bed bugs life cycle are in can help pest control professionals devise targeted treatment strategies. For example, treatments that are effective on nymphs may not be as effective on eggs or adult bed bugs. A comprehensive approach that targets all stages of the lifecycle is often necessary to fully eradicate an infestation.

Timing of Treatments

Understanding the bed bug lifecycle also helps in timing the treatments correctly. Since bed bugs can go long periods without feeding, it’s essential to schedule follow-up treatments to catch any stragglers or newly hatched nymphs before they can mature and reproduce.

Prevention of Future Infestations

Knowledge of the bed bug lifecycle is not only crucial for extermination but also for prevention. By understanding how and where bed bugs lay their eggs, homeowners and pest control professionals can implement strategies to detect and prevent infestations before they become widespread.

Best Practices for Bed Bug Extermination

  • Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect beds, furniture, and cracks in walls or flooring for signs of bed bugs or their eggs.
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Use a combination of chemical and non-chemical treatments tailored to the specific stages of the bed bug lifecycle present in the infestation.
  • Heat Treatments: Heat treatments can be effective at killing bed bugs at all stages of their lifecycle, including eggs.
  • Chemical Treatments: Use insecticides carefully, following manufacturer instructions, and consider the lifecycle stage of the bed bugs when choosing products.
  • Professional Help: Due to the complexity of bed bug lifecycles and resistance to certain treatments, enlisting professional pest control services is often the most effective way to ensure complete extermination.

Conclusion: Bed Bug Lifecycle 

Understanding the bed bug lifecycle and how to identify them at each stage,  is pivotal in combating these pests effectively. Each stage of the lifecycle presents unique challenges that require a knowledgeable and strategic approach to extermination. By focusing on the bed bug lifecycle, homeowners and pest control professionals can implement more effective, long-lasting solutions to bed bug infestations. Remember, successful bed bug control is not just about dealing with the problem at hand but preventing future infestations by targeting the pests at every stage of their lifecycle.

Ensure a Bed Bug-Free Home with Our Expert Pest Control Services in the Chicagoland Area! Call us now at (773) 570-0070 to protect your home and family from bed bug infestations.

Understanding Bed Bugs: Facts and Myths

Mystery and misinformation often shroud bed bugs, leading to unnecessary panic and ineffective control measures. In this comprehensive guide, we aim to debunk the myths and provide factual information, crucial for understanding bed bugs effective bed bug control.

Common Misconceptions

Myth 1: Bed Bugs Only Live in Dirty Environments 

A common misconception is that bed bugs only infest dirty or unkempt environments. In the process of understanding bed bugs, its crucial to recognize that cleanliness has little to do with bed bug infestations. These tiny pests, being opportunistic, can thrive in any environment as long as they can access their food source – human blood. They are as likely to be found in immaculate homes and upscale hotels as they are in less sanitary conditions.

Myth 2: Bed Bugs Transmit Diseases 

Despite their unsettling presence, bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans. According to extensive research, while they do feed on blood, there is no evidence to suggest that they spread any infections or diseases. However, their bites can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, ranging from mild to severe.

Myth 3: Bed Bugs are Invisible to the Naked Eye 

Another myth is the belief that bed bugs are too small to be seen. In reality, adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and can definitely be seen without magnification. Their eggs and nymphs are smaller and more challenging to spot but not impossible.

Myth 4: Bed Bugs Can Fly 

Bed bugs do not have wings and cannot fly. They move by crawling and are adept at climbing onto furniture, bedding, and clothing. Their mobility makes it easy for them to travel from one place to another, often hitchhiking on luggage, personal belongings, and second-hand furniture

Myth 5: Bed Bugs Live Exclusively in Beds

Contrary to popular belief and partly contributing to the challenge of understanding bed bugs, these pests do not reside only in beds. While they are commonly found in mattresses and bed frames due to their proximity to a sleeping host, bed bugs can also inhabit a variety of locations. These include furniture, carpets, behind wallpapers, and even in electrical outlets. This widespread habitat range makes them harder to detect and eliminate.

The Truth about These Persistent Pests

Fact 1: Bed Bugs are Nocturnal 

Bed bugs are predominantly nocturnal creatures. They usually come out at night to feed, attracted by the carbon dioxide and warmth emitted by humans. Moreover, they can adapt their feeding habits to the sleeping patterns of their hosts and might bite during the day, especially in heavily infested areas.

Fact 2: Bed Bugs Have a Rapid Reproduction Cycle 

The reproduction cycle of bed bugs is alarmingly fast. A female bed bug can lay hundreds of eggs over her lifetime, and a bed bug population can multiply rapidly under optimal conditions. This is why understanding bed bugs is crucial when it comes to early detection and prompt bed bug control measures.

Fact 3: Bed Bugs Prefer to Hide Close to Their Food Source  

Bed bugs tend to hide close to where humans sleep or rest. This includes mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and nearby furniture. Additionally, Their ability to hide in tiny crevices makes detecting and eradicating them challenging.

Fact 4: Professional Treatment is the Most Effective Way to Control Bed Bugs  

While DIY methods are popular, professional pest control services generally deal more effectively with bed bug infestations. Professionals have access to a variety of tools and methods, such as heat treatment and insecticides, that are not available to the general public. They also have the expertise to ensure that the infestation is thoroughly eradicated.

Prevention and Early Detection

Preventative measures are key in bed bug control. Regularly inspecting hotel rooms and second-hand furniture, reducing clutter, and using protective covers on mattresses can help prevent infestations. Early detection is also crucial. Look out for signs such as small blood spots on bedding, a sweet musty odor, and, of course, live bed bugs.

Understanding bed bugs is crucial in managing and preventing infestations. Dispelling myths and misconceptions allows for more effective control strategies and reduces unnecessary anxiety. Remember, professional pest control services offer the most reliable solution for bed bug eradication. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and don’t let the bed bugs bite!

Ensure a Bed Bug-Free Home with Our Expert Pest Control Services in the Chicagoland Area! Call us now at (773) 570-0070 to protect your home and family from bed bug infestations.

Bed Bug Control in City vs Suburbs: Contrast the Challenges and Solutions

Pest control, particularly when it comes to bed bugs, presents unique challenges that vary significantly between urban and suburban environments. In the Chicago area, known for its diverse cityscape and sprawling suburbs, these differences are even more pronounced. Understanding these contrasts is crucial for effective pest control strategies. Our focus keyphrase, “Bed Bug Pest Control Chicago,” emphasizes the regional specificity and pest focus of our approach.

Urban Bed Bug Control Challenges in Chicago

High-Density Living and Bed Bug Spread

In urban settings like downtown Chicago, crowded living is a major factor in pest control. Apartments, condos, and shared living spaces are common, thus easing the rapid spread of bed bugs. These pests can easily travel through shared walls, airflow systems, and common areas. Unlike suburban homes, urban dwellings often have more shared facilities, increasing the risk of bed bugs spreading from one unit to another.

Accessibility and Treatment Difficulties

Urban environments also pose challenges in terms of ease of access for pest control services. The crowded streets and limited parking in areas like The Loop make it hard to move equipment and conduct thorough inspections. Furthermore, tall buildings require special equipment and strategies, as bed bugs can be found in both low-income and luxury apartments.

Diverse Populations and Education

The diverse population in urban Chicago areas means a wide range of knowledge and responses to bed bugs. Effective communication and education about bed bug prevention and control are important. This diversity also requires a more customized approach to pest control, catering to different lifestyles and housing conditions.

Suburban Bed Bug Control Challenges

Larger Properties and Detection Challenges

In the suburbs of Chicago, like Schaumburg or Naperville, properties are generally bigger, making the finding of bed bugs more challenging. Bed bugs can be present in numerous rooms, and infestations can go unnoticed for longer periods. The suburban lifestyle, with less frequent close neighbor interactions, may delay the awareness of a spreading infestation.

Varied Housing Types and Pest Control Strategies

Suburban homes differ from single-family residences to townhouses and small apartment complexes. Each type requires a different pest control strategy. For instance, single-family homes might need a comprehensive approach for both the interior and exteriors, while townhouses may require cooperation among multiple residents for effective control.

Seasonal Variations and Infestation Peaks

Suburban bed bug infestations in the Chicago area also show season related variations. During summer, when people travel more, there’s an increased risk of bringing bed bugs into the home. Conversely, in winter, bed bugs can hibernate and go undetected, leading to sudden infestations when they become active in warmer weather.

Solutions for Urban and Suburban Bed Bug Control

Tailored Inspection and Treatment Plans

For both urban and suburban settings, tailored inspection and treatment plans are crucial. In urban areas, this might mean more frequent inspections and treatments in high-risk buildings, along with specific equipment for tall buildings. In suburban areas, comprehensive property inspections are necessary, focusing on all potential hiding spots for bed bugs.

Community Education and Awareness Programs

Educating residents about bed bug prevention and control is key. This includes understanding how to identify bed bugs, preventive measures, and steps to take if an infestation occurs. Community workshops, informative brochures, and online resources can be particularly effective in both urban and suburban settings.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approaches

Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches, which combine chemical treatments with non-chemical methods, is effective in both environments. This includes regular monitoring, vacuuming, using bed bug-proof mattress encasements, and heat treatments. In urban settings, IPM must also focus on communal areas, while in suburban homes, the approach can be more focused to individual properties.

Collaboration with Local Authorities and Organizations

Collaborating with local housing officials, community groups, and health departments is vital, especially in urban areas. This collaboration can aid in the quick finding and control of bed bug outbreaks, ensuring comprehensive and organized efforts across different housing units.

Regular Follow-Up and Long-Term Strategies

Regular follow-ups and long-term management plans are key to preventing re-infestations. This includes ongoing inspections, maintenance treatments, and continuous education on prevention techniques.

 

In conclusion, effective bed bug pest control in the Chicago area requires a nuanced understanding of the distinct challenges presented by urban and suburban environments. By adopting tailored plans, focusing on public education, and using integrated pest management approaches

Ensure a Bed Bug-Free Home with Our Expert Pest Control Services in the Chicagoland Area! Call us now at (773) 570-0070 to protect your home and family from bed bug infestations.

Heat vs. Cold Treatment for Bed Bugs: Finding the Most Effective Solution

When it comes to bed bug infestations, homeowners and pest control professionals alike seek the most effective and efficient methods to eradicate these pesky invaders. Among the various strategies, heat and cold treatments stand out as popular choices. But which one is truly better? In this detailed exploration, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of bed bug heat and cold treatments to determine the most effective approach.

Understanding Bed Bugs

Before we compare treatments, it’s crucial to understand our adversary. Bed bugs are small, elusive, and resilient creatures that feed on human blood. Their ability to hide in cracks and crevices makes them particularly challenging to eliminate.

Heat Treatments: Turning Up the Temperature

One of the most talked-about methods in the realm of bed bug control is heat treatment. But why is it so effective?

How It Works

Heat treatment involves raising the temperature, to a lethal level for bed bugs, to the affected area. Professional pest control experts use specialized equipment to heat a room to approximately 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is critical as bed bugs, and their eggs, cannot survive at these temperatures.

Advantages

  1. Effectiveness: One of the most significant advantages of heat treatment is its ability to penetrate into hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that even the most hidden bugs are exterminated.
  2. Chemical-Free: This method does not involve any chemicals, making it a safer option for homes and the environment.
  3. Speed: Heat treatment can be completed in a single day, making it a quicker solution compared to other methods.

Considerations

While heat treatment is highly effective, it requires professional handling to ensure safety and effectiveness. It may also be less suitable for homes with heat-sensitive items.

Cold Treatments: Freezing Out the Pests

An alternative to heat is cold treatment. This method uses extremely low temperatures to kill bed bugs.

How It Works

Cold treatment involves exposing bed bugs to temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit for a sustained period. This exposure can be achieved through specialized freezing equipment.

Advantages

  1. Non-Toxic: Like heat treatment, cold treatment is chemical-free and eco-friendly.
  2. Targeted Application: It allows for more targeted application in specific areas.

Considerations

The effectiveness of cold treatment can be limited. It requires prolonged exposure to extremely low temperatures, which might not be feasible in all scenarios. Additionally, it might not penetrate deeply enough to reach all hiding bed bugs.

Comparing Heat and Cold Treatments

Now, let’s compare bed bug heat and cold treatments based on various factors:

  1. Effectiveness: Heat treatment has a slight edge due to its ability to penetrate deeply into hiding spots.
  2. Safety: Both methods are safe when performed correctly, requiring careful monitoring.
  3. Environmental Impact: Both treatments are eco-friendly, offering a green solution to pest control.
  4. Convenience: Heat treatment is typically faster but requires vacating the space, whereas cold treatment might be more localized but takes longer.
  5. Cost: The cost can vary based on the infestation’s extent and the chosen method’s logistics.

The Verdict: Which is Better?

When it comes to bed bug heat and cold treatments, heat treatment often comes out on top. Its ability to quickly and effectively penetrate into all areas where bed bugs hide gives it a significant advantage. However, cold treatment remains a viable option for smaller, more localized infestations or in situations where heat treatment is not feasible.

Conclusion

In the battle against bed bugs, both heat and cold treatments have their place. The choice largely depends on the infestation’s specifics, the environment, and personal preferences. Regardless of the method, professional consultation and execution are key to ensuring safe and effective bed bug eradication.

Remember, if you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, it’s crucial to act fast. Consult with a professional pest control service to discuss the best option for your situation. With the right approach, you can reclaim your space from these unwelcome guests.

After all, the world is too vast and too beautiful to stay at home for fear of a tiny insect. Happy and safe travels!

Ensure a Bed Bug-Free Home with Our Expert Pest Control Services in the Chicagoland Area! Call us now at (773) 570-0070 to protect your home and family from bed bug infestations.

Vacation Bliss: A Practical Guide to Avoiding Bed Bugs on Your Travels

Ah, the anticipation of an upcoming vacation! The allure of exotic locales, the wonder of new experiences, the delight of culinary adventures, all ready to be unfurled as you step into the shoes of a traveler. But as much as travel fills our lives with joy and fascinating memories, it’s critical to ensure they’re not tarnished by an unsavory possibility—encountering bed bugs. This makes avoiding bed bugs during travel an essential aspect of your trip planning.

These tiny hitchhikers can not only spoil your perfect getaway, but also invade your home if they stow away in your luggage. To keep your travels bed bug-free, let’s delve into some practical tips and strategies.

Know What to Look For

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed. They are mainly nocturnal, hiding in the crevices of beds, furniture, and luggage during the day and coming out to feed on their unsuspecting hosts at night. Common signs of their presence include tiny, dark spots (their droppings), blood stains on your sheets from their bites, or the bugs themselves in the folds and seams of your bed and furniture.

Research Your Accommodations

Before booking any hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or other accommodations, do your homework. Read previous guest reviews on multiple platforms. Often, if a place has had a problem with bed bugs, past guests may mention it. Look for consistent cleanliness ratings. Keep in mind that bed bugs can be found in both budget and luxury accommodations, so don’t let the price of your stay be your only guide.

Inspect Upon Arrival

Don’t let your guard down once you check into your room. Before you settle in, conduct a thorough inspection. Use a flashlight to inspect the bed and its surroundings, including:

1. Mattress seams

2. Box springs

3. Bed frames

4. Behind headboards

5. Inside drawer joints

6. Behind wall decor

7. Along carpet edges

If you spot any signs of bed bugs, notify management immediately and request a new room, ideally one that is not adjacent or directly above or below the potentially infested one.

Protect Your Luggage

Bed bugs are notorious for hitching rides in luggage. To avoid this, never place your suitcase on the bed or carpeted floor. Use luggage racks or place your suitcase in the bathroom, where bed bugs are less likely to reside due to the lack of hiding spots and fabric.

Consider using hard-shell luggage, which has fewer crevices for bugs to hide in. If you have fabric luggage, you can protect it by using a luggage cover or sealing it in a large plastic bag during your stay.

Post-Vacation Precautions

Once you’re back from your trip, don’t bring your luggage directly into your living spaces. Unpack in a garage, utility room, or outside if possible. Wash and dry all your clothes on the highest heat setting suitable for the fabric, as heat kills bed bugs. Vacuum your suitcase thoroughly and consider using a portable bed bug heater to treat your luggage before storing it.

While it’s impossible to guarantee a bed bug-free vacation, these precautions for avoiding bed bugs during travel significantly reduce the risk and keep your travel experience more relaxing and enjoyable. Remember, bed bugs are a problem you encounter, not one you create. If you end up experiencing them, it’s important to react appropriately and not let it ruin your travel spirit. 

After all, the world is too vast and too beautiful to stay at home for fear of a tiny insect. Happy and safe travels!

Ensure a Bed Bug-Free Home with Our Expert Pest Control Services in the Chicagoland Area! Call us now at (773) 570-0070 to protect your home and family from bed bug infestations.

The Welcome Decline in Bed Bug Infestations: Causes and Implications

In the past couple of decades, bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) have posed a significant threat in both urban and suburban environments across the globe. Known for their elusive nature, hardy constitution, and tendency to infest homes, these blood-sucking parasites have been a perennial headache for homeowners, pest control professionals, and public health officials. However, recent data has begun to tell a different story. A refreshing trend has emerged – a steady, encouraging decline in bed bugs. This article will discuss the causes of this decline and its implications for public health and pest control.

Bed bugs, the tiny creatures that can turn your sweet dreams into nightmares, have a history that dates back thousands of years. In recent times, their populations experienced a significant boom. The reasons for this included increased international travel, the bugs’ resistance to common pesticides, and the lack of public knowledge about their habits and behaviors. However, we have been witnessing a reversal of this trend over the last few years.

A number of factors have contributed to this decline in bed bug infestations:

1. Advancements in Pest Control Technologies:

Advancements in Pest Control Technologies: As time goes on, pest control techniques have continually evolved and improved. One of the significant breakthroughs has been the introduction of steam treatment. This involves the use of superheated steam, directed strategically in infested areas, which is fatal to bed bugs at all stages of their lifecycle. This method has shown great success, owing to its non-toxic nature and ability to penetrate even hidden nooks and crannies. Additionally, the development and application of novel pesticides, to which the bed bugs haven’t yet developed resistance, have further augmented the efficacy of extermination efforts.

2. Increased Public Awareness:

Public education campaigns have increased awareness about bed bugs, their habits, and their signs of infestation. This knowledge enables early detection, which is crucial in controlling and eradicating bed bug populations before they become well-established.

3. Professional Training and Standards:

Pest control professionals have become more skilled and knowledgeable about bed bug behavior, leading to improved extermination success rates. Regular training and the development of industry-wide standards have played a pivotal role in this regard.

4. Government Interventions:

In many regions, local and national governments have implemented regulations and provided resources to combat bed bug infestations. This includes funding for research, public education campaigns, and support for low-income individuals who may not be able to afford professional pest control services.

A Personal and Public Health Victory

The decline of bed bugs carries significant implications. On a personal level, it means increased comfort and peace of mind for homeowners. On a broader scale, it means reduced healthcare costs related to bed bug bites, allergic reactions, and associated psychological stress. It’s a public health victory that improves the quality of life for many people.

Chicago’s fight against bed bugs offers a fascinating case study. Once a top city for infestations, Chicago’s robust public health initiatives and integrated pest management approach have led to a dramatic reduction in cases. Extensive public education, landlord-tenant regulations, and improved access to professional pest control services have played a vital role. The city’s Bed Bug Information Ordinance places responsibility on property owners and landlords, enabling swift action to address infestations. Chicago’s proactive stance demonstrates how local government initiatives can influence bed bug populations and provide insights for other cities facing similar challenges.

However, while the decline of bed bugs is a positive trend, it’s essential not to become complacent. Bed bugs have shown themselves to be remarkably adaptable, and they can quickly bounce back if we let our guard down. Continued research, public education, and pest control efforts are vital in maintaining and further driving down bed bug populations.

The path to a world free of bed bugs remains long and challenging, but recent trends are a promising sign. Let’s keep our homes, cities, and minds clean of these pests by embracing the lessons we’ve learned and staying vigilant. In the meantime, sleep tight, and don’t let the bed bugs bite!

Ensure a Bed Bug-Free Home with Our Expert Pest Control Services in the Chicagoland Area! Call us now at (773) 570-0070 to protect your home and family from bed bug infestations.

Video shows bed bug infestation in Philadelphia bus seat

By John Rawlins
Saturday, September 08, 2018 07:42PM

PHILADELPHIA — A video showing a bed bug infestation on a SEPTA bus is going viral, and now the transit agency is addressing the problem.

Crystal Lopez was the person who shot the video, showing the bugs scampering along the upholstered seatback. Minutes before she had stretched her arm over that seat.

“Right before I was to pull the cord, I feel like this itching, burning feeling on my arm. It was in its entirety from my wrist to my armpit,” Lopez said.

She says the bug bites triggered an allergic skin reaction, which started as raised welts then became a red rash.

“I felt like my arm was on fire, like my whole arm was on fire and itching all at once,” she said.

Bed bugs can be thought of as tiny hitchhiking vampires. Someone from an infected home can walk them into a public space where they can survive, so long as they have a nearby crevice to hide in.

They have turned up on buses in other cities, as well as taxi cabs, airliners and trains.

Septa has 1,400 buses, and a program targeting bedbugs.

“We have special treatments once a quarter where we apply, or a contractor applies, a material specifically designed to treat bed bugs,” said Asst. General Manager Ron Hopkins.

SEPTA pulled the bus Lopez was riding out of service after she sounded the alarm.

SEPTA is also in the process replacing upholstered seats with plastic.

One way bed bugs can spread in public spaces is through personal belongings. You put down your book bag or handbag near an infestation and they climb aboard and you take them home.

Some experts advise if you are on public transit to hold your belongings on your lap, away from the upholstery, and any possible infestation.

Woman Died Due Due To Extreme Heat From Bedbug Heat Treatment

Woman Died Due To Extreme Heat From Bedbug Treatment, Negligence Lawsuit Claims

An 82-year-old woman’s family who claims a bedbug extermination treatment killed her is suing the pest control company as well as the owners of the Houston apartment complex in which the woman resided.

Bedbugs are typically killed with a combination of aerosol spray and heat treatment. The latter is what Elizabeth Ashbaugh’s family said caused the temperature in her apartment to rise to a scorching 139 degrees and ultimately kill her, they wrote in a negligence lawsuit filed in Harris County on Tuesday, the Houston Chronicle reported

They alleged that the extreme heat caused hyperthermia, which is when the body goes to an abnormally high temperature and can no longer function properly—a problem which is especially risky for older adults, according to the National Institute on Aging.

 

http://www.newsweek.com/died-extreme-heat-bed-bug-treatment-negligence-lawsuit-816703

Bedbugs are getting harder to kill

Bedbugs are joining the resistance.

The critters have started to develop a resistance against two common chemicals used to kill them, according to a new study from researchers at Purdue University. And it might start taking a lot more than a bug bomb to destroy infestations.

To see if every city dweller’s worst nightmare was growing stronger, researchers tested two common weapons in the bedbug sufferer’s arsenal: chlorfenapyr and bifenthrin. Chlorfenapyr is used by exterminators, while bifenthrin can be found in the over-the-counter sprays and aerosols. Their findings were published in the Journal of Economic Entomology.

Ten populations of bed bugs were collected from Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington D.C. Researchers sprayed them with the two chemicals and measured how many died after seven days. If more than 25 percent of a population survived, the bed bugs were deemed to have developed a resistance.

Three of the populations showed resistance to chlorfenapyr and five showed resistance to bifenthrin.

Bed bugs have grown resistance to other insecticides in the past, which is considered one of the reasons for their huge resurgence over the past 10 years. Sixty-eight percent of exterminators said bed bugs were the most difficult pest to kill, according to a 2015 survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association.

The research team suggests that exterminators use chemicals in addition to other control methods such as mattress encasements, vacuuming, traps and steam or heat.

For an easier way to rid yourself of bedbugs, you could just move and never look back.

Law requires the boss to warn employees about bed bugs infestations at work

POSTED:APR 29 2017 05:58PM CDT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Fox 32 News) – Once you get bedbugs in your house, it’s hard to get rid of them. That’s one of the reasons why Illinois lawmakers are working on a bill to help make sure you don’t bring any home from work.

Rep. Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago) introduced HB0369 Bedbugs Disclosure to Employees Act in January. It passed the Illinois State House and is now under consideration in the State Senate.

It reads:

Requires an employer to notify employees if a person certified under the Structural Pest Control Act has determined the presence of bedbugs at the place of employment. Provides that such notification shall be made electronically via email or, if notice by email is not possible, the employer shall issue a written notification to each employee or post a written notification in a conspicuous place or places used or reserved for employee notices.

The bill also includes a provision that would require employees to warn their employers if they spot bedbugs in the workplace.

NY OKs law forcing landlords to reveal if their buildings have bedbugs

When bedbugs bite, tenants will know about it under a bill passed by the City Council Tuesday.

The legislation, which passed by a vote of 44-5, will require landlords to disclose bedbug infestations in their buildings, through postings in the building or notices given to tenants with their leases.

They’ll also have to report discovering the bugs to the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, which will publish the information on its website.

“I have heard from many constituents about the enormous disruption caused by these little unwelcome visitors. The best weapon we have against bedbugs is knowledge,” said Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Queens), the sponsor.

Landlords are already required to inform prospective tenants of the building’s history of bedbugs, but don’t have to say anything to current residents.

“I want to assure landlords that there is no need to bug out,” Dromm said. “Bedbugs after all do not distinguish between new and lifelong residents — they’re just out looking for some blood.”

But a landlord group slammed the measure.

“This bill will needlessly alarm tenants that would otherwise not have to be concerned or be worried about an infestation in their building. This bill is just more regulation overkill,” said Rent Stabilization Association president Joe Strasburg.

Bedbugs kill woman, caretaker faces charges

Bedbugs kill woman, caretaker faces charges

USA TODAY NETWORKGordon Rago, York (Pa.) Daily Record3:40 p.m. ET Feb. 25, 2017

A Pennsylvania woman died last year from bedbug bite complications. The insects had invaded the care facility where she was housed.

Now, the woman’s 72-year-old caretaker Deborah Butler faces felony charges including involuntary manslaughter and neglect of care.

Last February, West Manheim Township Police entered the southern Pennsylvania home and noticed the bed bugs. They crawled on walls and along ledges. They scurried on the bed sheets and pillow where an elderly woman slept in a first-floor room. She told officers she was blind, but could “feel them crawling.” Sometimes, she added, they bit her, too.

Paramedics, police said, would later check on that woman, but did not notice any visible injuries. Police said another woman, 96-year-old Mary Stoner, was staying at the home. Two weeks after the visit, Stoner was dead.

An autopsy determined her cause of death was from “complications of sepsis followed by bed bug infestation,” according to charging documents.

Stoner’s family moved her out of Butler’s home on Feb. 3, 2016, after noticing her health worsen. During previous visits, Stoner’s family told police she was in good health. On Feb. 6, Stoner was brought to the emergency room, where doctors found sores on her skin. Staff members were under the opinion the woman’s infection was a result of bed bug bites.

Stoner was discharged from the hospital about a week later, only to be readmitted again. Doctors said she had pneumonia.

She died a week later.

The women, police said, stayed with Butler at her home. Butler provided food, shelter, clothing as well as personal and health care. Both women paid for the care services, documents state.

In talking with police prior to Stoner’s death, Butler told them she had been trying to get rid of the bed bugs since September 2015 and had used store-bought supplies. She said she could not afford an exterminator and blamed Stoner for bringing in the bugs, documents state.

Butler, who was charged last week, had taken Stoner to her family doctor in January because Stoner had been scratching her neck and been sick. Butler did not mention bed bugs during the doctor’s appointment, police said, and Stoner didn’t mention them either.

In the coming weeks, Butler said she noticed no change in Stoner’s condition. But police said “evidence later indicated that the victim’s condition would have been clearly visible and obvious that serious medical attention was required.”

Stoner received no further medical treatment until her family took her to York Hospital. In the week after Stoner’s death, police said they searched Butler’s home and found bed bugs in various stages of their life cycle.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/02/25/bedbugs-kill-woman-caretaker-faces-charges/98408062/

Man Sues Chicago Hotel, Claiming He Was Bitten by Bed Bugs in 2 Separate Rooms

A man has filed a lawsuit against a hotel in Chicago’s Near North neighborhood, claiming that he was attacked by bed bugs in two separate rooms while staying there over the summer.

Allen Brown said he was staying at the Courtyard Marriott Chicago Downtown/River North hotel, located at 30 E. Hubbard St. on August 16, when he suffered “numerous bed bug bites” in his sleep, according to the lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court on Dec. 27.

Brown notified hotel staff that he had been bitten by bed bugs, according to the lawsuit, at which point he was moved to a second room in the hotel – where he was bitten by more bed bugs.

The suit against the Courtyard Management Corporation and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc. claims that the hotel rented rooms to guests knowing the rooms were infested, failed to conduct a reasonable inspection of its rooms, and failed to provide pest control services.

Brown seeks $50,000 plus court costs and attorney fees through the lawsuit, according to the complaint.

The suit was filed just days before the annual ranking of “Top 50 Bed Bug Cities” was released, with Chicago dropping from the top spot for the first time in five years.

Pest control company Orkin reports the city moved down two spots for 2016 to take third behind Baltimore and Washington, D.C., when it comes to bed bug infestations.

The Courtyard Marriott did not immediately respond to request for comment.

 

Man bitten by bed bugs on British Airways flight given just 50 Euros compensation
Paul Standerwick said he was bitten over 100 times by bed bugs.

Paul Standerwick said he was bitten over 100 times by bed bugs. Credit: SWNS

A man who was bitten “over 100 times” by bed bugs on a British Airways flight has demanded an apology after he was given just a £50 voucher as compensation.

Paul Standerwick, 36, was about to depart for a family holiday in the US with his wife and two young sons when his flight was delayed by 24 hours.

When his flight finally took off from Heathrow, Mr Standerwick was repeatedly bitten by bugs.

It was only after he landed that Mr Standerwick discovered passengers had been moved from the seat he was sitting in after complaining about the bugs.

Paul Standerwick was bitten by bed bugs during a British Airways flight with his wife and two young sons (pictured).
Paul Standerwick was bitten by bed bugs during a British Airways flight with his wife and two young sons (pictured). Credit: SWNS

“Me and my son moved seats to sit and watch the landing by the window,” he said.

“It wasn’t until after we landed, actually, that someone tapped me on the shoulder and said the people sitting in the seats we moved to were moved on after they complained about bed bugs.”

Mr Standerwick added: “I thought nothing of it at the time. But about an hour later, at our hotel, these horrible, itchy bites started to appear.

“They got really infected. Lots of pus. They were everywhere. On my neck, my back, shoulders and legs.

Paul Standerwick said he is still scarred by the bed bug bites.
Paul Standerwick said he is still scarred by the bed bug bites. Credit: SWNS

“Where I was bitten lots of times in one place there was what looked like large bites the size of a 50 pence piece. If I had to guess, I would say I was bitten well over a hundred times. I’m still scarred. It’s horrible.”

Mr Standerwick then only received a £50 voucher from British Airways as compensation for his ordeal.

“I’m not even a compensation person,” he said. “I don’t like that attitude. All I want is a proper apology. I paid for a premium service, and what I got was the complete opposite.”

A spokeswoman for British Airways said: “We have said sorry to our customers for their experience and appreciate it must have been upsetting.

“We work hard to provide the best possible experience for customers on our flights and we’re sorry that on this occasion we haven’t met our customer’s expectations.”

Bed bugs repulsed by certain colours

By Michelle Roberts
Health editor, BBC News online

Bed bugs appear to have a strong preference for particular colours – a quirk that could be used against the troublesome pests, say scientists.

According to the work in the Journal of Medical Entomology, the blood-sucking insects love black and red but hate yellow and green.

This information could help make better traps to lure and catch the bugs.

But it is too soon to say if yellow sheets can stop them nesting in your bed, say the US researchers.

Bed bugs are tiny and they like to live close to their next meal – your blood. They can hide in the seam of your mattress or a joint in your bed frame. They tend to prefer fabric and wood over plastic and metal.

But Dr Corraine McNeill and colleagues wanted to find out if colours affected where bed bugs might dwell.

They carried out a series of experiments in their lab, placing bed bugs in dishes with different colour shelters made out of card.

Rather than taking cover at random, the bugs appeared to select the shelters according to their colour, showing a preference for black and red.

Dr McNeill said: “We originally thought the bed bugs might prefer red because blood is red and that’s what they feed on.

“However, after doing the study, the main reason we think they preferred red colours is because bed bug themselves appear red, so they go to these harborages because they want to be with other bed bugs.”

The bugs appeared to dislike yellow and green shelters, possibly because these bright colours remind them of brightly lit areas that are less safe to hide in, say the researchers.

Past studies have found these two colours are unattractive to other blood-sucking insects such as mosquitoes and sandflies.

Dr McNeill said: “I always joke with people, ‘Make sure you get yellow sheets!’ But to be very honest, I think that would be stretching the results a little too much.

“I don’t know how far I would go to say don’t get a red suitcase or red sheets, but the research hasn’t been done yet, so we can’t really rule that out completely.”

Bed Bugs Bite: Budget Apartments Loaded, Study Finds

by MAGGIE FOX

People living in budget apartment buildings across northern New Jersey are likely to have bed bugs and not even know about it, a new study finds. A team from Rutgers University found that one in eight low-income apartments had bedbugs, and half the time the residents didn’t even know it.

But the researchers said an in-person inspection can efficiently and cheaply find the bugs so that owners and landlords can do something about them. Untreated, bedbugs spread fast.

Left to their own devices, residents either used ineffective methods to deal with the bedbugs or just moved out, according to the the team, led by Changlu Wang at Rutgers.

They inspected more than 2,300 low-income apartments in Bayonne, Hackensack, Irvington, and Paterson.
About Bedbugs

“Infestation rates ranged from 3.8 to 29.5 percent among the buildings, with an overall infestation rate of 12.3 percent,” they wrote in the Journal of Medical Entomology.

“Within each apartment, the bed area trapped significantly more bedbugs per trap than the sofa (or upholstered chair.)”

Half the residents who had bedbugs didn’t even know, the team reported.

Those who tried to do something about it often did the wrong thing. “The majority of the residents (59 percent) who experienced bedbugs applied insecticides themselves in spite of the availability of professional pest control service contracted by the housing authorities,” the team wrote.

“The vast majority of the residents who applied insecticides used pyrethroids, household products, and essential oils. These products are largely ineffective for controlling bedbugs,” they added.

Although frequently washing bedding in hot water can help, a third of the residents didn’t do this, the team found.

And many didn’t notice the bites, either.

“Overall, 68 percent of the residents reported symptoms and 32 percent did not report symptoms after being bitten,” the team wrote. That’s because the insects inject an anesthetic when they bite.
“Among those with self-reported symptoms, the symptoms and their frequency were: pain 90 percent, itchiness 20 percent, welts 13 percent and insomnia 8 percent.”

Bedbugs became rare at the end of the last century, but they’ve been coming back as people travel more and forget about the pests.

“The trajectory of the bedbug infestation history in four cities suggests that bedbugs started to show up in residential buildings in the early 2000s, confirming earlier reports about the recent bedbug resurgence,” Wang’s team wrote.

“The bedbug management contracts in the four low-income communities were not effective in bedbug elimination. Overall, results suggest an urgent need to suppress bedbug infestations in these communities and reduce further bedbug dispersal among communities.”

The good news is that the inspection system the team devised is cheap and good at finding the bugs.

“Assuming (a) $50 per hour labor rate, the average per apartment cost for the building-wide bed 25 bug monitoring protocol was $12 per apartment,” they wrote.

Bedbugs are tiny, hide in cracks, and can go weeks without feeding, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They do not carry disease, but people can have allergic reactions to them and their bites can be annoying.

Bed bug reports increased by 44 percent in New York City

Other than “flight delay” or “LaGuardia Airport,” there might not be a two words that make travelers more uncomfortable than “bed bugs.” So prepare to be creeped out, because reports of bed bugs in New York City’s hotels have increased more than 44% since this time last year — even at some of the city’s most expensive, five-star properties.

According to the Bedbug Registry, a database that records bed bug-related complaints and sightings, the nasty little insects have been seen (or felt) in 176 of the 272 hotels that are members of the Hotel Association of New York City. The New York Daily Newsreports that guests had even complained of bed bugs in the glitzy rooms at the Waldorf Astoria, the Millennium Hilton and the New York Marriott Marquis (we like to picture those bed bugs driving tiny Bentleys right into the mattress folds).

Even one guest complaint places a property on the Bedbug Registry, but 18 hotels combined for 363 complaints, making up 42% of all of the bed bug sightings in the city. That is beyond bad news for those hotels; according to a study conducted by the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, just one mention of bed bugs in an online hotel review could lower the value of a room by $38 for business travelers and $23 for leisure travelers.

Lisa Linden, a spokesperson for the Hotel Association, told the Daily News:

“Bedbugs are a global issue that extend beyond hotels. Every member of the Hotel Association of NYC that we are aware of has an active anti-bedbug program in place. If a problem arises, it is dealt with immediately and effectively.”

So what can you do if you’re heading to New York in the near future (other than start clawing at your own skin immediately)? A pest control expert told CBS2 that guests should pull back the sheets to examine the mattress for bed bugs and place their suitcases on luggage racks or in the bathtub to keep any disgusting stowaways from climbing into their bags. It also probably pays to educate yourself on what bed bugs do and do not look like, to prevent you from freaking yourself — or other guests — out unnecessarily. Those University of Kentucky researchers also discovered that 2/3 of study participants couldn’t tell a bed bug from other household insects.

Rise of the SUPER PESTS: Bed bugs are becoming resistant to common insecticides

By SARAH GRIFFITHS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 09:03 EST, 28 January 2016 | UPDATED: 09:45 EST, 28 January 2016

They live in the cracks and crevices of beds and crawl out a night to suck blood by detecting our body heat and carbon dioxide.
Now the much loathed bed bug is threatening to become even more of a pest because it is resistant to a common insecticide, scientists warn.
Exotic holidays have been blamed for the recent resurgence of bed bugs in homes as they hitch a ride on clothing or in luggage.

The research has found the parasites have developed a tolerance to neonicotinoids, or neonics, because of their widespread use.
It is the first study to show the overuse of certain insecticides has led to an increased resistance to the compounds, making them much less effective than advertised.

In the US alone, millions of dollars are spent on the most widely used commercial chemicals to kill bedbugs, but their overuse has led to an increased resistance to the compounds.
Assistant professor Troy Anderson, from Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences said: ‘While we all want a powerful tool to fight bed bug infestations, what we are using as a chemical intervention is not working as effectively it was designed and, in turn, people are spending a lot of money on products that aren’t working.

‘Unfortunately, the insecticides we were hoping would help solve some of our bed bug problems are no longer as effective as they used to be, so we need to re-evaluate some of our strategies for fighting them.’
Products developed to eradicate infestations in recent years combine both neonics with pyrethroids – another class of insecticide.
In the US alone, millions of dollars are spent on the most widely used commercial chemicals to kill bedbugs (microscopic image shown) but their overuse has led to an increased resistance to the compounds[/caption]Assistant Professor Dr Alvaro Romero from New Mexico State University added: ‘If resistance is detected, products with different modes of action need to be considered, along with the use of non-chemical methods.
‘Companies need to be vigilant for hints of declining performance of products that contain neonicotinoids.
‘For example, bed bugs persisting on previously treated surfaces might be an indication of resistance.
‘In these cases, laboratory confirmation of resistance is advised, and if resistance is detected, products with different modes of action need to be considered, along with the use of non-chemical methods.’
The study, published in the Journal of Medical Entomology, is the first to confirm the resistance.
Researchers collected bed bugs from homes in Cincinnati and Michigan and exposed them to four different neonics: acetamiprid, dinotefuran, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam.

They also used the chemicals on a bed bug colony kept free of insecticide exposure for more than 30 years and to a pyrethroid-resistant population from Jersey City that had not been exposed to neonics since they were collected in 2008.
Those that hadn’t been exposed to the neonics died after contact with very small amounts of the pesticide, while the Jersey City bed bugs showed moderate resistance to acetamiprid and dinotefuran, but not to imidacloprid or thiamethoxam.
The Jersey City colony’s resistance could be due to pre-existing resistance mechanisms.
When exposed to insecticides, bed bugs produce ‘detoxifying enzymes’ to counter them.
The levels of detoxifying enzymes in the Jersey City bed bugs were higher than those of the susceptible Harlan population.
Professor Romero explained: ‘Elevated levels of detoxifying enzymes induced by other classes of insecticides might affect the performance of newer insecticides.’
The Michigan and Cincinnati bed bugs, which were collected after combinations of pyrethroids and neonicotinoids were introduced, had even higher levels of resistance to neonics.
It only took 0.3 nanograms of acetamiprid to kill 50 per cent of the non-resistant bed bugs from Dr Harlan’s lab, but it took more than 10,000 nanograms to kill 50 per cent of the Michigan and Cincinnati bed bugs.
Just 2.3 nanograms of imidacloprid was enough to kill 50 per cent of the Harlan bed bugs, but it took 1,064 and 365 nanograms to kill the Michigan and Cincinnati bed bugs, respectively.
The numbers were similar for dinotefuran and thiamethoxam.
Compared to the Harlan control group, the Michigan bed bugs were 462 times more resistant to imidacloprid, 198 times more resistant to dinotefuran, 546 times more resistant to thiamethoxam, and 33,333 times more resistant to acetamiprid.
The Cincinnati bed bugs were 163 times more resistant to imidacloprid, 226 times more resistant to thiamethoxam, 358 times more resistant to dinotefuran, and 33,333 times more resistant to acetamiprid.

Bed Bugs that Feed Are More Likely to Survive Pesticide Exposure

January 25, 2016 by Entomology Today 1 Comment

By Josh Lancette
Many studies have been done on how effective certain pesticides are when they are applied to bed bugs. However, most have not allowed the bed bugs to take a blood meal after being exposed to pesticides, which can change the mortality rates, according to an article in the Journal of Medical Entomology.

Josh Lancette
Researchers from Rutgers University found that bed bugs that were allowed to feed after being treated with insecticides either had greater rates of survival, or they took longer to die than bed bugs that were not allowed to feed after being treated.
“Our results indicated that post-treatment feeding significantly reduced or slowed down bed bug mortality,” the researchers wrote.
In one case, bed bugs that were unable to feed after being sprayed with an insecticide had a mortality rate of 94 percent. But bed bugs that did feed after being sprayed with the same insecticide had a mortality rate of just 4 percent after 11 days.
This difference is important because most experiments that test the efficacy of insecticides against bed bugs are performed in labs where the bed bugs can’t feed after being exposure. However, in the field, bed bugs can feed after being treated with an insecticide, and the reduced or slowed mortality could give them a chance to reproduce.
“Many of the insecticides labeled for bed bug control may not be as effective as claimed, because of the inadequate testing method,” said Dr. Narinderpal Singh, one of the co-authors. “People often use laboratory bioassay results to predict field performance of an insecticide. It is important the testing conditions are similar to what would occur in the field. Current established test protocols for bed bug insecticides do not provide bloodmeals to bed bugs during the test period. We suspect the mortality data typically observed might be different if the tested bed bugs were provided a bloodmeal during the observation period.”
The researchers suggest that feeding “stimulates detoxification enzymes responsible for insecticide resistance,” which is why more bed bugs survive after taking bloodmeals, so using insecticides in tandem with other control methods is the best option.
“Incorporating non-chemical methods into bed bug control is very important in order to achieve good results,” said Singh. “Some examples of non-chemical methods include vacuuming visible bed bugs, applying steam to furniture and baseboards, laundering bed sheets and infested clothing, encasing mattresses and box springs with bed bug encasements, and installing interceptors under the legs of beds and upholstered furniture.”
The researchers also suggest that insecticide efficacy testing protocols should be changed so that they include using recently fed bed bugs, and that bugs that are fed one to three days after being exposed to pesticides.

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