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Bed Bug Lessons from Cincinnati
1 Jan, 2009 By: Pest management staff Pest Management ProfessionalBed bugs can be one of the toughest infestations in pest management, especially in a multifamily environment. When an infestation turns severe, there are no simple solutions to eliminate bed bugs — it takes thorough, hard work by informed professionals.
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When a bed bug epidemic swept Cincinnati, I forged a close alliance with the Cincinnati Metro Housing Authority (CMHA) to help control the bed bug populations that were spreading through the city's multifamily residential complexes. The mission of CMHA is to provide quality affordable housing for low-to moderate-income families. With more than 15,000 households relying on CMHA for services and support, it was imperative to quickly control the bed-bug infestation and raise awareness among the community to prevent further problems.
It was important to educate the property owners and residents through presentations, staff training and informational literature. We worked closely with CMHA's pest professionals to develop an effective strategy for tackling bed bug infestations.
Here are some key dos and don'ts for pest management professionals (PMPs) when managing bed bugs in multifamily dwellings:
» DO develop a clear plan of action. Bed bugs are extremely difficult to control, especially in an environment in which they can easily move from one unit to another. Investing time in the beginning to develop a detailed, thorough plan will ensure that all the necessary steps are taken to control the infestations. Bed bug treatments require multiple strategies including the application of insecticides, the use of non-chemical treatments, vigorous follow-up inspections, constant communication between the pest professional and the facility management customer, and cooperation from the residents. Planning, prioritization and delegation are critical to accomplish this lengthy checklist in a timely fashion.
» DON'T leave the customers in the dark. Many customers believe that treating bed bugs falls under the same regimen as other common pests like cockroaches and ants. Correcting this misconception requires a clear and direct conversation between PMPs and customers. Explain that while cockroaches and ants usually migrate to unclean areas, bed bugs can be found anywhere, regardless of the tenant's living conditions. The elusive nature and life cycle of bed bugs make them harder to control, thus requiring repeated visits to ensure complete control. A PMP must set clear expectations with the customer, including the investment needed in terms of time and costs to achieve success.
 10 Things PMPs Should Ask Of Multifamily Dwelling Customers to Help Fight Bed Bugs (Photo by Michael F. Potter, University of Kentucky) |
Cooperation is key to controlling bed bugs successfully in multifamily housing. While the objective of complete eradication and control is typically shared by both pest professionals and their facility manager customers, treatment failures often result because both parties do not agree on the requisite steps to achieve control. PMPs need to communicate to residents and property managers what is expected of them before, during and after service. Confirm schedules for upcoming visits so that property managers can let the PMPs into all infested residences and adjoining units. Residents must be apprised of the necessary preparations they must perform prior to treatments, including the removal of all clothing, cleaning and bagging of linens, and discarding of infested furniture. PMPs should also communicate to property managers actions that they may need to take including improving resident housekeeping policies and fixing structural problems that allow bed bugs to move within the building.
» DO educate the residents and key staff members. It is critical to educate residents about bed bugs so that they can quickly identify a bed bug infestation and report it to the appropriate building staff without fear. Too often residents are hesitant to report bed bug infestations because they believe bed bugs are a result of unsanitary conditions. This allows the bed bug infestation to become established, and more difficult to manage. To ensure that residents are comfortable reporting the first signs of bed-bug infestations to building staff, it must be widely communicated that bed bugs are a common problem.
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