4 tools to manage bed bug populations

Dr. Chris Keefer, Technical Services Manager, Professional Pest Management, Syngenta

When it comes to bed bugs, use all available tools to help manage populations:

1. Inspection. Thoroughly identify and inspect all potential harborages. Make diagrams. Take pictures. Document conducive conditions, and use monitoring devices.
2. Identification. Reach out to universities, extension agents and/or industry experts for help, as proper identification can lead to clues of possible infestation sources for certain bed bug species.
3. Products. Rotate products with different active ingredients and modes of action to help with long-term resistance management.
4. Communication. Be upfront and direct, explaining processes with written details, verbal communication and pictures.