The basics to bed bug treatment

Brian Mount

Over the past decade or so, pest management professs have become more adept at dealing with bed bugs. There are more tools available to treat and monitor for this pest, and overall, the industry has become more accustomed to these calls. However, there are still some basics for bed bug control that should not be forgotten:

• Inspect. Look for bed bugs in harborages such as mattresses and bed frames; behind baseboards and switch plates; and any cracks or crevices in cabinets and electronics where they can hide.
• Reduce clutter. Clutter provides harborage for bed bugs. Reducing clutter will allow for more thorough treatment and better sanitation. Launder all bedding in hot water, and dry on high heat.
• Treat. Use residual products where bed bugs are found or may be found such as in areas mentioned above. Rotate product chemical classes to avoid selecting for resistance. Use heat and cold treatments where appropriate, and don’t be afraid to use multiple methods of treatment.
• Maintain. Monitor for bed bug activity to ensure early detection of any breakthroughs or new infestations.