Finding bed bugs

Ed Van Istendal

An up-close look at a bed bug tells you immediately that they can be difficult to control. The correct term is “dorso-ventrally compressed,” which just means very flat from top to bottom. Translation: They will easily slide into the nooks, crannies and openings that often are overlooked by pest management professionals (PMPs), especially novices.

Patience is a virtue, and patience in bed bug work means better control. Finding and treating those tiny openings is how bed bug control gets accomplished. Finding them is the tough part; treating is the easier part of the equation.

A smart, experienced PMP recognizes that different surfaces may require different treatment approaches. It is extremely important that, besides killing the bed bugs that can be seen, there be an adequate residue of the control material available for other bed bugs to contact, and subsequently die. Sometimes a dust material is required. In most cases, however, a liquid is being used.

Emulsifiable concentrates (EC) mixed with water create an emulsion that can be easily absorbed by wood, pressboard, concrete, etc., and becomes unavailable as a surface residue on these types of porous materials. Larger particles, such as those in wettable powders (WPs) or suspension concentrates (SCs) will be more readily available as a residual on treated surfaces. Knowing this, you now have a better means of evaluating the possible tools in your arsenal for controlling this public health nuisance.
WPs must be kept constantly agitated, or staining/residues can occur. SCs can be more forgiving, and they will remain in suspension for much longer than your typical treating time. When choosing an SC, take a serious look at the “combination” materials, which offer a union of two actives in one mix.