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Bed Bug Overview and The Pest Management Industry’s Proactive Response to the Bed Bug Challenge. The. Bed Bugs in America. 95% of pest professionals reported treating for bed bugs last year. 76% of professionals said bed bugs are THE SINGLE MOST DIFFICULT PEST TO CONTROL
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Bed Bug Overview and The Pest Management Industry’s Proactive Response to the Bed Bug Challenge
Bed Bugs in America • 95% of pest professionals reported treating for bed bugs last year. • 76% of professionals said bed bugs are THE SINGLE MOST DIFFICULT PEST TO CONTROL • 97% of Americans recognize that bed bugs are real. • 1 in 5 Americans has come into contact with bed bugs, directly or indirectly • Bed bugs are no longer just in places with beds – they are in schools, hospitals, movie theaters, retail locations – ANYWHERE PEOPLE ARE. • 46% of Americans have changed at least one behavior to protect against bed bugs. • All statistics are from surveys by NPMA
Bed Bugs – Dispelling Myths • Research to date has shown bed bugs do not transmit disease. • Bed bugs are not more attracted to dirty environments than clean ones. • Bed bugs are equal opportunity pests - and affect families regardless of their socio-economic status. • And of course – bed bugs do NOT only live in and around the bed.
Question: Over the past few months, have you done any of the following because of bed bugs? Washed new clothing 29% Inspected/washed clothing upon returning from a trip 27% 25% Checked a hotel room for bed bugs Inspected/vacuumed a suitcase upon returning from a trip 17% Behavior Index Mean = 1.5 behaviors --------------------- 54% have not changed their behavior because of bed bugs 16% Inspected second-hand furniture Checked dressing room 15% Purchased bed bug protection products 14% Canceled travel plans 6% Changed a hotel booking 6% 7
Task Force Work Groups • Public Policy • Research and Efficacy • Public Outreach • Best Management Practices
Bed Bug Best Management Practices • Task Force Top Priority • Transparent and stakeholder driven: Multiple webinars, conference calls, stakeholder meetings, and solicitation of input
Consumer Protection • Before beginning service: • Identify active infestation • Communicate fees • Communicate details of service • Communicate realistic expectations • Provide bed bug specific information with agreements • Canine detection teams require third party certification
Integrated Methods • Describes best practices for multiple methods of control • Non-chemical • Steam • Vacuum • Heat • Freeze • Conventional options • Monitoring devices • Active monitors • Passive monitors
Community Wide Approach • Discourage disposal of mattresses and furniture • Recommendations for inspection and treatment of surrounding areas and adjacent rooms • Recommendations for training and educating hotel and facility staff about bed bug identification
Education • Training requirements for all employees • Additional requirements for technicians or salespeople involved in bed bug work • Recommendations for educating clients • Client preparation communication
Professionalism • Encourages professionalism through: • Business practice recommendations • Service agreement guidelines • Recordkeeping practices • Training requirements • Inspection practices • Integrated Pest Management approaches
Consumer Outreach Brochure • Provides a summary overview of the BMPs • Guidance for selecting a professional • Provides a summary and full English and Spanish versions
Bed Bug Best Management Practices Available in English and Spanish…in both full and consumer-friendly versions at: www.pestworld.org www.bedbugbmps.org