Bed Bugs

The first step in understanding bed bug control is to review the history, biology and behavior of the insect. Bed bugs were mentioned in ancient Greece as early as 400 BC, and were later mentioned by Aristotle and have continued to thrive to present day. The U.S. National Pest Management Association reported a 71% increase in bed bug calls between 2000 and 2005. Bed Bugs occur around the world. You can be introduced to bed bugs anywhere people frequent. This includes hotels, restaurants, schools, churches and even your friends or collogues. Bed bugs are not known to transmit any pathogens as disease vectors. Adult bed bugs are light brown to reddish-brown, flattened, oval-shaped and have no hind wings. The front wings are vestigial and reduced to pad-like structures. Bed bugs have segmented abdomens with microscopic hairs that give them a banded appearance. Adults grow to 4-5 millimeters long and 1.5-3 millimeters wide. Bed bugs must molt six times before becoming fertile adults, and must take a blood meal in order to complete each molt. Bed bugs only feed every five to seven days, which suggests that they do not spend the majority of their life searching for a host. When a bed bug is starved it will leave its shelter and search for a host. If it succeeds at finding food, it will return to its shelter. Click here to view, save and print the tenant preparation instructions. You can also view all our preparation instruction here.

How can Fume-a-Pest help you?

We have consulted a forensic entomologist, manufacturers of the products approved for use in California and other leaders to develop a comprehensive bed bug control program. Some of the influences on our bed bug program include the behavior of the insect, materials available in California and the results of recent litigation. The bed bug program consists of a series of three treatments approximately 2 weeks apart then the installation of bed bug monitors in each room. Our trained technicians will inspect the unit and bed bug monitors for a 2 week period. We recommend continuous bed bug monitoring in all the units as part of a proactive bed bugs monitoring program for your building. Bed bugs can be introduced to the property at any time. Fume-a-Pest does not offer any guarantees regarding the management of bed bugs. In accordance with California Assembly Bill 551, the surrounding units with a common wall should also be inspected for bed bugs. As an added benefit to our customers, the technician will inspect the unit and treat the common wall to the unit having the bed bugs. The inspection of the surrounding units will normally be performed after the first treatment of the unit receiving the bed bug program. The key to successfully control bed bugs is communication and cooperation. We all need to be more involved when dealing with bud bugs. Property supervisors, onsite managers and tenants need to understand the bed bug program and fully cooperate.

Sample Bed Bug Program Timeline:

Treatment -> 2 weeks -> Treatment & Inspect units sharing a common wall -> 2 weeks -> Treatment -> 2 weeks -> Install Monitors ->24-48 hours -> Inspect Monitors -> 2 weeks -> Remove Monitors

Tenants:

Understand bed bugs are hitchhikers and it is difficult to identify how they were introduced to your home. Report a possible bed bug infestation to the manager or owner immediately Provide a sample (if possible) to the manager, owner or technician for identification Understand the Fume-a-Pest treatment and monitoring program and service dates. Fully cooperate with the Fume-a-Pest preparation instructions

Managers:

Understand what a bed bug looks like. Understand the Fume-a-Pest treatment and monitoring program and service dates. Schedule the building modification (sealing all cracks and crevices) after the first treatment and before the second treatment. Provide the preparation instructions with the Notice to Enter. Go to the unit and verify tenant preparation before each treatment. Provide access for the technician. Save all service documents.

Owners:

Understand your obligations under California Assembly Bill 551. Have a proactive bed bug monitoring program. Respond to possible bed bug infestations ASAP Understand bed bugs are difficult to control. Understand the primary treatment for bed bugs is fumigation (tenting the building). Traditional chemical treatments are offered as a secondary treatment option. Authorize the Fume-a-Pest bed bug program when an infestation is confirmed Save all service documents.

Bed Bug Monitoring Program

Do you certify a vacant unit is free of bed bugs before a new tenant moves in?

How do you know your building is free of bed bugs?

Do you rely on tenants to report a problem and discover the unit is heavily infested?

When did you introduce bed bugs to your unit?

These are all questions that can be answered when you sign up for the Fume-a-Pest Bed Bug Monitoring Program. With the use of visual inspections and Bed Bug Monitors, we can continuously monitor your units. Monitors will be installed in each room. Bed Bug monitors provide up to 2 weeks of continued bed bug detection. It uses an exclusive pheromone to attract and detect bed bugs. The monitors will be placed near the beds and seating areas. Visual inspection of the unit and the monitors will be performed within 48 hours, then removed after 2 weeks. We suggest continuous monitoring at regular intervals or more frequent if you suspect an infestation has started.