19/02/2014. Bed Bug Control in the United Kingdom. Contamination. Key UK Requirements -Why do we Need to Control Pests? Eradicate/control species that

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1 Bed Bug Control in the United Kingdom Richard Moseley Key UK Requirements -Why do we Need to Control Pests? Eradicate/control species that have a detrimental effect on the health of humans are the cause of damage to structures or foods cause negative public reaction and loss of goodwill violate legislation increase fear Contamination 1

2 Loss of Food Products Foods containing body parts CANNOT be served to humans Potential loss of revenue Disease Transmission Damage to Structure 2

3 Fear of Pests Loss of Reputation (Goodwill) A Lawful Requirement 3

4 The Bed Bug The Bed Bug Bed bugs are: True bugs from the family Cimicidae All members of this family take blood Will take blood from range of animals Need blood to grow through life cycle Immigration And Migration Bed bugs are: Exceptional travellers Robust On the rise Damaging for reputations They are difficult to control 4

5 Bed Bugs are Easily Spread Have been involved in a number of sites and dealt with a number of infestations that have spread throughout large areas. Evidence from consultants and specialists suggests that long term infestations originate from initial infestation, not re-infestation I have charted this activity through several high density, multi occupancy sites university campus, police training college etc. How Large is the UK Bed Bug Problem? A Growing Problem? A growing problem, both in the media and in reality Reports suggest a 26% year on year increase in the UK However, not all UK pest controllers treat bed bugs on a regular basis. Lack experienced in bed bug control recent example a police training college where current contractor not competent. 5

6 Media Reports Daily Mail 2011 Bed Bugs Rise by 40% (half of all infestations are in domestic property) Daily Mail August 2011 Bed Bug invasion: Infestations at their worst since the 1940 s as hospital admissions for bites rise by a 20%. (3620 people treated in hospital 2010) BBC News website, August 2013 Shepherd's Bush emergency housing bed bug infestation -Tenants living in wretched conditions BPCA Referral Data 2013 BPCA passed member referrals by phone or through our web site of those referrals were to commercial and domestic clients with bed bug activity. Approximately 20% of all 2013 referrals were for bed bug activity. Flea referral Cockroach referrals BPCA Data Number 1 or 2 inquiry to the BPCA for 9 months in Top 5 postcodes for Bed Bug referrals in the UK London postcodes. Referral data shows a trend - suggest Bed Bug activity rises in summer. January referrals, peak in August 1245 referrals. Suggests a seasonal trend in activity. 6

7 Control Problems in the UK? Cost In the UK local authorities may treat public health pests free of charge. Bed bugs do not transmit disease so a nuisance pest this means local authorities are more likely to charge for service. This can result in people who cannot afford to pay for bed bug control not being able to access pest services. If know need to pay, may not report to local authority or landlord Access Bed bug infestations may originate from neighbouring properties. No guarantee that can get access the infestation, especially if it is private property. Very difficult to eradicate infestation if you cannot get to the source of the problem. Access is also an issue in hotels, hostels, prisons are you getting to the source of the problem? to 7

8 Knowledge Bed bugs historically associated with poor living conditions Post 1945 removal of poor quality housing and better chemicals (organophosphates) led to massive demise in bed bug activity very rare in 1970 &80 s. Rise in activity s experience and knowledge of bed bugs lost, industry has had to learn all over again. Products & Application UK no register for pest control operators industry is open to unskilled and untrained who prey on scared customers. Amateur market means householders can attempt to eradicate themselves often drive infestations into difficult to treat areas Resistance has been charted in a number of active ingredients used by professional pest controllers in the UK How do we Successfully Control Bed Bugs? 8

9 Customer is the Key Early detection is essential to control bed bug activity any site can suffer from bed bugs Research suggests that long term infestation can usually be pinpointed to 1 original infestation that has not been controlled, rather than re-infestation from visitors etc. Customers have the benefit of being on this site on a daily basis that makes them the most important tool in bed bug prevention and detection Communication is Essential Successful pest control generally depends on customer cooperation. Due to nature of bed bugs and their infestations, good communication with the customer is the key. Early detection and access to all areas will be most effective when controlling bedbugs. Consider contract for high risk sites Customer Training Housekeeping staff for larger sites receive training on the actions required to control bugs. What are the signs of bed bugs? What should be done with infested laundry? Should room be removed from service? Who contacts the pest contractor? How long do we wait before cleaning a room after treatment? 9

10 Containment and Control When discover bed bugs, should swiftly put procedures into place to control the spread of the infestation. Bed bugs are easily spread via laundry, so in infested rooms the laundry should be double bagged in situ and then removed to be washed separately Laundering is a very effective way of controlling bed bugs in linen, clothing and bedding 45oc + will kill all stages of growth Tumble drying for 30 minutes will also kill bed bugs Preparation Remember that the better the preparations, the more likely that treatment will be quick and effective. Only remove rubbish Pull beds away from walls to offer pest controllers better access. Clear any items from beneath the beds and remove head boards in small infestations most activity is likely to be around the bed. Thoroughly vacuum the infested room and safely dispose of the waste this will remove insects and debris that may effect the efficiency of the treatment Contracts/Site Agreement Routine inspection contracts may not be required housekeeping staff can carry out this role if trained. They can also place monitoring points if activity suspected. Inspection/monitoring contract may be required if site has a history. Will be beneficial for customers who are susceptible to bed bug infestations hotels, hostels, student accommodation. Regular documented inspection is essential. Successful and profitable pest companies provide a strategy, not a treatment. 10

11 Toxic/Non Toxic Treatment Insecticidal Treatment Residual insecticides still account for 95%of treatments carried out by pest control contractors in the UK Treatments against bed bugs will usually require more than 1 visit due to egg development and a rotation of insecticide formulations. Treatments will usually include a growth regulator to prevent interfere with bugs development. Detailed inspection and/or in depth, monitoring is essential to determine size and location of infestation. Non Chemical Controls Shouldn t ignore the non toxic options. Less pesticide better for operator, customer and environment. Non toxic methods may control all stages of the lifecycle, unlike insecticides. Successful companies consider all options and provide a treatment plan. 11

12 Temperature - Steam Dry steam manufacturers claim can remove 100% of eggs. The steam must come into contact with the insect. Prepare the room as would for insecticidal treatment, but apply steam instead. No insecticide, but no residual effect there is no controlling presence left behind if you do not kill all of the insects Lack of insecticide may be attractive to some customers, rooms can be used immediately Temperature Heat Control temperature and ambient moisture in the treatment area to kill the insects through shock by heating the environment. Can heat equipment and buildings depending on infestation levels. Heat treatments above 48 degrees are lethal to bedbugs, may take several hours to get to this temperature in all areas of the room Will kill all stages of development will often be complimented with insecticide treatment on the floor as it takes most time to heat up Equipment expensive, but sub contracting is a useful option. Sub contractors will often offer a guarantee of 1 month. Heat Treatment 12

13 Temperature Cold Many insects are susceptible to cold conditions we can slow down the activity of bed bugs. Can use freezers to control bugs in clothing and fabrics. If can contact the insects with something very cold, we can again kill off every stage of the life cycle Cold treatments spray snow (CO2 or Nitrogen), but again no residues if the insect is missed Research suggests that systems that rely on cold may spread infestation due to pressure applied during application Desiccants Especially useful for dead spaces in walls, electrical circuits, bed frames etc. - long term control. Non toxic physical mode of action, rub away the outer layer of the insect causing them to desiccate. All non toxic approaches should be viewed as part of an integrated approach, unlikely to completely control without the use of insecticides. Proofing It is notoriously difficult to proof against insects they are designed to hide in small gaps. However, by simply sealing harbourages such as skirting boards and bed frames, you can reduce potential harbourage points. This reduces the areas to inspect can be used in conjunction with desiccants 13

14 Harbourage Where are bugs likely to be? Crack in the wall Wall mounted frames Sockets may hold bed bugs In heavy infestations, removal of fittings may be necessary Non Chemical Controls Non chemical options are an essential, sustainable element within all control programmes. However, best results are achieved by integrating them with chemical control methods European Code of Practice, Version 2, Page 20. Conclusions 14

15 Conclusions Bed bugs are one of the most challenging pest that we deal with. Site representatives have a vital role to play in the detection, reporting and control of bed bug infestations. Early eradication is absolutely essential if bedbugs are to be effectively controlled Communication between site and contractor is of vital importance if effective control is to be achieved. Conclusions Any company that is competent when controlling bed bugs will find them a good source of income. Essential that the pest company carries out in depth inspection and gets to the source of the infestation. Must be honest with the customer, bed bug control is rarely achieved in 1 visit. Forward thinking pest companies offer commercial customers a long term solution that includes monitoring, training, management review and emergency treatment if activity is discovered.. 15

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