Bedbugs – Ways to keep them in check - by Katz

Bedbugs are a non-discriminatory pest. They will show up anywhere from the most run down building to the most upscale. As a result many companies, including major international corporations, local medical institutions, hotels, universities, co-ops, condos and multifamily building owners have been seeking a way to prevent bed bugs from entering their buildings. They are all looking for a bedbug prevention method when the simple truth is that there is no preventative measure that will keep bedbugs out. These tiny creatures will hide anywhere from a man’s suit jacket to a woman’s purse. They can be in boxes delivered to the building or in a high-rise they can find their way in from another floor. In my opinion, this bug isn’t going away any time soon. Although New York City has most often been in the news for this problem, you can take what’s going on in New York City right now as a barometer for what is going to happen to the rest of the country. New York is just ahead of the curve. To make matters worse, many of those who are the victims of bedbug bites received in public places are reluctant to come forward. They feel that there is a stigma attached to bedbugs and that it might be felt that they are the ones who brought them in. If you can’t prevent bedbugs what can you do? The best solution is early detection before there is an infestation. Properly handled, the bedbugs can be eliminated with a minimum of disruption to your operations. The best detection method, besides someone reporting a problem, is periodic K-9 inspections. These trained dogs can actually sniff out bedbugs in hiding. Once detected they can be either frozen with Cryonite and/or chemically treated. It is important to know your enemy so here are some facts: • Bedbugs don’t fly (they don’t have wings!) or jump; • Bedbugs crawl fast; • Bedbugs are nocturnal insects that like to hide; • Bedbugs feed on human and animal blood; • Mature bedbugs can survive for at least a year without a blood meal; • Bedbugs are attracted to us by the heat and carbon dioxide; • Bedbugs are not known to transmit disease; • Even bedbug eggs and juveniles are visible (a flashlight and magnifying glass make it easier to see them); • Bedbugs are reddish brown; and • Bedbugs bites cause itchy welts typically on exposed skin. If you detect bed bugs, contact a pest management professional immediately. By using inspections and the proper non-toxic methods you can make sure any bedbug occurrences don’t get out of hand. Arthur Katz is CEO of Knockout Pest Control, Uniondale, N.Y.