While bed bug infestations are a year-round phenomenon, in a study by the National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky, six out of ten pest management professionals noted seasonal differences, peaking in the summer.
To highlight the problem, pest professionals across the United States recognize June 4-10 as Bed Bug Awareness Week, shining a spotlight on effective bed bug prevention strategies to keep these annoying pests from infesting commercial facilities.
What types of commercial facilities are most susceptible to bed bug infestations?
A survey on where pest management professionals commonly perform bed bugs services revealed:
- 58% – Nursing Homes
- 46% – College Dorms
- 45% – Office Buildings
- 43% – Schools/Daycare Facilities
- 36% – Hospitals
- 33% – Medical Offices
How can facility and property managers prevent bed bugs from becoming an issue? We offer the following tips to help keep bed bugs at bay:
- Vacuum and clean all surface areas including offices, hallways, lobbies, break rooms, storefronts and restrooms daily.
- Train employees and tenants/residents to notice the signs of bed bugs as they go about their daily duties and activities. Pay close attention to the seams of furniture, mattresses, drapes and upholstery for telltale brownish or reddish spots.
- Bed bugs have also been known to infest electrical sockets, surge protectors and behind picture frames. Vigilance in spotting possible signs of bed bugs by employees and tenants/residents is an important part of the control process.
- Eliminate clutter – especially in storage areas – which provides ideal harborage for bed bugs.
- Carefully inspect all items and packaging when unpacking new inventory or receiving shipments for signs of bed bugs. Encourage tenants/residents to do the same with their groceries or when returning from their travels.
- Report suspected bed bug activity immediately and alert your pest solutions specialist so we can conduct a thorough, professional inspection.
Sprague utilizes the latest technology and treatment protocols to safely and effectively eliminate bed bugs in a wide array of commercial facilities. From canine inspections to targeted heat treatments, our bed bug specialists have the experience and proven methods to get those bed bugs evicted.