More companies are using non-traditional methods to manage bed bugs, including heat and canines.
State of the Business Nationwide, bed bugs still comprise a rather modest percentage of the industry’s overall revenue. When asked “What percentage of your company’s pest control revenue currently comes from bed bugs?” 51% of respondents said five percent or less. Nonetheless, bed bug revenue throughout the country increased from the previous year (Figure 10). In the Northeast, Midwest, and West, 43%, 37% and 32% of respondents, respec- tively, said more than 10% of their annual revenue came from bed bug services. In the same respective regions, 23%, 17%, and 20% of respondents reported revenues exceeding 20%. Bed bug business tended to be slower in the South, where 18% and 5% of firms, respectively, reported the bugs comprising more than 10% and 20% of total pest control revenue. In respect to growth, 85% of respondents indicated their bed bug service work grew between 2009 and 2010. More than a third (37%) reported growth rates exceeding 50% (Figure 11). The majority of respondents (71%) said their com-
pany uses a separate bed bug contract—up from 55% the previous year. Although bed bug litigation to date has mainly implicated proprietors, some attorneys pre- dict that pest control firms will be increasingly named as third-party defendants, or at least asked to share in the payment of insurance claims. Companies concerned about such risks may want to have their attorney or insurance provider review their current contract. Many respondents mentioned making changes to their bed bug business this year. Almost two thirds
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(65%) said they have or would soon sell preventive inspections; 42% have or intend to use heat; 27% mentioned adding canine scent detection teams, and 12% bed bug fumigation services. Another 17% said they have started or intend to start treating for bed bugs. Firms that do not provide this service could risk losing new business and forfeiting existing accounts to others. Another business category of interest is bed bug related retail sales. One firm reported having a 215% increase in retail sales over the previous year.
Best Management Practices (BMPs) Earlier this year, the National Pest Management As- sociation developed guidelines to help the industry control bed bugs safely and effectively. More than two-thirds of those surveyed (68%) indicated their company is following or plans to follow the guidelines. Most remaining firms (29%) said they either were not familiar with the new BMPs or had not yet made a de- cision. Only 3% said they do not plan to follow them. When asked if companies have changed the way they service as a result of the BMPs, 25% said they had, 58% said they had not, while 17% were unsure. It will be interesting to see how companies and their clients utilize the document in the future.
Future Needs The final two questions solicited comments and sug- gestions about future needs of the industry in general, and in respect to education and training. Based on
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 PESTWORLD 13
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