the responses, the following list was developed to help
structure future priorities. ■ More public education and awareness, and sending a clear message that our industry cannot fix this problem alone
■ Structuring preventive programs for different facilities. Convincing clients of the need for proactive rather than reactive inspections
■ More training on client preparation and gaining cooperation, including a simple video on how to prepare for treatment
■ A national conversation/strategy for addressing bed bugs in public housing and the impacts on society as a whole
■ Tips to avoid transporting bed bugs from one account to another
■ Information listing current and pending legislation pertaining to PMPs as well as responsibilities of clients (landlords, tenants, etc.).
■ More advice on contracts and reducing the risk of legal action
■ More hands-on training showing inspection and treatment methods
■ How different cultures view bed bugs in order to enhance understanding and gain cooperation. Multilingual resource materials.
■ Data to support or refute effectiveness of over- the-counter remedies
■ Updates on disease potential and other health risks ■ Training on potential irritants (everything is now a bed bug bite)
■ More training on canine and heat treatment standards/certification
■ More training on conventional methods since most cannot afford heat and dogs
■ Business accounting/pricing of bed bug services
Closing Thoughts Complementing last year’s global survey, the cur- rent study provides further clarity on the state of bed bugs in this country. Nearly every company surveyed tackled bed bugs this past year. Apart from residences, infestations are also becoming more com- mon in hotels, schools, health care, nursing homes, college dorms, office buildings, retail stores, theaters, public transportation etc., thus impacting more of
society. In a growing number of locales, municipal and family budgets are being strained to the point where many can no longer afford a professional. As a consequence, many householders are taking extreme and dangerous measures to control infestations themselves, sometimes with tragic results. Pest management firms are becoming more expe-
rienced with bed bugs. New inspection and treatment tools are being marketed, including better perform- ing insecticides and (for those that can afford them) canine detection and structural heat treatments. Nonetheless, bed bugs continue to be the most chal- lenging pest, by far, in the industry. A big reason is that elimination and prevention requires a committed, cooperative effort among residents, family mem- bers, management, public agencies, and pest control professionals. When it comes to bed bugs, there are no ‘magic wands’, ‘silver bullets’ or easy fixes. Companies are profiting from the nationwide
resurgence, with many now reporting substantial rev- enues from bed bug services. The problem has also given the industry a big-time boost in recognition and respect. As professionals, it will be up to us to be good stewards of this newfound sense of purpose.
« Photos ©M.F. Potter
Michael F. Potter and Kenneth F. Haynes are entomol- ogy professors at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky. Bob Rosenberg and Missy Henriksen are Senior Vice President and Vice President of Public Affairs, respec- tively, for the National Pest Management Association, Fairfax, Va. Special thanks to the scores of pest manage- ment professionals who participated in the study, helping us all to stay on the pulse of the bed bug problem.
References Zhu, F., J. Wigginton, A. Romero, A. Moore, K. Ferguson, R. Palli, M.F. Potter, K.F. Haynes, and S.R. Palli. Widespread distribution of knockdown resistance mutations in the bed bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), populations in the United States. Arch. Insect Biochem. Phys. 73(4):245-257.
Potter, M.F., B. Rosenberg and M. Henriksen. 2010. Bugs without borders: defining the global bed bug resurgence. Pest World. Sept/Oct: 8–20.
Potter, M.F. 2008. The business of bed bugs. Pest Management Professional. 76(1): 24–40.
14 PESTWORLD NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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