FEATURE
INNOVATIONS IN BED BUG MANAGEMENT
How can technology aid in early monitoring and management of resilient pests, asks Julia Pittman, Director of Customer Strategy at Beaver Pest Control.
Technology has finally caught up to the challenge of managing bed bugs in a global world. But what makes these tiny pests so notoriously difficult to eradicate?
Firstly, bed bugs possess remarkable resilience, capable of lying dormant for over a year depending on environmental conditions. They adeptly conceal themselves in cracks and crevices, rendering traditional insecticides ineffective while in hiding.
Secondly, the prolific breeding capacity of female bed bugs compounds the challenge. With the potential to lay up to 500 eggs in their lifetime, unchecked populations can multiply rapidly, exacerbating infestations if left untreated. Once infestations are established, they can be very difficult to eradicate.
Thirdly, the ease of transportation facilitates their spread. Bed bugs hitchhike on luggage, boxes, and various materials, thriving amidst the surge in travel. With affordable fares and increased flights since the 1980s, there were 0.2bn passengers internationally. By 2019 this had increased to 1.9bn passengers internationally, and 4.6bn passengers domestically and internationally. This is one of the reasons that despite their ancient origins, dating back to 400 BC, bed bug incidents have surged in modern times.
Additionally, awareness fuelled by social media and mainstream media coverage has placed bed bugs under the spotlight, increasing public vigilance. Happily, bed bugs, although unpleasant are not vectors of disease, and 20-30% of people do not show reactions to bites.
So, how can technology aid in early monitoring and managing these resilient pests?
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Enter Spotta - a groundbreaking 24/7 remote monitoring system. Utilising specially designed pods containing pheromones to attract bed bugs, this innovative technology captures images upon entry and transmits them to a centralised AI system for analysis. Upon confirmation of their presence, immediate alerts prompt swift treatment initiation. Positioned discreetly beneath mattresses, Spotta remains invisible to guests, offering peace of mind at a cost starting from £0.22 ex vat per bed per night.
Detection dogs, are renowned for their efficiency in swiftly identifying infestations. With an accuracy rate of around 95%, trained bed bug dogs can scan rooms in seconds, enabling targeted treatments without the need for widespread insecticide application, thus reducing costs and minimising disruptions.
Introducing Trudetx - a cutting-edge technology akin to a Covid-19 test for bed bugs. With a remarkable 90% accuracy even in detecting low-level infestations, this rapid test yields results within five minutes, meaning that treatments can begin immediately on receipt of a positive test.
The overarching goal of these monitoring devices is early detection. By identifying infestations in their infancy, treatment costs are minimised, avoiding the need for extensive and prolonged interventions.
Pest controllers utilising the latest technological advances for monitoring, combined with knowledge, experience and the latest control methods help protect reputations and give peace of mind.
The key is early intervention.
https://pestcontrolservices.co.uk
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