Bringing Home the Bacon …but not the bugs. Bed Bugs Get on Ya! Mark D. Sheperdigian, BCE Rose Pest Solutions Troy, MI

Bed Bugs! Of the attendees present, only 2 companies indicated that they do not perform bed bug work. Of those attendees that do bed bug work, only 2 companies indicated that that they were aware of technicians/employees that had their homes infested by bed bugs brought in from working in bed bug accounts. Of the 1000s of technicians represented, this suggests that getting bed bugs by going into infested environments is not as easy as once thought.

Bed Bugs! Reactions to bites may mild or non-existent. Some people react harshly to bites.

Bed Bugs!

Basic Biology - Introductions Not technically an infestation One or several bugs present but not reproducing due to spatial separation or lack of a mated pair. Except for gravid females, 1 bed bug cannot begin an infestation by itself.

Basic Biology Light Infestations 1 or 2 females and young immatures Immatures seem to remain in proximity to female (this is conjecture based on observations and research is needed to confirm this behavior)

Basic Biology – Moderate Infestations Multiple mated pairs Rapidly expanding numbers of eggs and young Small groups appear to have spread out from original parent, but still seem to remain in proximity to their cohort. (this is conjecture based on observations more research is needed to confirm this behavior)

Basic Biology – Heavy Infestations Many groups spread through out one or more rooms. Bugs can be seen out during the daylight hours

Basic Biology – Exploded Populations Many reproducing groups through many or all rooms of the environment. Individuals of all stages may be found crawling anywhere inside the environment. Individuals may be leaving the environment and wandering to neighboring apartments/rooms/environments. Anyone entering the environment is likely to leave with bugs hitchhiking on them or their gear

Evasive Techniques On the Job Coats left in the vehicle Take in only what you need

Place equipment In a bag or a bucket on flat open surfaces In good condition the bucket is too slick for bugs to climb on flat open surfaces kitchen floor Bathroom floor

Heavy & Exploded Infestations

De-infesting Equipment Left in a heat treatment Sealed in a container

De-infesting your clothes Before traveling far in to the home, uniforms can be placed immediately into the washer for a hot water wash and a dryer cycle.

Bed Bug Safe When bugs must be kept, use a polyethylene card file box Too slick for bugs to climb out Available at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby or similar stores

Support Your People Most attendees indicated that they have a policy in place to support an employee that becomes infested to help them eliminate their bed bugs