Bed Bug Best Management Practices
The
resurgence of bed bugs has created significant concern in the
pest management industry and in society overall. Controlling, let
alone eradicating, this pest is extremely difficult. To ensure
industry professionals have the best possible guidance on
controlling bed bugs effectively, responsibly and safely, the
National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has created Best
Management Practices for Bed Bugs (BMPs), guidelines developed by
industry professionals, regulators, academics, and entomologists.
In addition to helping industry professionals, the guidelines are
useful to consumers so that they can understand what they should
expect in working with trained pest management professionals for
problems associated with bed bugs. Rest assured, bed bugs can be
treated but proper management will involve an effective partnership
between a pest professional and customer.
The National Pest Management Association is pleased to offer a
consumer friendly version of NPMA's Best Management Pratices for
Bed Bugs for Industry Professionals. You will find the full version here, and a
summary of what the guide contains below. If you believe you may
have bed bugs or would just like to understand more about how
inspections and treatment are performed, you will find the
resources offered very valuable educational tools.
Business
Practices
Offering general guidelines to pest management professionals, the
BMPs stipulate the necessity of fairness and honesty in advertising
and all transactions with the public, stress the importance of
ongoing employee education, and offer an overview of basic
information essential in servicing consumers. Potential customers
should consider this a Business 101 checklist.
Service
Agreements
Because bed bugs are a unique pest, the NPMA's BMPs offer guidance
to professionals on what items should be included in service
agreements. The clearly outlined inclusions and exclusions will
also be helpful to any customer considering engaging a pest
management professional.
Technician and Sales
Staff Training
Any employee of a pest management firm who may encounter bed bugs
or be asked about bed bugs needs training on the pest. The BMPs
offer guidance on the type of training that should be undertaken by
all professionals.
Disposal of Beds,
Furniture, Possessions
To many people's surprise, the BMPs discourage the disposal of
items infected with bed bugs. Instead, they offer guidance on why
throwing out infested items is often unnecessary and recommends
procedures for properly removing furniture when it does become
necessary.
Client
Cooperation and Treatment Preparations
A well informed client, working with a trained pest management
professional, provide an effective team in combating bed bugs. The
BMPs offer guidance on client education and what steps clients may
be responsible for in supporting the elimination of bed bugs in
both residential and commercial locations.
Bed Bug
Detection
The BMPs offer helpful guidance on what constitutes evidence of
bed bugs and what doesn't. The various methods of inspection are
addressed, including descriptions of how each is performed. The
detection advice helps professionals and consumers alike understand
when immediate treatment is warranted and when monitoring should be
employed. Methods for such monitoring, including advantages and
disadvantages for each type, are addressed.
Bed Bug Scent
Detection Canine Teams
Bed bug infestations can be detected by specially trained bed bug
scent detection canine teams. The BMPs provide solid guidance on
when such teams are most effective, how they should work, and
describe the importance of third party certification of such
teams.
Integrated
Pest Management and Methods of Control
There are many things customers can do to minimize the likelihood
of large-scale bed bug infestations. The BMPS offer guidance to
pest management professionals in properly educating home owners and
commercial property managers about steps toward
self-protection.
Fortunately, there are multiple methods of control that are
available to pest management professionals, including vacuuming,
steaming, freezing, heat treatments, use of mattress and box spring
encasements, fumigation, and the use of insecticides. Written in
detailed language, the BMPs offer comment on the advantages of each
and address certain limitations. They address specific tactical
steps on how each control method is properly performed. The
information on the types of treatment available offers significant
insight for consumers.
Post-Treatment
Evaluation
Because of the complex nature of bed bugs, multiple service visits
may be required to ensure they are properly eliminated. The BMPs
offer an explanation of the importance of inspections and possible
treatments beyond the first visit.
Health and Safety of
Customers
Bed bug service often involves the use of insecticides, which have
been demonstrated to be effective and safe treatment options when
used correctly by trained personnel. The BMPs offer valuable
reminders on essential health and safety considerations.
Download the PDF version of the document in
English
En Español
Download a Printable Summary of BMPs