How to Quickly Reduce Bed Bug Populations in an Account
Dr. Bob Davis, BCE
Technical Services Representative
Vacuuming can quickly reduce bed bug populations in accounts, especially when there are active clusters. Below are some tips that can help you efficiently collect and remove bed bugs:
1) Use a crack & crevice cleaning tool and set the suction to high (if adjustable).
2) Concentrate efforts on infested areas, cracks & crevices, seams and folds. Bed bugs can cling to fabrics. The C&C tool and high suction can help capture them.
3) Place tape over the nozzle when moving vacuum to different areas of the structure during service. This will help to not accidentally spread bed bugs within the account.
4) It is critically important to remove the bag from the vacuum after use as many bed bugs will survive the process. Remove and seal the vacuum bag with tape, then place the vacuum bag in a separate plastic bag, seal the outer bag and dispose in the trash.
5) If you use a bagless vacuum, wash it out thoroughly with hot soapy water, then rinse after each use. Clean or replace the filter (if present).
If you or your customer experience allergies to insects, dust, etc., a vacuum with a HEPA filter is an excellent choice.
Dr. Bob Davis, BCE, is a technical services representative for BASF Professional & Specialty Solutions. His career has included various positions, including fisheries biologist, serving as the technical director for ABC Pest & Lawn Services of Austin, TX, and as a technical field representative for Aventis and Bayer Environmental Sciences.
Bob received his undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska (UNL), where his graduate work focused on testing and evaluating termite control materials and techniques. Bob is a board-certified entomologist and is active in the Entomological Society of America. He has authored multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals and has provided educational materials, presentations and articles through extension and professional magazine venues.
Phone: 512-657-5913
Email: robert.davis@basf.com
