Stop Bed Bug Infestations Before They Become News
Desiree Straubinger, BCE, CP-FS
Technical Services Representative – BASF Professional & Specialty Solutions
Bed bugs can be a challenge for any pest control company. They are excellent hitchhikers, traveling into homes and businesses from outside sources and spreading easily once established in a new environment. Much like any unwanted visitor, they find the nooks and crannies of their new home and settle in, filling the space with allergens. Their arrival is impossible to predict, and they are difficult to evict.
Anytime an infestation of bed bugs hits a famous location, it also hits the media. This happened, in late 2023, as the city of Paris was in the final stages of work for the 2024 Summer Olympics, there were widespread reports of bed bug infestations. This led to worldwide news coverage, which likely led to homeowners and business owners searching the internet for bed bug remedies and articles offering methods that may (or may not) eliminate an infestation. Pest Management Professionals know that do-it-yourself tactics will only further cause resistance issues in bed bug populations as the typical property owner does not know what products cause resistance or how to properly use products to avoid resistance development.
When clients experiencing bed bug infestations do reach out to a pest control company for help, they want them gone immediately. Bed bugs carry a perception of uncleanliness and may result in stress for anyone living or staying in a location that is infested - not to mention the potentially itchy bites that can leave physical marks. For the technician handling such accounts, detailed inspections are an absolute must, along with choosing the right products for elimination.
Bed Bug Solutions
Bed bug solutions from BASF can be used for both active bed bug infestations and long-term maintenance programs. When performing conventional chemical bed bug control, using a combination of product formulations can provide total coverage of all areas where bed bugs harbor. Non-repellent products in the Phantom® and Alpine® brand lines provide excellent residual control, even when confronted with resistant strains of bed bugs. Treating large surface areas such as carpet under bed frames, curtains, luggage, box springs and mattresses is easy using PT® Alpine® Flea & Bed Bug or PT® Phantom® II pressurized insecticides. For baseboards, furniture, headboards, and carpet tack strips, use Phantom® Termiticide/Insecticide or Alpine® WSG Water Soluble Granule Insecticide.
Whether it’s an active infestation or the need for a longer-term maintenance program, look to BASF for solutions that win the day against bed bugs for your customers.
Desiree Straubinger has spent over 20 years studying and teaching about the insect world. As Technical Services Representative for BASF, Desiree leads efforts to build and share technical knowledge throughout the industry. She makes certain that those she works with gain the right expertise to get the job done.
Desiree graduated Purdue University with a degree in Entomology and is a Board-Certified Entomologist (BCE) as well as a Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS). Her true passion for the pest industry was revealed when she began her career as a pest prevention specialist in Orlando, FL. The following 20 years were spent in various positions with pest control companies including Market Technical Director for Rentokil and VP Technical for Certus Pest, Inc.
Desiree’s passion for the profession has led her to become an industry leader, working to elevate the industry and increase interest in the field of entomology. She serves in key positions on numerous boards and committees, including the Incoming President of Pi Chi Omega, PMP Magazine Editorial Advisory Board, and ESA Southeastern Branch Nominations Committee.
