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Bed Bug Awareness Week has come to an end, but not before Part 3: bed bug control and bed bug prevention! Make sure you’ve read our previous Bed Bug Awareness Week posts, Week 1: Bed Bug Introduction and Awareness and Week 2: Bed Bug Information and Inspection first!

BED BUG CONTROL

Bed Bug Control, or Bed Bug Treatment, focuses on the best methods for you in dealing with current bed bug invasions as well as preventing future ones. With our environmentally-friendly Integrated Pest Management best practices, Franklin Pest has perfected a 3-tier system that we use for bed bug elimination. To successfully treat and prevent bed bug infestations, it’s crucial that the consumer works with our pest control experts according to our guidelines:

  1. Inspection and survey
    During this phase, the severity of a bed bug infestation is assessed. Visual inspection, monitors, traps, and protective bed coverings are used to tell us exactly how to go about treating for that particular situation. Your technician will provide you with an instructional sheet at this time to make sure you’re properly prepared for treatment.
  2. Treatment
    Using the monitors put in place during our initial inspection, a determination will be made as to what type of treatment method would be the most effective in gaining control of the active infestation. Franklin uses Thermal Remediation (heat treatment for bed bugs), conventional, and non-conventional techniques for the proper control of bed bugs. The right method for your situation will be discussed prior to treatment date to ensure everyone is on the same page.
  3. Monitoring and Reporting
    Follow up inspections are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment performed. At this time, using our monitoring methods in step 1, we reassess the situation, determining if additional treatments will be necessary. A detailed report is provided, explaining our findings, recommendations, and next steps.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Franklin Pest Solutions likes to provide as many bed bug treatment options as possible when it comes to treatment. Constantly giving you the same information over and over may seem a tad redundant, but education and knowledge is by far the most important aspect of bed bug prevention. And the more people we can teach about how to look for bed bugs and how to avoid getting bed bugs the better for everyone’s health and sanity.

Our certified professionals will work with you to create the best bed bug treatment plan that works for you or your business, from our combination of conventional and non-conventional treatment options that range from Thermal Remediation® , to Integrated Pest Management treatments…and even free staff training. Read on for more information!

THERMAL REMEDIATION

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Thermal Remediation® is a very effective method of eliminating bed bugs without the use of harsh pesticides. Rooms are heated to between 120 and 135 degrees, to what is known as the bed bug “killing zone”, using electric heaters and powerful fans. At this temperature, bed bugs at any life stage, including the eggs, are killed.

It works quite simply: the heat causes the bugs to emerge, and once the temperature reaches that critical point, they quickly die. There are important instructions you need to follow before, during, and after your visit, but don’t worry! Our Franklin Pest Solutions experts will provide you with all the information you’ll need and will be there every step of the way. Working cooperatively with our clients is a key factor in not only eliminating bed bug infestations, but also assuring they never occur again.

Having your bed bug problem taken care of via our conventional or non-conventional treatments is great, but what to do you to prevent this stressful ordeal from happening again? Keep reading to learn about bed bug prevention.

EDUCATION IS THE FIRST AND BEST DEFENSE

Multi-unit buildings, hospitals, apartment complexes, assisted living facilities, hotels, and so many other commercial establishments can so easily become infested if bed bugs are introduced. Franklin Pest Solutions has the years of experience and super knowledgeable staff available to come educate your business’ staff to make sure this doesn’t happen. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free educational seminar for your staff.

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PREVENTING BED BUGS

Bed Bug Awareness Week is also promoted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) as well as the Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA). They’ve graciously provided us with some excellent bed bug prevention tips for both at home and while traveling:

  • Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation.
  • Check your sheets for tell-tale blood spots the size of black pepper flecks.
  • Bring a large plastic trashbag to keep your suitcase in during hotel stays, or keep it in the bathtub.Carry a small flashlight to make quick visual inspections. Never bring second-hand furniture, especially mattresses and box springs, into a home without thoroughly examining for signs of a bed bug infestation. You might consider having a pest control professional inspect the furniture as it is difficult to detect an infestation without training.
  • Regularly inspect areas where pets sleep for signs of bed bugs.
  • Eliminate clutter as best as you can to prevent hiding and breeding opportunities.
  • Bed bugs are elusive creatures, so it is imperative to seek professional pest control assistance if you suspect a presence.
  • If you have a bed bug infestation, consult a pest management professional before disposing of infested or previously treated furniture, clothing, or other items. Properly mark any items that will be disposed with clear notification of bed bug presence to prevent further spreading of the bed bugs.
  • Although bed bugs are typically thought to be a household pest, they can hitchhike with people to their places of employment. Check seams of office chairs, crevices of desks, and report any suspicions to management.
  • When shopping, using dressing rooms, or trying on clothing, inspect behind mirrors, under benches, look for tell-tale signs on clothing while in the store and upon returning home, immediately launder the clothing in hot water or steam/dry clean delicate items.

Your place of business and anywhere you may stay on vacation, such as a hotel or AirBnB, are just as likely to acquire bed bugs as your own home, if not more so due to the constant outside traffic. All it takes is a few bugs hiding in a suitcase zipper seam to cause a full-blown infestation.

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Bed bugs are a straight-up hassle! Your best bet to make sure you’re rid of them forever is to contact one of our specialists at Franklin Pest Solutions. Our bed bug inspections and beg bug treatment quotes are free. We’ll provide you with the peace of mind you deserve.

Thanks for joining us for Bed Bug Awareness Week! The Franklin Pest Control Blog is always updated with information regarding bed bugs and other pests, so be sure to come back and pay us a visit.

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