February Bed Bug News: The Importance of Creating A Bed Bug Response Plan

Posted on February 15, 2012 with 1 Comment

February 2012 is starting out to be another good month for bed bugs.  Bed bugs are making headlines across the country as bed bug public awareness is increasing, more and more people are bringing their bed bug incidences to the news media and social networking sites.  Individuals who have an encounter with bed bugs are notably fed up and want answers and action taken.

• A Ramada Inn in Indianapolis had a complaint after a guest was bitten by bed bugs.  Although the hotel manager would not admit that the bugs were actually bed bugs, he did initiate a call to a pest control company to have the room treated.
• A bed bug infestation has also hit a college, the University of Nebraska, prompting school officials to look into purchasing a bed bug insurance plan.  Another college in Columbia, South Carolina has efforts underway to rid an off campus housing complex of a bed bug infestation.
• Bed bugs have also been confirmed in a children’s hospital in Indiana.
• Bed bugs were found in a Michigan Elementary School, prompting school officials to take action.
• Huntsville Housing Authority officials say an initial pesticide treatment appears to have contained a bed bug outbreak at the Johnson Towers senior apartment building.

The California Department of Public Health has even added a printable Bed Bug Wallet Card to its website which informs hotel visitors how to inspect their rooms for bed bugs.

No establishment is immune from bed bugs.  It is very important for all businesses, hotels, motels, universities, assisted living facilities, school districts, group homes or any establishment where people visit to create a bed bug response plan.  A Bed Bug Response Plan is required so that if an establishment has a bed bug complaint, you are prepared to take action.

Staff training is essential.  Learning about bed bug biology should be included in staff training as your staff can be a first defense when it comes to bed bugs.  Knowledge and proper training is a key component to a bed bug response plan.  Your staff and maintenance personnel should know exactly what to do once a bed bug is found or suspected.  A relationship should be formed with an pest control company that is knowledgeable in all aspects of bed bug management, including inspections.