Bed Bug Removal

Recent research reported at the National Conference of Urban Entomology indicates that bed bug eggs may be easier to remove with a vacuum than originally reported. Previously, industry experts have indicated that bed bug eggs, because of their tackiness, were hard to remove from surfaces via a vacuum.

Tests performed by researchers at Virginia Tech, have shown that eggs are fairly easily removed by most vacuums from fabrics like mattresses but a bit harder to remove from other surfaces like wood. Several different commercially available vacuums were tested and all performed similarly. For surfaces like wood, extra tacky lint rollers are recommended instead of a vacuum with excellent results.

Vacuuming can provide several benefits as part of a bed bug management program:

• The small immature stages or nymphs will often use the shed caste skins of their older siblings to hide inside. By removing caste skins with a vacuum, you may also be picking up and removing the young nymphs.

• Removal of eggs is also reducing the population numbers.

• Adults and older nymphs can be removed along with eggs and caste skins. This can help make a quick dent in biting stages and provide relief for residents.

• Removing dead bed bugs and caste skins helps in monitoring the bed bug programs effectiveness and in making decisions for retreatment.

Despite many industry improvements in bed bug management, these pests continue to be problematic with increasing chemical control challenges. Physical removal through the use of vacuums can be a fairly quick addition to the service. Vacuuming can provide more immediate control and beneficial monitoring advantages to improve overall program results.

Have a Bed Bug Problem? Contact McCloud Services to help you today!