New technologies simplify pest management

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New technologies simplify pest management


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By Bill Melville

As bed bugs continue to proliferate through society, entering every business from hotels to hospitals, retail stores to movie theaters, condos must stay abreast of this infamous trend – and technology is the way to do it. The pest control industry is hard at work trying to stop the bed bug bite and new treatments are on the horizon.

Head toward heat
While heat itself isn’t a groundbreaking science, using heat to manage pests, especially bed bugs, is a fairly new practice. Nonetheless, pest management professionals are using heat as an environmentally responsible treatment approach by raising the temperature of infested rooms to 48 degrees Celsius with the help of portable heaters and duct systems. The entire room, and its contents, must reach that ambient temperature, meaning treatments can take up to a full day.

While it’s necessary to remove specific items that cannot withstand extreme temperatures, and the provider will have to be aware of local fire codes regarding sprinkler systems, there are many benefits to the treatment. Heat treatments are effective in helping to stop the growth of mold, bacteria and viruses, while also killing other pests such as cockroaches, spiders and ants.

Thaw after freezing
With bed bugs, it’s all about extremes. Pest management providers not only use heat to manage the problem, but cold as well, specifically, freezing temperatures. Cryonite uses a carbon dioxide generator to produce dry ice snow, fatal to bed bugs. Dry ice formation requires a temperature lower than -60 degrees, which can freeze eggs, larvae and adult bed bugs on contact. “On contact” is the key phrase – as all surfaces and hiding areas need to be treated directly for treatment to be effective. Once treatment is complete, occupants can return shortly thereafter.

In addition to treatment advancements, new resources are available to help monitor for bed bugs. Active bed bug monitors can use heat, carbon dioxide and scents to attract bed bugs that are within five to six feet. Passive monitors are simply a glue board trap, or sticky board, but can also include a “pit-fall” type monitor where bed bugs crawl or fall in, and cannot escape. Even canines have entered the mix. Regular inspections, similar to that of a drug-sniffing dog, can help determine the presence of bed bugs and their eggs. But, contrary to what is seen in the media, it’s not just bed bugs that get all the attention; new technologies exist for other pests, too.

Rival those rodents
Several factors can contribute to a rodent problem on a condo property. The available access to food, water and shelter makes these environments attractive in themselves, but vegetation-filled landscaping with places to hide or unkempt picnic areas providing free snacks are just a couple possibilities. While you can prevent many rodent issues with facility maintenance, some might require the help of technology. A lot of research has been done (or re-visited) lately in the area of ultrasonic repellers to help manage rodent populations. Ultrasounds can frighten and thus repel rodents, keeping them away from a building.

Cut out odors
Kitchen exhaust from residents’ homes and dumpster areas don’t smell like the roses you might feature in your landscaping, and unfortunately pests use odors to find their way inside. Luckily, ionization machines are available to help control the stink. This equipment releases an inert product that contains negative ions into the air. The negative ions bind to pollutants in the air such as pollen, dust and odors. The ions then remove the particles from the air.

So, when it comes to technology, don’t just think of the latest gadget; consider alternative options that can advance operations and please residents.

Bill Melville is quality assurance director for Orkin PCO Services. Mr. Melville has 35 years of experience in the industry and is an acknowledged leader in the field of pest management. For more information, email Mr. Melville at bmelville@pcocanada.com or visit www.orkincanada.com.

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