Facility and risk management tips presented by www.solidrockfacilitymanagers.com
Will Pest Populations Rise
Paris and major cities in Europe and Asia are experiencing a bedbug outbreak: Pests like the bed bugs that are making headlines in Paris right now are a year-round concern for every facility, but various factors can significantly increase the likelihood of running into certain pest populations.
By sifting through weather patterns, long-term forecasts, and pest biological behaviors, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has created its bi-annual Bug Barometer®, a forecast that shows what to expect from pest populations in regions
Bed Bugs In The Office?
Bed bugs are typically thought to be a household pest, but according to NMPA they can hitchhike with people to their places of employment. In fact, a 2015 Bugs Without Borders survey by NPMA found that 45% of pest control professionals have encountered bed bugs in office buildings.
Here are some tips, courtesy of NPMA, to prevent bringing bed bugs home from the workplace:
Vacuum and clean all areas including offices, hallways, lobbies, kitchens, storefronts and public bathrooms on a daily basis.
Regularly inspect all areas of business for signs of bed bugs infestations at work.
Pay close attention to the seams of furniture and upholstery for telltale brownish or reddish spots.
Also beware that these pests have been known to inhabit electrical sockets, surge protectors and behind picture frames.
Vigilance by all employees is key!
Eliminate clutter as best as possible, especially in storage areas as this provides excellent hiding spots for bed bugs in the office.
When unpacking new inventory or receiving shipments, carefully inspect all items and packaging for signs of bed bugs before bringing them into your business.
Encourage employees to report suspicions of bed bug activity immediately, and always contact a pest professional to investigate each claim.
Have a policy in place for employees who may suspect a bed bug infestation at home. Many times, employees unknowingly bring these bed bugs into the office. By having an open dialogue and official policy on these pest infestations, you may be able to help remove any concern of honest reporting.
If a bed bug infestation is found, work with a professional pest control company to treat the infestation and perform follow-up inspections.
What can you do to keep these pests at bay? According to NPMA’s expert entomologists, it’s best to eliminate any areas of moisture in your facility and keep kitchens and food prep areas clean, storing food in airtight containers to keep pests out.
Also, seal cracks and holes on the outside of the building and store boxes off of the floor to prevent pests from residing in undisturbed areas.
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