Bedbugs & Business 2012: Terminix Reports Bedbug Activity Is 70 percent Commercial vs. 30 percent Residential

Terminix, the world’s largest pest control provider and a subsidiary of The ServiceMaster Company, has seen an increase in the prevalence of bedbugs in most states since releasing its first Most Bedbug-Infested Cities ranking in 2010. The company recently released 2012 Most Bedbug-Infested Cities ranking. Across the US, businesses continue to represent 70 percent of the Terminix bedbug customers versus 30 percent for residential customers.

The company reports that in areas with high levels of active bed bugs, it is not uncommon to see a 300 percent increase in reported incidences over levels reported just a few years ago. In areas where infestation is newly discovered, increases can be as high as 1500 percent over the previous year.

While some industries are more susceptible to infestation than others, the more customer and employee traffic a business has, the more the business is at risk. “Bedbugs are able to hitchhike on any item and be carried into any home or building,” said Stoy Hedges, an entomologist with Terminix.

Discovery of suspected infestations or bedbug activity often comes via complaints from customers or staff. “It’s important to train employees to address customer concerns related to bedbugs sympathetically, professionally and according to company policy,” notes Paul Curtis, director of service quality for Terminix. “Legally, employees’ actions and words could be imputed to their employer.”

Businesses should educate all staff members on how to look for signs of infestation and what to do if bedbug activity is found. Regular inspections of key customer and employee contact areas and possible harborage sites are essential. Terminix offers Suggestions for Developing the Right Action Plan. If bedbugs are suspected, contact an expert immediately to schedule an inspection.

Hedges cautions bedbug infestations are not something that businesses should attempt handle on their own. Recently, Journal of Economic Entomology reported that over-the-counter foggers have been proven ineffective and are not recommended for use.

Terminix uses a process called RapidFreeze in which a patented nozzle transforms liquid carbon dioxide into a dry ice “snow” that effectively freezes and kills bedbugs in fewer than 60 seconds.