Green pest control for bed bugs
Green pest control, also known as eco-friendly or sustainable pest management, refers to methods of controlling pests that minimize harm to:
- humans
- the environment
- non-target animals (pets)
A key aspect of green pest control is preventing pest infestations in the first place.
Common techniques in green pest control include:
- Mechanical traps and barriers,digital pest control (connected traps)
- Eco-friendly products that are less toxic
- Natural & botanical solutions: e.g. diatomaceous earth instead of synthetic chemicals
In essence, green pest control is about finding effective pest management solutions that are also sustainable and safe.
Benefits of green pest control for bed bugs
- Safer for children, pets, and wildlife
- Reduces environmental pollution
- Prevents pesticide resistance in bed bugs
- Promotes long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes
..and for the most part a cheaper solution!
What is IPM?
Residential customers are more aware of green pest control products
Results from PCT’s recent reader poll found that 55 percent of PCOs said residential customers are more aware of green pest control products/services today than five years ago..
Early detection key to combat bedbugs
If we polled pest control customers on what would be their worst “nightmare” for a pest infestation, almost all would say bed bugs. As pest management professionals (PMPs), we must provide outstanding bed bug service for our customers’ mental and physical health…
Are mechanical traps and barriers enough?
Bed bug entomology
Bed bugs have been associated with humans for thousands of years, dating back to when people lived in caves. By the 17th and 18th centuries, they had spread across Europe and North America. Although their numbers decreased in the mid-20th century due to pesticides like DDT, bed bugs have resurged in recent decades, likely due to pesticide resistance, increased global travel, and urban living conditions.
Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown, about the size of an apple seed, and live exclusively on blood. They hide in cracks and crevices during the day, feeding at night. Bed bugs are poor fliers and typically spread by hitchhiking on luggage, clothing, or secondhand furniture. Their resurgence is attributed to resistance to pesticides, increased travel, and lack of awareness of control methods.
Bed bugs are nocturnal and prefer dark, undisturbed places to hide. They reproduce through traumatic insemination, and their life cycle involves five nymph stages before reaching adulthood. While they do not fly or jump, bed bugs can travel significant distances in search of a host.