Page 46 - CIJ June 2024 - Digital Edition

PEST MANAGEMENT

Bedbugs: Challenges and Solutions

Several factors combine to make bedbugs a challenge that they are today. Travel, public
places & social interaction cannot be avoided and these are the habits of humans that
bedbugs seem to capitalise on. Chandrashekar Chandavarkar, Director-Terramica Pest
Control Pvt. Ltd and Mahiratonics Products & Services Pvt. Ltd, shares his expert views
on the challenges and solutions for tackling bedbugs.

n the early 90s, bedbug issues of the bugs… as they proliferate, the
were almost unheard of and at the infestation spreads all over. Curtains,
turn of the century, there was talk switchboards, electrical wiring, stereo,
of ‘resurgence’. Today, bedbugs books. Any hiding spot is good. This is
Iare so well entrenched that the when the nightmare begins!
basic tenets of pest management -- If you suspect an infestation the
elimination of food sources & entry earlier you address the issue the better.
points -- are severely challenged. For reasons mentioned above, DIY is
The food bedbugs seek is blood and very risky. Most heavy infestations we
their preferred entry is hitchhiking on attend to are a result of failed attempts
person/luggage. Diabolical. by the customer.
Bedbugs have a flattened body that
helps them hide in the tiniest of cracks. New technological
This makes it difficult to detect and take
timely action. The nymphs are tiny, advancements
colourless and will most likely escape Customers have a choice now to opt
your eye even though they will feed on for non-chemical solutions.
your blood. Being nocturnal, bedbugs
venture out only during late nights Steam application is one such
-- another habit that helps them escape treatment. Steam is applied in cracks
detection by host. and crevices with a steam machine.
The principle is that bedbugs are killed
Bedbugs feed once in a few days and on contact with the super-hot steam;
thereafter retreat and remain hidden the method is effective but the service
in its lair so even if you sight one and can be time-consuming. Moreover,
exterminate it, chances are that there are steam may not be an option for all
more in hiding. situations and surfaces. Electronic
Allergens from these pests can gadgets, switchboards and such
aggravate asthmatic conditions, besides vulnerable surfaces will need an
loss of sleep and impinged quality of alternative approach.
life are major detrimental factors. Dry heat exposure is another
While bedbugs do not remain on method that may find use in certain
the host (like body lice), their trick to circumstances. An area is completely
spread is hitchhiking. Bedbugs may isolated and exposed to heat for a
infest airport lounges, flights, bus and period. When continuously exposed to
rail stations. No public place is safe. All heat, the adults and eggs alike are killed
it takes is a single insect to hitch a ride by high temperature and desiccation.
into your home or workplace. This service too has limitations and
Initial infestations when low is needs to be studied for feasibility based
restricted to immediate vicinity of the on the type of premises.
sleeping host - mattresses, bedsteads, Although not yet introduced in India,
sheets and cots. There are several sniffer dogs are trained to point to
tell-tale signs that you should look bedbug infestations. Thermal traps that
for: unexplained skin rashes, allergies, imitate human warmth can be used to
disturbed sleep, bug faecal matter on trap bedbugs - for detection and not
the mattress/sheets, the musty smell control.

JUNE 2024•Clean India Journal
46 www.cleanindiajournal.com