Page 47 - CIJ June 2024 - Digital Edition

PEST MANAGEMENT

Yet, simple conventional wet use requires the professional
application treatment remains the to monitor, measure and
mainstay as of now. Alternative certify residue levels
treatment options have not gained after aeration before
much traction either due to impractical you step in.
requirements or high costs or just
plain technician inexperience. If the • Use mattress
PMP advises alternative methods, be encasements if
sure he discusses all the details and available
requirements beforehand. Make a • Take special
cost comparative analysis with other precautions when
options and then take a call. you travel, stay
over in hotels or
Strategies and solutions spend long hours in

Conventional treatment with a waiting lounge.
pesticide application is effective but • If you have travelled
all areas must be covered mandatorily. and are returning home,
The expertise of the PMP that decides check all your luggage and
the success rate. Do not skip any spot your clothes. Remember, a
or crevice. single bedbug is all it takes.
Vacuum cleaning of cracks and • Store your travel bags in airtight
crevices, beddings, mattresses, bags after sunning them a few NOTWITHSTANDING
furniture should be undertaken to hours. ANY METHOD, THE PMP
physically remove eggs, nymphs and • Bedsteads and panelling should (PEST MANAGEMENT
adults. be dismantled, if possible, at the PROFESSIONAL) SHOULD
Make sure to wash all linen, clothes time of treatment. A little extra
in hot water (>60ºC) simultaneously. effort now will save you pain SPEND TIME INSPECTING
Follow your PMP’s advise on closure later. THE PLACE BEFORE
periods and make sure pets, children PLANNING ON A PROPER
and senior citizens are kept away till • Seal cracks and crevices if you
the place is cleaned up post-treatment. notice any in the rooms. This TREATMENT. FOR ANY
Depending on the infestation levels, is critical advise to hotels and METHOD OF CONTROL,
you may need to undergo a re- hospitals where there is constant INSPECTION IS THE FIRST
treatment after a few weeks. people traffic. STEP.
• Get rid of clutter - they are just so
Best practices many more places for the pests to Chandrashekar
• Do not allow use of fumigants hide and breed. Chandavarkar
especially in homes and where • If you are a commercial place,
patients, senior citizens, pets, train your staff to be aware of
children sleep. Fumigants can bedbugs. Sensitise them to detect
cause lethal harm to humans. Any signs of infestation.

• Do not be fooled into
complacency if a single bug is
seen - in all probability, there are
several more hidden. Have the
entire place checked thoroughly.
• Guests/employees may not
always complain if they see a
bedbug so do not depend on
feedback to initiate a service.
Have regular inspections done
if you are in a business that is
vulnerable to these pests.
• Get rid of any old linen,
mattresses and beddings that
you may have kept aside for
discarding. CIJ

Clean India Journal•JUNE 2024 47
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