Encountering bed bugs at work is a situation that can wreak havoc in any workplace. Despite the common misconception that bed bugs are only a residential issue, they can infest any environment where humans frequent, including offices, retail stores, schools, hospitals, and more. The primary concern with bed bugs in workplaces is their potential to hitch a ride home with employees, leading to infestations in their residences. This comprehensive guide aims to provide practical advice on identifying, preventing, and controlling bed bugs at work.
Understanding Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped, flightless insects, typically around 10 mm long. The color of these pests ranges from light brown to reddish-brown. They are known for their nocturnal habits, often feeding on human blood while their hosts are asleep. Bed bugs are notoriously hardy creatures, capable of surviving for several weeks without feeding. They breed rapidly, with a single female laying up to 200-400 eggs during her lifespan.
The flat bodies of bed bugs allow them to hide in minuscule spaces such as mattress seams, cracks, crevices, electrical outlets, bed frames, and behind wallpaper, among other objects around a bed or on the floor. It’s also noteworthy that bed bugs cannot scale polished surfaces and lack the ability to fly or jump.
Identifying Bed Bugs at Work
Recognizing the presence of bed bugs in the workplace is the first step in combating these pests. Bed bugs are often hard to spot due to their small size and their tendency to hide during the day. However, signs of their presence might include bite marks on employees, small blood stains on furniture, or the insects’ droppings. The bugs themselves, their eggs, and their shed skins are also identifiable signs of an infestation.
Risk of Bed Bug Infestation at Work
Everyone in the workplace is at risk of encountering bed bugs. These pests can be unknowingly brought into the workplace by employees, custodial staff, visitors, customers, vendors, clients, and others. Workplaces that handle bedding, clothing, or furniture where bed bugs could be hiding are at higher risk. These include facilities like hospitals, long-term care centers, shelters, hotels, etc.
Bed Bug Symptoms
While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can cause discomfort and skin reactions in some people. Bites from these pests typically appear on the face, neck, arms, hands, or any other body parts left exposed while sleeping. Bed bug bites can take as long as 14 days to appear, depending on the person.
When bed bugs bite, they inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that prevents a person from realizing they are being bitten. Some people do not react at all to the bites, while others may have small skin reactions. The bite marks are similar to that of a mosquito or a flea; slightly swollen and red areas that may itch and be irritating. In rare cases, some people may have severe allergic reactions.
Detecting Bed Bugs in the Workplace
If you suspect bed bugs are present in the workplace, report this to your supervisor. If your concerns are not addressed promptly, you can report the concern to your health and safety committee or health and safety representative. You may also be able to confirm if you have bed bugs by consulting with a pest control professional.
Preventing Bed Bug Infestations at Work
To prevent bed bug infestations at work, it’s important to reduce clutter, as it serves as an ideal habitat for these pests. Regular inspection for signs of infestation is also crucial. Be careful when buying used furniture and ensure each item is carefully inspected and cleaned before use. Keeping your belongings stored separately from those of other people can also help, especially if there is a known problem with bed bugs in the office.
Employer’s Responsibilities
Employers have duties under the occupational health and safety acts and applicable regulations to take every reasonable precaution to protect the health and safety of the worker. The following precautionary measures can be taken to prevent bed bug infestations and to protect the worker based on a risk assessment conducted of the workplace:
- Develop policies and procedures for reporting bed bug infestations.
- Keep records of infestations, including details of where and when infestations were encountered and the extent of infestations.
- Provide education to all workers regarding bed bugs, including information on bed bug identification, signs of infestation, and prevention awareness.
- Implement integrated pest management activities through a licensed pest management service provider.
- Provide coveralls, shoe covers, or gloves to workers if appropriate. Provide sealable plastic containers to protect workers’ equipment or belongings.
Eliminating Bed Bugs
Bed bug infestations are commonly treated by chemical spraying. An integrated pest management system which combines a variety of techniques and products is usually the best option. Information on the safety data sheet should be read and used as directed. To reduce exposure to the chemicals being used for treatment/spraying, it should not occur while employees are in the area. Always follow safe work procedures when working with or near pesticides.
Other physical methods of controlling bedbugs include steam cleaning, vacuuming, heating, freezing, washing, or throwing out items.
Non-Chemical Control Measures
Non-chemical control measures for bed bugs include heat treatment and the use of bed bug dogs. Heat treatment is a specialized process where rooms with bed bugs are heated to a high temperature with special equipment. Bed bug dogs, trained and certified to detect bed bugs, can find bed bugs faster than a trained professional.
Chemical Control Measures
Chemical treatment is best done by a pest control operator (PCO). The PCO should provide written information that details the time of treatment, the chemicals to be used, the duration you need to be out of your home, and the necessary preparations.
Working in Bed Bug Infested Environments
If you find yourself working in a building that is heavily infested, you should change your clothes if you can before you go to the next place. You can also wear a protective coverall so the bed bugs can’t crawl under a seam or in a pant cuff.
Professional Bed Bug Extermination Services
If you are struggling with a bed bug infestation at work, it’s advisable to seek professional help. A professional pest control service, like Banner Pest Services, is experienced in eliminating bed bugs from workplaces. Banner Pest Services offers comprehensive solutions that not only eliminate existing infestations but also help prevent future ones. If you’re in the Bay Area and dealing with bed bugs at work, contact Banner Pest Services today for a free consultation and get your business bed-bug free today!
