Bed bug infestations present a major risk to hospitals. The amount of patients and visitors checking in and out of a hospital makes it very easy for an bed bug problem to slip under the radar. Once the tiny critters are discovered, havoc can ensue as patients and caregivers understandably have health concerns, employees worry about taking the bugs home with them, and the hospital could take a serious hit to its reputation if word gets out. Here are some ways that bed bugs can be prevented, contained, and eradicated by bed bug control professionals in Nassau County, NY.
Prevention of Bed Bugs
Of course, prevention is the first step in controlling the spread of bedbugs throughout a hospital setting. The unfortunate aspect of bed bug control in a hospital is that an infestation could spread across the facility very quickly. This doesn’t mean it is inevitable. By following a few preventative measures, it is possible to keep bed bugs at bay without having to undergo an extermination. A smart preventative measure involves education about bed bug control. All staff should have a basic understanding of how bed bugs breed and how to spot a possible colony. This can greatly reduce the chances of a full infestation because early action can save a lot of time down the road.
Related: Bed Bug Company’s Tips for Avoiding Bed Bugs in NYC
Another preventative measure that can be put into place is double-checking dirty laundry before it is mingled with other clothing and linens. If a sheet or blanket happens to have bed bugs on it, then it can easily contaminate the entire laundry area. Finally, because it is difficult and time-consuming to try to notice tiny bed bugs in a busy place, regular inspections by bed bug control professionals are highly recommended.
Containment of the Tiny Pests
If it happens that some bed bugs appear and start to breed, the first step that needs to be taken is proper containment until a professional arrives on scene. One step toward containment is identifying where the bed bugs came from. You can increase the chances of being able to find out the bugs’ origin if the hospital’s protocol includes labeling bed linens by department, floor, and room. This can cut out hours of searching the hospital for signs of bed bugs. If a room is suspected to be the origin, it is essential that nothing in the room gets taken out, and it’s also a must to bring in the bed bug professionals to ensure the matter doesn’t worsen and can be dealt with and eradicated as soon as possible. Discretion is necessary in any busy setting, and bed bug professionals do what they can to keep the entire matter contained.
Eradication and Bed Bug Control
When the bed bug professionals report to duty, you’ll want to know what to expect. The first step involves confirmation that bed bugs are the problem, which can be done through the sniffing talents of our trained canine friends. Professional exterminators use specially trained dogs that are highly effective at finding bed bugs within a 3-foot radius. Once pinpointed, an eradication plan will be put in place. We have found that Cryonite freezing is most effective. The spread of super chilled carbon dioxide freezes bed bugs right in their tracks. This procedure is friendly for the environment and safe for use in sensitive locations like hospitals.