Old Bug, New Places

Bedbugs are a sneaky, icky insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. BEDBUGS have re-emerged in America in the mid-1990s. But the situation has gotten out of hand in recent years. Now, USA Today reports, even workplace infestations are on the rise:

[Nearly one in five exterminators have found bedbugs in office buildings in the U.S., according to a recent survey of extermination firms by the National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky. That compares with less than 1% in 2007.

"It's a national issue," says Ron Harrison of pest control firm Orkin. "Not all of us have to go to work and worry about it, but we all have to be sensitive to it."

Most cubicle dwellers and corner office executives are blissfully unaware of bug problems. And many wrongly think infestations take place only in the homes of unclean folks or in college dorms. But bedbugs can survive in a multitude of eek-evoking settings, such as offices, movie theaters and libraries]

Here are some tips for workplace protection from Bedbugs:

Bedbug tips while at work:

Metal is better than wood when it comes to furniture etc., because bed bugs generally can’t climb on metal.

Looking into new company sofas? We recommend staying away from compartment dividers, especially if they are made of felt, as these dividers increase bed bug hiding areas.

Encasing bags/briefcases brought to work in bed bug proof luggage linersdecreases the bed bugs’ ability to get into the work place.

Use hard sided briefcases, as opposed to soft suitcases or bags.

Inspect your clothing before entering and leaving the office building.

Reduce clutter to reduce bed bug hiding spaces.

Know what bed bugs look like and if there are reports of bed bugs in your area, and let your employees know the signs of a bed bug infestation.

Inspect clothing, crevices, furniture, carpets, curtains, and wall hangings for bed bugs.

If signs of a bed bug infestation are found, contact a licensed pest control professional in your area immediately to arrange for an inspection and possibly extermination.

Squeak E Clean's staff is trained to recognize pests that contribute to problems in the workplace. Use a company who can help maintain a healthy and safe work environment.