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How to address bed bugs in residential homes for seniors

Abell Pest Control

Residential care facilities for seniors are a bed bug's paradise. Just like apartment complexes and hotels, there are many people living under one roof. This is an ideal situation for bed bugs, which can hop from room to room, feed and breed for a long time before anyone notices their presence. Once one resident has a bed bug problem, it could spread to other residents and visitors. Consider these tips on how to properly address bed bugs in a residential facility.

Why bed bugs pose a risk to seniors

Bed bugs may be more harmful in the presence of older adults, Long-Term Living magazine stated. Bed bugs thrive off sneaking around during the night, and going unnoticed because of their small size. Many older adults may have health problems or difficulty with vision, so bed bugs' jobs become much easier. Bed bugs often carry other diseases, such as staph infections. Taking advantage of seniors with weakened immune systems can be incredibly harmful. Also, if seniors become worried there's a pest problem, the fear could cause psychological issues. Seniors are a vulnerable group - the wrath of bed bugs is never good. However, having bed bugs in a residential community is not inevitable. There are some prevention and treatment methods to counter their potential attack.

Prevention and treatment tips

Try out these suggested methods to keep the bed bugs away.

  • Regularly educate staff members on current bed bug prevention tips and awareness, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency noted. Make sure they're educated on the proper methods of checking furniture and beds. Coordinate to determine a set of detection methods that everyone is aware of. Using LED lights and canine detection teams can highlight a possible pest problem. Completing this task often can keep bed bugs out of the facility or to a confined area instead of letting it develop into an infestation.

  • Develop a strong communication strategy to keep all staff informed of a possible infestation. That way, staff can follow the proper protocol and prevent the problem from spreading.

  • Figure out the method of bed bug treatment if there is an infestation. Decide ahead of time whether telling residents would be a good idea or not. If you don't inform residents, make sure to keep their routine the same. Creating a chaotic environment will only upset them and make the situation more dangerous.

  • Create room in the budget for an exterminator. If the facility is infested with bed bugs, prompt action is needed. Facilities are liable for putting their residents at harm if the problem is not immediately resolved. Make sure the facility has a budget to pay for a pest problem.


About the author:

Since 1924, Abell Pest Control has provided quality services, protecting our customers and their patrons from coast-to-coast. Our customers enjoy the expertise and resources of a national provider. Prouder yet, we are members of your community, ready to service your home or business 24/7.

We are reliable experts in pest control—experts who care. At Abell Pest Control, we bring experience, efficacy and knowledge to customers who are looking for a fast, safe and effective solution to their pest problem.

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