Bed Bug News and Notes

NPMA to Host 2016 Global Bed Bug Summit

Featuring industry experts showcasing the latest bed bug research and control strategies, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) will host the Global Bed Bug Summit, Nov. 30 through Dec. 2, 2016, in Indianapolis, Ind.

Sponsored by BedBug Central, the Global Bed Bug Summit is designed to provide pest management professionals with the information they need from a legal, technical, business and customer service perspective to provide state-of-the-art bed bug control, while concurrently creating an environment of trust with their customers, the association says.

“NPMA is very excited to once again host this event with the support of BedBug Central,” said NPMA CEO Dominique Stumpf, CAE, CMP. “Companies across the country have been working hard to develop bed bug control strategies. This event moves beyond the bed bug basics and focuses on the current climate of bed bug control and what to expect in the near and long-term future of this pest.”

The conference will feature EXPOCentral — a trade show floor offering attendees access to bed bug products, as well as a “Night with the Experts,” a casual night of questions and exclusive interaction with the educational speakers.

The 2016 Global Bed Bug Summit will be held at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. To learn more about the conference or to register, visit www.npmapestworld.org or call 800/678-6722.

J.T. Eaton Offers The Bugo, a Bed Bug Barrier

New Stick-Em’s The Bugo is an easy-to-apply, virtually invisible bed bug barrier that lasts up to eight weeks, J.T. Eaton says. Simply peel off the green or purple liner and stick face down around a bed or furniture leg, then remove the orange liner to activate. It functions as a detector for bed bugs and insects. Simply peel the product off the floor surface (two versions are available for hard floor and carpet applications), then dispose.

Learn more at www.jteaton.com.

Registration is Now Open for Bed Bug University Boot Camp in August

BedBug University Boot Camp’s August session is fast approaching and seating is limited due to the hands-on nature of the training. The event will be held Aug. 9-12 in Lawrenceville, N.J.

The popular program gives PMPs the chance to gain classroom training on bed bug basics, including bed bug biology and behavior, along with hands-on field training using BedBug Central’s unique “No Prep” protocol.

Faculty members of BedBug University include Jeff White, Phil Cooper and Danny White. Learn more at www.bedbugcentral.com. An overview of the agenda follows:

Day 1: Explore bed bugs. Learn about bed bug biology, behavior, history, background, research, etc. Receive a complete overview of the technical aspects of BedBug Central’s “No Prep” protocol while experiencing a hands-on introduction to the tools and techniques used by the company.

Day 2: Observe bed bug treatment firsthand in the field. Working side by side with bed bug field professionals, attendees will have the opportunity to see BedBug Central’s service protocol in action.

Day 3: Take your bed bug program to the next level. BedBug Central’s business development team will provide a comprehensive day of training that will focus on how to build your market, how to develop a successful business model and the unique legal challenges of bed bugs.

Day 4: A complete review of the first three days, reinforcing the concepts that you have learned. The day formally ends at noon, but for companies looking to become bedbugFREE, the day is extended to complete the application process and to reach the stated goals of becoming bedbugFREE — the culmination of the BedBug University experience.

P.E.S.T. Relief International Gives the Gift of REST

P.E.S.T. Relief International successfully gave the gift of REST for Christmas to orphaned, abused and at-risk individuals. Through the REST Initiative, P.E.S.T. Relief International coordinated with the pest management industry and manufacturers to provide a sanitary and comfortable place to sleep for those who are desperate for life’s most basic needs.

Through the generous contributions of many companies and individuals, P.E.S.T. Relief International was able to assist in the provision of more than 250 mattress protectors to various facilities, including a homeless shelter, an assisted living facility, a women’s recovery center and an orphanage. They also participated in the remodeling of Abba House, a women’s recovery facility in Dawsonville, Ga.

P.E.S.T. Relief International is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for professionals in the pest management industry to empower, sustain and transform lives. They offer comfort and relief to the destitute and defenseless through nutrition, education, safe shelter, physical and emotional health, and spiritual enrichment.

This year, they continue to partner with the pest management industry to improve the living conditions of shelters or group homes in the United States. They are also in the developmental stages of building a children’s home in the Atlanta area. Future plans include having a presence in all regions of the country as well as other parts of the world.

Learn more about the organization at www.pestreliefinternational.com.

EcoRaider Introduces ER-22 Concentrate

Reneotech recently announced the launch of ER-22, a concentrate formulation of its botanical EcoRaider Insect Killer. ER-22 refers to the product’s “two X” strength of the existing RTU formula. The manufacturer says EcoRaider is used by PMPs as an efficient and green solution that delivers both quick kill and strong residual control of bed bugs and other general pests.

Reneotech says the current RTU formula of EcoRaider has been tested against bed bugs, including resistant populations. In addition to bed bugs, ER-22 also includes perimeter ant control on the label. The firm says a field study by Purdue University found the product delivers a one-minute kill and leaves behind a four-week residual against odorous house ants. ER-22 is diluted up to a 1:1 ratio for bed bug treatments and 5:1 for perimeter ant applications.

According to Todd Zon, vice president of Reneotech, the manufacturer of EcoRaider, the new product gives PMPs a more powerful tool in the fight against bed bugs and other pests. “It is a product that PMPs have been asking for so this is a direct response to an industry need,” said Zon.

Available from distributors nationwide, ER-22 will come in a 1-gallon jug and can be purchased in cases of four.

ER-22 by EcoRaider carries no signal words or cautions, has no label restrictions or precautions on usage, and is a green product, making it an ideal fit for sensitive accounts and environments where low-impact methods are advised. It can be incorporated with other treatment methods such as heat or steam.

To learn more about the product, visit http://ecoraiderpmp.com/.

BedBug Chasers Now Servicing Long Island

BedBug Chasers is now servicing Nassau and Suffolk Counties with two Long Island locations — Massapequa and East Hampton, N.Y. — with bed bug heat treatments.

The BedBug Chasers of Long Island service centers will be run by Managing Partner Michael Colongione. Colongione is also president of GotchA Bed Bug Inspectors, one of New York’s earliest bed bug dog inspection companies.

The BedBug Chasers heating system, which the firm calls “The Original One and Done” bed bug treatment, quickly turns a home or business into a superheated convection oven by using highly specialized and proprietary electric heaters and a proven methodology.

“As you know, BedBug Chasers has many accounts in New York City and the surrounding boroughs,” said Joe Gere, COO of BedBug Chasers. Many of our NYC corporate clients live in central Long Island or summer near the Hamptons. Bed bugs have become an unfortunate part of life in the city today and with our technology, the process of getting rid of them is a one-day event — no more weeks living out of plastic bags. We welcome Michael into our family and are thrilled to have him running the Massapequa and East Hampton, N.Y., service centers.”

BedBug Chasers is a nationwide franchised bed bug heat treatment service company providing a 100 percent green and chemical-free alternative to exterminate bed bugs and other insects in commercial, residential and industrial environments, the firm says. For more information, visit http://bedbugchasers.com/now-franchising-a-low-investment-franchise/.

BedBug Central Expands Distribution of Sensci to Europe Through KillGerm

BedBug Central’s bed bug products, SenSci Activ and SenSci Volcano, are now available in European markets through Killgerm Chemicals.

The SenSci Volcano is a bed bug monitor that has a clear bottom for ease of inspection, designed for minimal dust disruption and is discreet in appearance, which makes it ideal for all spaces, the company says. The Volcano can be used alone or paired with the SenSci Activ lure. The SenSci Activ is a bed bug lure designed to mimic the chemicals on the surface of the skin in order to attract bed bugs to a monitor.

Killgerm, the United Kingdom’s leading pest control product supplier, recently has added the SenSci Activ and Volcano products to its catalog, making them available for purchase in Europe.

“Bed bugs are always a topical issue,” said Paul Wood, commercial manager at Killgerm. “With Killgerm being Europe’s largest distributor of pest control products, we are keen to be at the forefront of any new products, ideas and inventions, so we can bring them to our customer base.”