Bed bugs can be the stuff that nightmares are made of, especially when it comes to assisted living and care facilities for the elderly. Nursing homes are the ideal target for these blood-sucking nocturnal pests, and come carrying with them a host of problems, concerns, and possible health risks. Bed bugs have proven to be a problem in any location that people tend to gather. Making an infestation easy, and rather unexpected, thanks to their high reproduction rate. The large numbers of residents, staff, and visitors to nursing homes and other such facilities, allow for the easy transport and spread of bed bugs, having all the right ingredients to this a happy home for themselves.
With this in mind, care facility management and staff should take the utmost care in identifying and eradicating a problem as soon as possible, as being proactive about the situation is going to be best. Bed bug removal is a tricky and sensitive business, especially in an environment such as a care facility, and it must be handled with grace and discretion. Eliminating the problem quickly and quietly is priority one at Truly Nolen.
Bed bug infestation in nursing homes and other care facilities can occur for a number of reasons, some of these include:
Old Furniture – Old furniture that is brought in by residents may be carrying some hitchhiking bed bugs from home.
Travel Frequency – Due to the high number of visitors that frequent nursing homes: residents, visitors, guests, staff, and service delivery personnel, the likelihood of a bed bug infestation greatly increases. These travelling guests and visitors give the bed bug the perfect opportunity to hitch a ride anytime.
Sanitation – Any old clutter that may be piled up or laying around the residence somewhere should be cleaned and cleared. This kind of mess is the perfect hiding place for any pest, including bed bugs, and can be the cause of some real problems in any care facility. These areas should be checked and cleaned regularly.
Spot the Signs
Bed bugs reproduce rather quickly, and spotting their telltale signs early is a must if you are going to get a handle on these horrid little creatures. Being the victim of a bed bug infestation, especially in such a sensitive and vulnerable environment is only going to be bad for business, and is not going to go down well with the family of the loved ones you’re looking after. Make sure that you have a thorough check for the following:
- Daytime hiding places
- Tiny, rust-coloured stains on mattress tags and seams, the ceiling, behind the headboard, and under seat cushions
- Buckling wallpaper and carpeted areas are also good hiding places
- Any conditions present that are creating an environment of heat and moisture
What Should Be Done
If you suspect that your facility may be in need of some bed bug removal services, the first thing that should be is done a thorough inspection of the suspected infestation. This is always performed best by the professionals. If however, you know that you have a bed bug problem, there are some simple steps that must be taken immediately.
- Call Truly Nolen Pest Control Professionals immediately
- Vacate the infested room immediately
It’s that simple! If a bed bug infestation is discovered, the best thing to do is to remain calm and in control of the situation. We understand that this is something that needs to be handled with care and discretion due to the sensitive nature of your business. With Truly Nolen’s bed bug removal plan of action, your bed bug troubles are going to be a thing of the past.