Tips For Bed Bugs in Nursing Homes And Assisted Living Facilities

by | Jul 10, 2018 | Bed Bug Infestation

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Steps to Prevent Bed Bugs in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Bed bugs can be found in just about any residential setting, but nursing homes and assisted living facilities remain a prime target for these itch-inducing pests. 

This is largely because any area where populations of human residents are high are targets for blood-sucking insects drawn to the scent of carbon dioxide.

Bed bugs can present major problems in these settings because they bite residents while they sleep and cause large, itchy welts. A bed bug infestation in a nursing home or assisted living facility can spell disaster, ruining the reputation of the facility and costing them large amounts of money in lost business and eradication expenses.

Unfortunately, bed bug infestations in nursing homes and similar facilities are quite common, with nearly fifty percent of all homes reporting bed bug infestations. The spread of these pests is only expected to worsen, so it’s important for staff to know the best ways to prevent the spread and treat an infestation of bed bugs.

What Attracts Bed Bugs to Nursing Homes?

Bed bugs are particularly attracted to nursing homes because they offer a high volume of human hosts upon which to feed. In addition, bed bugs are talented at hitchhiking between locations, and may catch a ride in the clothes or bags of any new visitor.

Nursing homes present an additional challenge in that many residents have limited mobility. Bed bug bites can be hard to detect, as many residents already have skin ailments like rashes, ulcers, and abrasions. Some residents may not show symptoms at all. 

Finally, bed bugs can also live in wheelchairs, walkers, and bedding, making it nearly impossible to get rid of the pests with a single intervention.

“Bed bugs are particularly attracted to nursing homes because they offer a high volume of human hosts upon which to feed.”

The Bed Bugs Inspectors

How Do I Prevent a Bed Bug Infestation?

Make sure your staff is adequately trained in detecting the signs of a bed bug infestation. Nursing staff should conduct regular inspections of patients for apparent bites, while cleaning staff should keep an eye on linens for signs of bed bugs, such as cast skins, feces or blood stains.

You can also install bed bug monitoring devices in all of your rooms. These require regular inspection but can help eradicate a small infestation before it becomes too large. 

Consider covering all mattresses with bed liners to repel bed bugs; while this can be an added expense, it is significantly less expensive than paying for bed bug removal services. Make sure any new furniture that is purchased is new and from a bed bug-free location.

How Are Bed Bug Infestations Treated?

A bed bug infestation can produce major headaches for nursing home or assisted living staff, often requiring them to move all residents to new rooms while the old rooms and belongings are treated. This can be costly and impede upon the regular routines of residents, causing great stress and additional health problems for many people.

“Nursing staff should conduct regular inspections of patients for apparent bites, while cleaning staff should keep an eye on linens for signs of bed bugs, such as cast skins, feces or blood stains.”

The Bed Bug Inspectors

How Do I Ensure That My Facility Will Be Bed Bug-Free?

The only way to provide true peace of mind that you have created a bed bug-free environment is to hire a certified pest control company who will work with you to conduct regular inspections, and plan for prompt treatments if an infestation is found. 

The Bed Bug Inspectors are the best pest control professional in the New York City area and will come to your facility to conduct regular inspections using dogs and other up-to-date techniques.

If an infestation is found, we will work with you to design a solution that is tailored towards your facility. We prefer not to use chemicals and will use organic, all-natural methods whenever possible. Contact us today, and stop losing sleep while worrying about a bed bug infestation in your residential setting.***

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