Alaska's Pest Control Experts!

Today I had this issue raised twice, once by an employer and the other by an employee (separate businesses in Anchorage). With the current concern about spreading Bed Bugs through the workplace, here in Alaska and elsewhere, how do employers handle the concern of Bed Bugs spreading through their business to other employees and the offices themselves? Like the question I addressed a few weeks ago on landlord / tenant Bed Bug issues, this question too is part science and part morality. Let me begin by saying that, while not impossible, the threat of an employee with Bed Bugs in their home bringing them to work may not be as high as many think. Therefore, I urge employers to consider carefully and consult an expert before taking too desperate of an action.

It is important to realize that although Bed Bugs are good travelers, the chances of them coming into the workplace are much less than via the hospitality industry or the home and guests. Since Bed Bugs do not cling to humans like a louse, they usually get transported by being caught in an article of clothing hastily put on, or another item that they may enter being picked up and carried. Hanging on for dear life, they wait until they stop feeling the motion and hastily retreat for a better hiding spot, preferably close to a blood source. In fact, it is not uncommon for initial introductions of one to a very few Bed Bugs to self resolve due to unnatural conditions of the new environment.

In both the cases I dealt with today, and these were by no means the first we have experienced, the decision was to not allow the employee to come to work until the Bed Bug problem at home was dealt with. In one case the employer is paying for administrative leave, in the other no compensation was offered. What I see is a frustration on the part of employers to protect other workers AND their properties. However, the financial cost and embarrassment factor from such decisions do not seem to match those concerns (in this expert’s opinion). In addition, I do know there are pending lawsuits that address this issue being decided in other areas of the country, so due caution is always in order.

Therefore, the best defense against a worker bringing a Bed Bug to work is to educate them on how to avoid accidental carry AND assist them to get proper assistance in eradicating the infestation at home. As for settling the concerns of the coworkers, educating them on the unlikelihood of A — one being introduced and B — that Bed Bug finding them (or going home with them) is not high. You may also want to consider some passive or active Bed Bug Monitors to set everyone’s mind at ease. That is what I did for one of those companies today.

This is the second part of my introduction of the Verifi Bed Bug Detectors to the Alaska market (available at our Anchorage store). The reason these are worth the money is that they seem to work well. Keep in mind, however, that there are some limitations. First, the “draw” to these devices may only be about 5 feet, so you want to buy enough of them to cover the area you are testing. Second, the CO2 attractant only lasts about 24 hours, while the pheromone attractants last about 90 days. So after the first day, it is pheromone only unless you replace the CO2 package regularly. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as the pheromone is a successful lure, but you need to keep it in mind. Third, it will be competing for attention with the persons sleeping on the beds or couches where you may place it, at least for the CO2 attractant.

So, when and where is a Bed Bug Detection Device valuable. Personally, I would not use them in a home or apartment where Bed Bugs are already confirmed. Some have wondered about identifying “hot spots” of activity with them for a more targeted approach to extermination. In my opinion, this approach is a risky one. Since you do not know where the BB may also be hiding or traveling, treating the entire home or apartment is very important. A targeted approach is like a crap shoot, and if you lose you can’t get that time and money back when you finally go all out the right way. HOWEVER, if you just can’t find Bed Bugs when you look, but have a reason to fear their presence (or a tenant is complaining but you cannot find them), this is a great tool. It may prove by capturing a BB that something more needs to be done OR it may confirm that whatever the complaint is, it is not a result of BB (I get these a lot from all over the State). On the other hand, if you or someone else has treated your home, and you want to Verifi (verify) that the bugs are all gone; this is again a great tool. JUST REMEMBER, there is no 100% proof either ay or nay of BB presence, even with detectors.

Where I see both passive and active Bed Bug Detectors playing an important role is in monitoring potential sites for infestation. Let’s say you have a business in Fairbanks and an employee has Bed Bugs at home. Putting some of these at and near that person’s work space or cubicle can help put other employees at ease that early detection is present should that employee accidently bring one from home. Or suppose you have a hotel in Juneau or a Bed & Breakfast on the Kenai and you are concerned about a guest introducing Bed Bugs to a room. Maybe someone accused you of having BB in a room. While not replacing the need for an immediate inspection of the beds and sofas, the detector can add a set of 24/7 “eyes” on the room to help you determine the validity of the claim. Anywhere that you think Bed Bugs could be or have been introduced, an active monitor such as the Verifi or as a compromise and inactive monitor such as a glueboard or leg protector can be an excellent form of insurance.

So, if you want a professional Bed Bug Monitoring program, Pied Piper is available to put one in place and eliminate the constant worry. If you are a do-it-yourself kind of a person, we have detectors available for sale as well. I still need to ascertain whether there are any shipping restrictions to our bush clients (as we have with aeroslos), but will try to find out as soon as possible for you.

We are pleased to announce that we have added the FMC Verifi™ Bed Bug Detector to our “arsenal”. As Alaska’s REAL Bed Bug Experts, we try to provide the best materials possible for use and sale in our fight against BB. However, we always attempt to be careful in reviewing anything we may use or sell to be certain we continue to support our many loyal clients. The Pied Piper (aka: Ken Perry) has reviewed this product and pronounced it acceptable. We will offer monitoring service using these devices AND selling them for business or personal use out of our Anchorage retail stock.

Bed Bug Detectors or Monitors are NOT a control item. They are designed to determine if a problem exists OR to attempt to locate “hot spots” of activity. Frankly, I do not recommend them to clients who already KNOW they have BBs. Since Bed Bug extermination is very expensive, the money spent on these units is better spent on eradication procedures (retail or professional). Once someone knows that they have a Bed Bug problem, it is Pied Piper’s belief that trying to do partial treatment (bedroom only, furniture only etc.) is not the wisest course. While we know the largest percentage (experts range from 85% to 95%) of Bed Bugs are on or near the bed or couch, they are travelers, and can be hiding or in transit anywhere in a home or office. Thus a full program of Bed Bug Control is the wisest course. So, while BB Detectors can locate “hot spots”, that information has only limited value.

So, why do we at Pied Piper use and sell Bed Bug Monitors? #1 – To help find and identify Bed Bugs in a situation where a visible inspection was inconclusive. #2 – To monitor sites such as offices, hotel rooms, transient facilities that are at risk of introduction of BB for some reason. #3 – To VERIFI™ (verify) the elimination or incorrect complaint of Bed Bugs.

Within the next few days I will continue this blog post by examining the pros & cons, as well as correct or incorrect usage, of Bed Bug detection devices.

Well, my phones continue to be busy with calls from all over Alaska about Bed Bugs. Oh yes, and we still get calls about mice, cockroaches and Silverfish. But Bed Bugs continue to drive the phone lines. Today’s best calls were about The same BB infestation. A very sweet mother/grandmother from Texas concerned for her daughter and family here in Anchorage. I think I spent a total of 21/2+ hours on the phone between them.

I truly hate that I am not in a position to just give my services away. So many of our good Alaskans, in South-central and the bush, are suffering so. But it is the least I can do to take time with them and do the best I can to assist. I hope we can bring this all together for the family.

But, I was asked by one of them to relay a message to someone here (you know how you are) in Anchorage who claims to be Alaska’s Bed Bug Expert. You may want to avoid smoking pot (marijuana) just before entering a client’s home. Definitely a turn off.

Yesterday I received a question that I receive often. As Alaska’s leading Bed Bug expert, I get this question a lot:  “I have Bed Bugs in my apartment but the landlord refuses to do anything about it. Who is responsible for Bed Bug treatments in an apartment?” Unfortunately, the answer seldom solves the issue.

At this time, Alaska Tenant Landlord Law has almost no case law on pest control in apartments and condominiums. A couple of years ago I was asked to be an expert witness in a suit between a landlord and tenant that revolved around the landlord’s refusal to address a Bed Bug issue. The issue was settled pre-hearing on monetary considerations and so it went no further. I fully expect that at some point a lawyer will succeed in pressing this issue into court and perhaps write the first case law on the subject. In the mean time, unless the Alaska Legislature, local Municipalities, such as the Anchorage Assembly or another entity address it at their city council or borough assembly, it will likely remain a large void.

I will comment on the  Anchorage Health and Human Services position on Bed Bugs as I understand it (Anchorage is by far the leading city for Bed Bug problems in Alaska). Falling under the MOA/DHHS Environmental Services Division it has been my understanding (having worked with them on several issues) that because A – there is no health issue with Bed Bugs and B – there is no regulation in Anchorage Code on Bed Bugs, there is no authority to get involved by the sanitation department. They will attempt to render aid out of the kindness of their hearts, strongly recommending to landlords that if the Bed Bug problem exists in more than one unit, they are responsible to resolve it. However, if the issue is currently in only one unit, they feel that it is the tenant’s responsibility to pay for Bed Bug control.

So, what really is the answer? Who should pay for Bed Bug service in an apartment or condominium? At this point, it is a matter of morals and integrity. So my answer to this common question is this: MORALLY, if you bring Bed Bugs into your home, you should be responsible to control them and keep them from spreading to adjacent units and eliminate them from yours – at your expense. Your landlord did not introduce them, you did. HOWEVER, if the problem you are experiencing came because of another Bed Bug infested unit in your complex, or it was there when you moved in, the landlord is MORALLY responsible to solve the problem at their expense. FINALLY there is another moral dilemma for a landlord or property manager. If you become aware of a BB problem in a tenant’s domain, and since we know their capacity to spread easily to other renters, my personal opinion is that a person of good conscience would take immediate steps to assist in stopping the infestation, even if it means paying for the service themselves and back charging the originator. But there is the rub, isn’t it? Is there morality and responsibility when money is involved? Our 48 year history of pest control in Alaska has had us pleasantly surprised, but more frequently disappointed on this question.

Pied Piper is the top ranked company in Alaska, and ranked number 3 in the US!

While in Las Vegas for the 3rd North American Bed Bug Summit, We were pleased to receive an award for our company. At a special reception, BedBugFREE presented Ken Perry, President and General Manager or Pied Piper Pest Control, with the Bronze Award as one of the top three Bed Bug companies for 2012. We have been so pleased to maintain our status in Alaska as the premier company for all pest control needs, including Bed Bugs.

Cherrry and I, Russ and his wife Nichowle are here in Las Vegas for the 3rd Bed Bug Summit. Tonight, Wednesday, we met with several othe companies in the bedBugFREE group. What an honor when Pied Piper Pest Control of Alaska received the Bronze award for top company in 2012. It is an honor to,work with and practice the programs of this great organization.

Tomorrow begins the first of our day long seminars. We remain committed to keeping abreast of all the latest science and technology of treating for Bed Bugs.

As I predicted this spring, we are seeing a lot of wasps including Paper Wasps, Yellowjackets an Bald Faced Hornets. Pied Piper has already treated about 125, I have done 90 of them myself. We still have to convince our clients that these are not bees. Alaska has no natural honey bees, all are imported each spring by local bee keepers. However, our wasps are natural, and occassionnaly aggressive. If we can physically remove the nest, that is best. But if it is built into a hole, either in the ground or on your house, all we can do is inject a dust (Sevin) into the site and kill them that way.

Let us know if you need our help.

Happy Pied Piper Day, also known as Rat-Catcher Day. July 22 is the annual celebration day, based on the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. We at Pied Piper Pest Control wish to commend all of our fellow exterminators, or as we prefer in the modern vernacular, Pest Management Professionals. We of course are pleased to be approaching our 49th year of Pest Control in Alaska. Thank you all for trusting us with your Cockroach, Bed Bug, Spider, Carpenter Ant (and other ants), Mouse AND RAT control needs in The Lat Frontier since 1965. For any and all of your insect, rodent or tree pest needs, please think of Pied Piper Pest Control on Pied Piper Day 2012 and every day hereafter.

The Yellow Headed Spruce Sawfly Larvae has begun appearing in the Anchorage area again this year. The adult Sawfly was seen in large numbers laying their eggs on Pruce trees several weeks ago. These began hatching about 10 days ago and are now in their 1st and 2nd Instars (growth stages). They will be more easily seen as they grow in size, and as their damage to the Spruce needles becomes more apparent. We are now spraying the trees to stop the damage. While they like the smaller trees the most, 10 to 12 feet and below, especially landscaped, recently planted Spruce, we have seen them in old growth trees as well in this current epidemic situation.