Shelter Step One

HOW SEVERE IS THE INFESTATION?

This is an important question. In this section we will discuss the difference between a pest “introduction” 2 and an “infestation”. There is no objective measure of “infestation”, but quantifying the degree of the problem is almost as important as correctly identifying the pest. There are often repeated anecdotes that go something like “when you see one, you know there are more.” Sometimes this is true, but finding a single bed bug should not be cause for panic. Coming across one or more bed bugs in a clients’ belongings does not mean that the entire facility requires professional treatment. Similarly, finding a single bed bug, especially a dead bed bug, should also not be cause for panic even if it’s unclear how long the pest may have been there. However, we would recommend saving the insect and informing your pest controller about the location on their next scheduled visit.

Pest introduction is likely to be a routine occurrence in many facilities. Depending on the location of your facility and the population and number of people you serve, this could be a daily occurrence. Professional pest control services can be expensive. Sometimes these services can cost more than several thousand dollars; this is probably not a sustainable recurring expense for most nonprofit organizations, especially when a new client could reintroduce bed bugs to the facility at any time. For this reason, it’s good to have a clear understanding and internal policy about what staff and residents can do to address these issues themselves, what can be done to prevent pest introduction, and when it is appropriate to call in outside help. So, in this guide, we will define “introduction” and “infestation” as follows:

Introduction: One to several insects found in a client’s belongings or found in a localized area. For instance, several bed bugs found in a clients’ bag, or perhaps one or several bed bugs found in a small area.

Infestation: Several bed bugs found in multiple locations throughout the facility. Perhaps you are able to locate bed bugs on numerous mattresses, in locations in adjoining rooms, etc.

This definition does leave some room for interpretation. Finding a dozen bed bugs on a single bed does not necessarily rise to the level of infestation. Similarly, finding two bed bugs in two different parts of your facility does not necessarily indicate two different introductions. However, if you feel you can locate and isolate the problem, this will drastically increase your chances of succeeding with your treatment. Given the likelihood that clients will reintroduce bed bugs and other pests in the near future, many of our customers decide to initiate treatments themselves. However, if you are finding a great deal of pests throughout the facility, the problem seems unmanageable or you feel you are working under a deadline you may need to bring in a professional pest management company.