[BED BUG SUPPLEMENT] Bed Bug Population Dynamics

Why are bed bug problems not being prevented and why are they so difficult to deal with once they have been detected?

To provide some insight into this complex problem, Brandenburg recently produced a mathematical model that quantifies the growth of a “typical” bed bug population. This model is available to view in an animated format by PMPs at www.bbalertshop.com (click on the “population dynamics” section of the home page). It shows the number of eggs, nymphs and adults present in an establishing bed bug population during the first 180 days following the introduction of a single mated female across a period of 180 days, given ideal breeding conditions.

The data shows that the numbers are low in the early stages of an infestation, meaning even to the trained eye bed bugs are difficult to identify, particularly given the biology and behavior of these insects. That’s why pest management professionals are rarely called before 90 days.

During the first 60 days the population consists mainly of eggs and nymphs; adult numbers remain low, meaning visual detection is still difficult. The number of adult bed bugs only start to become significant as the 90-day marker is approached, with a critical level of population explosion seen at 120 days. The result is that unless a professional, comprehensive and regular bed bug detection strategy is employed in an account, detection of bed bugs rarely occurs prior to the 120-day marker. This signifies the point at which the client often calls the pest management professional, providing some indication of the size of the problem they may face when they arrive.

Although Brandenburg accepts that the development of the model is theoretical and cannot take into account some of the environmental factors at play in the real world, the model nonetheless has implications for pest management professionals and their customers.

If the PMP is to be successful at addressing the problem of bed bugs and do anything more than provide reactive treatments in response to customer complaints, the ideal situation is being able to detect bed bugs during the early population development period. Failing to address this will mean the bed bugs will continue to impact their clients’ businesses in terms of revenue and — even importantly — reputation.

BB Alert Bed Bug Monitoring System
“Although the pest control professional is irreplaceable in the fight against bed bugs, they cannot be at their customers’ site 24/7, 365 days a year,” said Brandenburg’s Richard Coates.

“Supplementing their professional skills and service with an integrated monitoring approach is vital in detecting bed bugs prior to the critical 120-day period.”

The BB Alert monitors offered by MidMos Solutions provide a cost-effective solution to the problem of early detection of bed bugs, the firm says. The monitors are discreet and pesticide free.

To learn more, Visit the company’s website at www.midmos.com.

Jonathan Kitto is marketing manager at Brandenburg UK.