[Bed Bug Supplement] Second-Generation Bed Bug Control

When it comes to controlling bed bugs, if history is any indication, Las Vegas odds-makers would undoubtedly say, “Bet on the insects.” That’s because these tiny, blood-sucking creatures have exhibited a remarkable ability to not only survive, but thrive despite the industry’s best control efforts.

So what’s a PMP to do? Turn to some of the finest minds in the pest management industry — formulation chemists — to develop the “next generation” of insecticides designed to stay one step ahead of this tiny, yet formidable, adversary.
 

Early Market Entry. One of the companies with a proven track record of success in controlling bed bugs is MGK, which introduced Bedlam Insecticide in 2006. However, the family-owned business based in Minneapolis, Minn., didn’t rest on its laurels.

Instead, understanding the highly adaptive nature of bed bugs, they got to work developing the “next generation” of Bedlam products, according to Ian Thorburn, lead market manager, MGK. “MGK has been a leader in bed bug (control) since bed bugs re-emerged as a problem in the professional marketplace,” he said. “Our Bedlam brand has proven to be very successful with professionals.”

However, when some bed bug strains began exhibiting pyrethroid resistance, MGK knew it was time to “leverage” what it had learned from being one of the early entries into the marketplace to expand and enhance its existing product portfolio, which includes Bedlam, Onslaught Microencapsulated Insecticide, Exponent and Evergreen Pyrethrum Dust.

“We saw, several years ago, the growing emergence of resistance among bed bugs to certain chemistries, including some pyrethroids,” Thorburn said. In response, the company’s scientists set out to develop a product that would address the “new reality” facing PMPs in the field.

“We were able to leverage that knowledge to develop the new Bedlam Plus product that provides enhanced control,” he said. “The launch of Bedlam Plus offers professionals a product that has dual modes of action, both a pyrethroid mode of action and a non-pyrethroid mode of action, that helps them tackle even the toughest resistant strains of bed bugs.”

Chris Swain, technical services manager, said the product builds upon the success of Bedlam Insecticide, which contains the active ingredient (AI) d-phenothrin. Bedlam Plus, containing the AIs d-phenothrin and imidicloprid, boasts a dual mode of action, combined with a proprietatry synergist, to control both pyrethroid-resistant and non-resistant bed bugs and their eggs.

Swain pointed out that service technicians “don’t always know what type of resistance they’re dealing with” in the field. Fortunately for PMPs, it doesn’t matter to Bedlam Plus, which according to MGK, controls all pyrethroid-resistant strains of bed bugs MGK tested.

“Over the three-year development time for Bedlam Plus, we did a tremendous amount of testing of the product both in the laboratory and in the field,” Thorburn said. “So we have a product that we feel very confident will be very effective in controlling the toughest strains of pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs and their eggs.”
 

Features & Benefits. Dr. Robert Suranyi, entomologist, said Bedlam Plus offers a number of key benefits that PMPs should find attractive. First, it is extremely flexible and convenient. As a ready-to-use aerosol formulation, “there are no mixing requirements for using Bedlam,” he said. “It’s very user friendly.”

Second, PMPs can apply the product virtually anywhere within a structure, reflecting the “three-dimensional nature” of bed bug infestations. “Bed bugs can be anywhere from smoke detectors to bed frames,” Suranyi said. “So having something that is portable and able to target specific areas of a structure is extremely beneficial for eliminating individual aggregation sites within an account. It is not a silver bullet, but it is a very effective, mobile tool to address the complex nature of bed bug infestations.”

In addition to being easy to use, Bedlam Plus also shares the rapid knockdown characteristics of Bedlam, as well as the foaming qualities that have made the brand so popular, providing “three-dimensional coverage” of voids, according to Suranyi. “It provides much better surface contact and efficacy against both adults and immatures, as well as eggs.”

“That’s a big plus for the PMP,” Swain added.
 

Packaging. Bedlam Plus comes in a 17-ounce aerosol formulation with a fan spray applicator that provides a wide application range, thereby preventing technician fatigue, according to Thorburn. In addition, the product comes with a separate crack-and-crevice applicator that allows PMPs to get into those nooks and crannies where bed bugs like to hide. “Each 12-unit case includes 13 crack-and-crevice applicators,” Thorburn said.

In addition, Bedlam Plus is System III compatible and delivers an even spray even when turned upside down, making it well suited for treating hard-to-reach locations, the company says.

Further, the water-based formula will not stain or harm water-safe surfaces, and it features the same outstanding delivery system and foaming action as Bedlam. “Following application, the foam dissipates within minutes,” Thorburn said.

MGK has initiated the registration process for Bedlam Plus in all 50 states with all state registrations — other than New York and California — anticipated this month. California and New York registrations are expected by July.

To learn more about Bedlam Plus or any of the products in MGK’s portfolio, visit www.mgk.com.

This article was developed by the PCT staff from a MGK educational video and webinar focusing on Bedlam Plus.