Choosing a Pest Control Technician Key to Addressing Bed Bug Infestations

CHICAGO, June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As the summer heat increases bed bug infestations across the country, many people affected have resorted to extreme measures to rid themselves of the pesky pests. From disposing all belongings to dousing an affected area with gasoline and igniting to eradicate the bugs, bed bug infested victims need immediate pest control help and advice on how to choose a reputable pest control plan and operator.

Unfortunately, most normally rational victims become panicked and therefore are more likely to make rash decisions to eradicate the pests, especially with the recent emergence of the possible threat of bed bugs carrying the staph "superbug" known as MRSA. That's why organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and Protect-A-Bed® (a leading provider of bedding protection products that help provide a bed bug free sleeping environment) have been working to educate people on how to choose a licensed and reputable pest control operator.

Brian Hirsch, a pest control expert with Protect-A-Bed, (using information gathered from the NPMA, which Hirsch credits as a reputable resource in the industry), recommends the following guidelines when choosing a pest control technician or company.

1. First and foremost, make sure they are licensed by the state in which they operate – if a business needs to be treated, make sure they carry a structural license.
2. If a company's advertisements say their traditional services are 100 percent guaranteed, know that claim is not likely and move on.
3. Thoroughly research the technician or company – visit their website and ask questions about their services, most specifically their plan of attack, and whether they have experience treating your specific issue.
4. If a homeowner is told to throw away everything before even trying to remedy the issue, that technician should not be considered.
5. A thorough human inspection lasts a minimum of two hours per room, and can take up to two or three days to complete. If the operator isn't spending at least that amount of time inspecting the property, they're not doing a thorough enough job.
6. Beware of those who prey on consumers who can't afford adequate pest control –always check Yelp, NPMA, Bedbugcentral.com or PestWorld.com for honest, independent reviews before making a decision.
7. Be wary of an exterminator who comes to a home uninvited and offers to give a free inspection for pests. He or she may try to use scare tactics to expedite authorizing immediate, unnecessary and costly treatments.
8. Buy value, not price. Beware of exterminators that offer bargains that sound too good to be true. The fact is that good and cheap seldom describe a bed bug job.
9. Look for technicians who offer concrete examples of things you can do to prevent the spread of bugs or help eliminate infestations. In the case of bed bugs, good pest control technicians will suggest tips on how to avoid getting bed bugs and will suggest using a mattress and box spring encasement to prevent the spread of bedbugs and to make signs of an infestation more visible.
10. Most important – trust your gut instinct. If you feel the professional isn't doing a good job, then they probably aren't.

"It's very important to be educated and knowledgeable when choosing a reputable pest control technician," says Hirsch. "Just being aware of what to look for goes a long way in saving valuable time and money when treating an infestation."

For more information about how to choose a reputable pest control professional and course of action, visit www.npmaPestWorld.org or www.protectabed.com.

About Protect-A-Bed®

Protect-A-Bed offers consumers a complete line of protective bedding products because every mattress needs protection. Now selling in 30 countries for over 30 years, the company is a worldwide leader in mattress protection innovation. Protect-A-Bed products help create a dry, hygienic, bed bug free and anti-allergy sleep zone while protecting the mattress warranty. The company developed the proprietary Miracle Membrane® and patented BugLock® with SecureSeal® and three-sided zipper system. Protect-A-Bed products are listed as Class 1 Medical Devices with the Food and Drug Administration and have received the Good Housekeeping Seal. For more information, visit www.protectabed.com.

SOURCE Protect-A-Bed