Thaw after freezing

With bed bugs it’s all about extremes. Pest management providers not only use heat to manage the problem, but cold as well, specifically, freezing temperatures. Cryonite uses a carbon dioxide generator to produce dry ice “snow,” fatal to bed bugs. Dry ice formation requires a temperature lower than -60 degrees Celsius, which can freeze eggs, larvae and adult bed bugs on contact.  “On contact” is the key phrase – as all surfaces and hiding areas need to be treated directly for treatment to be effective. Once treatment is complete, occupants can return shortly thereafter.

In addition to treatment advancements, new resources are available to help monitor for bed bugs. Active bed bug monitors can use heat, carbon dioxide and scents to attract bed bugs that are within five to six feet. Passive monitors are simply a glue board trap, or sticky board, but can also include a “pit-fall” type monitor where bed bugs crawl or fall in, and cannot escape. Even canines have entered the mix. Regular inspections, similar to that of a drug-sniffing dog, can help determine the presence of bed bugs and their eggs. But, contrary to what is seen in the media, it’s not just bed bugs that get all the attention; new technologies exist for other pests, too.

Rival those rodents

Several factors can contribute to a rodent problem on a property. The available access to food, water and shelter makes these environments attractive in themselves, but vegetation-filled landscaping with places to hide or unkempt picnic areas providing free snacks are just a couple possibilities. While superintendents can prevent many rodent issues with facility maintenance, some might require the help of technology. A lot of research has been done (or re-visited) lately in the area of ultrasonic repellers to help manage rodent populations. Ultrasounds can frighten and thus repel rodents, keeping them away from a building.

Cut out odors

Kitchen exhaust from tenants’ homes and dumpster areas don’t smell like the roses you might feature in your landscaping, and unfortunately pests use odors as a way to find their way inside.  Luckily, ionization machines are available to help control the stink. This equipment releases an inert product that contains negative ions into the air. The negative ions bind to pollutants in the air such as pollen, dust and odors. The ions then remove the particles from the air in the property.

So, when it comes to technology, don’t just think of the latest gadget; consider alternative options that can advance building operations and please tenants.


Bill Melville is quality assurance director for Orkin PCO Services. Mr. Melville has 35 years of experience in the industry and is an acknowledged leader in the field of pest management. For more information, email Mr. Melville at bmelville@pcocanada.com or visit www.orkincanada.com.