Revised 2/6/20

 

Bed Bugs are small, oval insects that live in dark spaces close to their food source and feed on humans at night. They range in size from 1/4” to 3/8” long and are mahogany or red-brown in color.

 

Bed Bugs were widespread before World War II in homes, hotels, and boardinghouses, but were greatly reduced with the use of the pesticide DDT. But Bed Bugs have been making a comeback in recent years due to a number of reasons, including the banning of DDT, an increase in international travel, and a developing resistance to pesticides.

 

Bed Bugs can enter a structure by attaching themselves or their eggs to clothing and bedding and by hiding in luggage. They are also brought into homes in used furniture and mattresses.

 

Single room or whole house heat treatments involve using specially designed equipment to raise the temperature in the structure to kill the bed bugs. Bed Bugs and eggs die within 90 minutes at 118°F or immediately at 122°F. During a heat treatment, the air temperature in the treated area is typically kept between 120°F and 150°F. A heat treatment typically takes between four (4) and six (6) hours, depending on the condition of the area being treated. Heat treatments do not offer any residual effects and the structure could quickly become reinfested after a heat treatment if prevention steps are not taken.

 

Conduct a complete and thorough inspection to locate Bed Bug eggs, adults and other indicators of infestation (blood spots, etc.). Bed Bugs commonly reside in the seams of mattresses, in the edges of carpeting, in the bed frame, behind baseboards, in window and door casings, behind picture frames, loosened wallpaper, and other cracks and crevices.

 

 

6 STEPS OF SERVICE

 

Following the 6 Steps of Service:

• Meet the homeowner or tenant and listen to any concerns.

• Inform the customer of your general inspection and treatment plans.

• Let them know what you expect to be treating for and what the scope of services moving forward will include.

• Explain what they can expect from the treatment.

 

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SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS

 

Preliminary Steps:

• Check the generator oil and water levels at the beginning of every day (refill as necessary).

• Park the power generator at the job site and chock the wheels.

 

Setup Steps:

• Determine the number and placement of heaters.

• Bag bed clothes for laundering (if not already done).

• Pull items away from the walls to allow for heat circulation.

• Inspect beds for Bed Bugs and place the mattress and box spring into a “tee-pee” to allow for heat circulation.

• Inspect sofas, chairs and other furnishings for Bed Bugs and place cushions into a “tee-pee” to allow for heat circulation.

• Move any aerosols and candles found into the bathroom and close the door.

• Place heaters where required for optimal coverage and circulation (place in farthest location first and work your way toward the front door or other exit point).

• Ensure heaters are placed in order to force heat into all required areas for maximum heat coverage.

• Place circulation fans for optimal air circulation (use customer receptacles for power to fans if possible).

• Runs electrical cables from generator to individual heaters as required (place cords so as not to present a trip hazard).

• Coil excess electrical cables at the base of the generator.

• Place orange safety cones as required to prevent any trip hazard.

• Ensure both switches on each heater is placed in the ON (or “up”) position prior to starting the generator.

 

Approved Product List:

• Treatment Materials: Glueboards (for monitoring); Spray, dust or steam (for spot treatments)

 

Treatment Steps:

• Start the generator and place the speed control knob in the “locked” position (allow the generator to warm up prior to locking).

• Check the oil pressure level mid-way through the job (should be around 50psi).

• Use the hand-held IR sensor to read the temperature at various locations throughout the heated area every 30-60 minutes (should read 120-150°F for 4-6 hours).

• Allow the generator to idle for about 30 minutes after the job (while breaking down).

 

Other Notes:

• Prior to conducting any inspection or treatment, ensure all equipment and materials are available for job completion.

• While providing treatment, examine for termites and other pests living outside to recommend other A-1 services.

 

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6 STEPS OF SERVICE (continued)

 

Continuing to follow the 6 Steps of Service:

• Let the customer know what was found and what was done. If the customer is not available, leave a “Door Hanger” with written notes specifying what was found, what was done, and any recommendations deemed necessary.

• Inform the customer what to expect over the next few days, weeks, months, etc. Set clear expectations for upcoming visits.

• Ask the customer: “Do you have any other Pest Control needs I can take care of today?”

• If the customer does NOT already have a Home Shield service, ask them, “May I tell you about our routine service for continuous pest protection for your family?”

• Ask the customer, “If you feel that I provided you with good service today, I’d like to invite you to give us a positive online review – we’ll make it very easy for you.”

 

 

WARRANTY – 60 Days (1 re-treatment (liquid) available within warranty period only if necessary)

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