Ability of FDACS to

Enforce Bed Bug Treatments

Philip G. Koehler, PhD

Florida Pest Management Association’s Endowed Professor

of Urban EntomologyEntomology & Nematology

DepartmentUniversity of Florida

352-392-2484pgk@ufl.edu

Why are bedbugs a problem now Why are bedbugs a problem now (again)?(again)?

1. Greater human (therefore bed bug) mobility 1. Greater human (therefore bed bug) mobility

2. Less use of residuals insecticides2. Less use of residuals insecticides– Baits used for cockroaches & ants Baits used for cockroaches & ants

3. Inadequate experience in pest management 3. Inadequate experience in pest management industryindustry

4. Most products don’t work (Pyrethroids)4. Most products don’t work (Pyrethroids)– Resistance = 300,000x more chemical neededResistance = 300,000x more chemical needed

– Repellency = stay away from treated surfacesRepellency = stay away from treated surfaces

Areas with High Bed Bug Infestations

Top 15 Bed Bug Cities

• The landlord’s obligations under this subsection may be altered or modified in writing with respect to a single-family home or duplex.

• (2)(a) Unless otherwise agreed in writing, in addition to the requirements of

subsection (1), the landlord of a dwelling unit other than a single-family home or duplex shall, at all times during the tenancy, make reasonable provisions for:

• 1. The extermination of rats, mice, roaches, ants, wood-

destroying organisms, and bedbugs. When vacation of the premises is required for such extermination, the landlord shall not be liable for damages but shall abate the rent. The tenant shall be required to temporarily vacate the premises for a period of time not to exceed 4 days, on 7 days’ written notice, if necessary, for extermination pursuant to this subparagraph.

Bed Bugs are an Epidemic

Bed BugBed BugPest of Pest of

Significant Significant Public Health Public Health Importance !Importance !

Bed Bugs & MRSA

NPMA Best Management Practices

Economics of Bed Bugs

• $800,000 per year in bed bug work for one company in Florida

• $500 to $3,000 per bed bug job• Jax housing authority has 9,000 apartments

– If 10% infestation rate, then 900 infested units– If $2,000 per apartment, then $1.8 million in potential work

• How about Section 8 Housing and Property Management companies?

Bed Bugs & Fraud • Many EPA 25b (exempt from registration)

products do not kill bed bugs

• “Do it yourself” pest control stores sell products to consumers who don’t know how to use them

• Canine bed bug detection is not regulated

• Pest management firms may charge $20 to $200 for treatment but not control bed bugs– No contract is required

• Routine service for ants and cockroaches will not control bed bugs

Bed Bug Treatments

• Apartment management contract for bed bug treatment of an apartment

• Apartment resident may get a separate treatment

• No requirement to notify resident of duplicate treatment– Over-treatment with insecticide is possible– Hazards to residents?