ORIGIN Bed Bug Treatment Programme in Singapore

Sparky The Bedbug Detection Dog

Sparky is Singapore's first bedbug detection dog. He can detect bedbugs with greater accuracy and speed than human inspection methods. In addition, human inspection is intrusive and time-consuming as it is dependent on visual clues. Canine detection dogs are able to detect bedbugs with 98% accuracy (a human can only inspect with 17-30% accuracy at best). Sparky was professionally trained in the same way as Police and Customs dogs except that he was taught to detect the scent of bedbugs. He underwent months of training before being put into service. This thorough training means he is incapable of misleading you. Sparky will walk through your property and pick up the scent of bedbugs or viable eggs. He will hone in on the area of infestation and give his handler a positive signal that he has detected bedbugs by sitting down at the point of activity.

Sparky is:

• able to detect bedbugs hiding in the narrowest cracks and crevices

• able to locate a bedbug infestation within 3-4 minutes in a room

• a small-sized beagle and is able to manoeuvre through tight spaces

• a clean, short-haired dog and well-groomed to prevent shedding of fur and spread of bedbugs

Once Sparky detects the bedbugs, ORIGIN Exterminators can carry out a suitable and targeted treatment.

ORIGIN Bed Bug Treatment Programme

ORIGIN offers a treatment programme consisting of two sessions which are 14 days apart from each other. The objective of the second session is to eliminate nymphs from newly hatched eggs. For both sessions, ORIGIN uses the following treatments:

Step 1: Aerosol Spray

The aerosol contains an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) coupled with an active ingredient to kill live bedbugs. This targeted aerosol spray will treat bedbug hotspots indicated by Sparky or areas where signs of bedbug infestation were found during the inspection.

Step 2: Ultra Low Volume (ULV) misting

The ULV mister emits very fine water-based insecticide particles (droplets), which can reach cracks and crevices. The treatment uses a 2-in-1 mixture of an adulticide and insect growth regulator (IGR). This will eradicate the adult bedbugs as well as affect the growth of the nymphs and prevent them from becoming adults. It is also a quick and efficient flush out treatment compared to conventional spraying. The mist is subsequently left to permeate the whole room for approximately 4 hours.

Step 3: Peace of mind

Our treatment can be validated by Sparky to reassure you that your bedbug nightmare is finally over.

Signs OF BEDBUG INFESTATION

The most obvious sign is when you have experienced actual bedbug bites. They can be small bumps or large itchy welts. However, the bites may resemble mosquito and other insect bites so a bite alone cannot verify that there is a bedbug infestation. It can be difficult to determine if you have a bedbug problem because these insects can be hiding almost anywhere in a room. If you are able to recognise the early signs of a bedbug infestation and take immediate steps to eradicate the problem, it will greatly lessen the risk of a severe infestation.

Telltale signs of a bedbug infestation is the presence of live or dead bedbugs, black faecal spots and cream-coloured eggs. These can be found in several locations including:

• Seams (or creases) of mattresses, bed frames and headboards, bedside table and drawers

• Between corners, cracks and crevices of floor skirting, electrical trunking, cornices, hardfloors etc.

• Seams, skirts of cloth chairs and sofas

• Electricity (power point) and telephone outlets

• Behind loose wallpaper and carpet edges

causes of bedbug infestation

The growth of low cost international travel and changes in modern pest control practices such as the ban of DDT are believed to be responsible for the resurgence of bed bugs in the United States, Europe, Australia and the rest of the world. Bedbugs move from place to place by œhitchhiking in items such as luggage, backpacks and even furniture. Bedbugs can be found in the cleanest of homes, hotels and hostels and are not caused primarily by poor sanitary conditions.

Preventing a bedbug infestation:

• When traveling, inspect the bed and furniture. Keep your suitcases off the floor, bed and from lying against the wall.

• Avoid bringing home used furniture

Guidelines to Get Rid of Bedbugs

1. Call ORIGIN Exterminators. Pesticides will need to be applied along with non-chemical control to get rid of the bed bugs. Do not use do-it-yourself (DIY) products as sometimes these can prolong the problem and results in more money being spent.

2. Eliminate clutter in infested areas to reduce bed bug hiding places and make treatments more effective.

3. Thoroughly vacuum infested areas. After you are finished, place the disposal dust bag securely into a plastic bag and throw it away. Vacuum every couple of days until the infestation is gone.

4. Launder bedding at or above 600 C and dry at the hottest dryer setting for a minimum of 30 minutes to kill all stages of bed bugs.

5. Repair and seal cracks and crevices. Eliminate harborage areas by filling in cracks, removing torn wallpaper, and sealing joints.

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