Pest controllers join forces with hostel company to launch bed-bug campaign

A leading pest control operator has teamed up with a hostel and bunk bed company to educate people about the growing bed-bug problem.

The leaflet called ‘Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite’, sponsored by Cleankill Environmental Services, addresses some of the myths about bedbugs and how they can be prevented. A copy is being sent to every youth hostel in the country to make sure they are fully informed about these tiny creatures that can create a real-life nightmare for both owners and guests. (Download your copy here.)

Cleankill Managing Director Paul Bates said: “Bed bugs are a huge problem in the US and Canada as well as other countries and it is only a matter of time before the problem gets worse over here.

“Fifteen years ago we received very few calls to deal with bed bugs but as air travel has increased, along with more students backpacking across continents during their gap year, so have bed-bug problems. The creatures often find their way into luggage and back packs while people are holidaying in budget accommodation. Then they are brought back home to the horror of the parents.

“But unlike many other pests, bed bugs do not care if their accommodation is a back-street bedsit, or a millionaire’s penthouse – once in they are very hard to eradicate yourself.”

Director of Best Bunk Beds Max Letek added: “‘Compared with more expensive hotels, people assume hostels are more likely to have bed bugs but there’s no solid data to support the idea of hostels having a higher incidence of bed bugs than high-end hotels at all. This is because bed bugs are an exposure pest and have nothing to do with sanitation.

“The only truth in suggesting buzzing youth hostels might be more prone to bed bug outbreaks than anywhere else is simply due to the sheer density of people coming from all around the world - all of whom may be sharing a single dorm room. It’s simple maths. If 12 backpackers are sleeping in one room, there are 12 chances for bugs to hop off one backpacker’s stuff, and onto another.”’

A single adult bed bug can live for up to a year without feeding as they go into a dormant state. Once feeding regularly, however, the female will lay up to 500 eggs in a couple of months. Treatment involves turning beds upside down, shaking curtains, moving wardrobes and treating adjoining rooms. If a hotel room is infested, the accommodation on the next floor up and the floor below must be treated. A different insecticide has to be used on each visit as bed bugs have built up resistance to some chemicals.

Cleankill was recently called in to deal with a problem at a four-star London hotel after a group of swimwear models who were staying there before the next morning’s photoshoot woke to find themselves covered in bites. The photoshoot had to be cancelled and the hotel had to pay compensation to the company concerned.

Customers are also starting to sue premises owners after being bitten. In August 2011, two sisters were awarded £2,300 after being bitten during a stay in a London hotel. Earlier this year a jumbo jet had to be grounded after a passenger was bitten by bed bugs.

Cleankill is a specialist provider of pest control services to retail, commercial and industrial properties throughout the UK. The company deals with ‘distress’ pests such as wasps, fleas and bed bugs, as well as offering preventative maintenance against public health pests such as mice and rats. Cleankill can also clear and proof buildings against pest birds.
Cleankill has been solving pest problems for commercial and domestic customers for more than 15 years. Using the most up-to-date pest-control techniques and technology, the company keeps its customers pest free and makes sure it is at the forefront of the industry when it comes to the use of pesticides and non-toxic pest control methodology.
As an Investor in People, all Cleankill’s staff are highly trained and offer an exceptionally fast and efficient level of service. The company is a proud member of the British Pest Control Association, as well as being approved to ISO9001 and ISO14001. Cleankill is also fully accredited to the Safecontractor, Exor, Constructionline and Achilles Health and Safety Accreditation Scheme and aims to be recognised as a market leader for innovation and new pest control techniques. For further information go to www.cleankill.co.uk or call 0800 056 5477. You can follow Cleankill on Twitter or Facebook
ENDS
For further information, interview requests or a copy of the Bed Bug Guide, contact Suzi Christie at Blueberry PR on 01435 830031 or e-mail suzi@blueberry-pr.co.uk

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This release was published on openPR.