Any pest infestation is bad news for an office, but bed bugs are perhaps one of the most dreaded. In this article, we’ll talk about how bed bugs make their way into your office, where to look if you suspect an infestation, and how to get rid of these unwanted visitors.
Where are bed bugs coming from in the office?
Bed bugs are hitchhikers, and if someone in the building has a case of bed bugs at home, they can easily bring the infestation into the office. Bed bugs can travel between floors in an office building, so if you find yourself with a bed bug problem and can’t identify a source, there’s a chance it originated in another part of the building.
Where do bed bugs hide in an office?
Bed bugs thrive inside fabric fibers, ideally near humans — their primary food source. Bed bugs need between three to ten minutes to feed, so their favorite hiding spots are near areas where humans are still for a long time. Usually, this means mattresses, but bed bugs could also infiltrate your office building’s rugs, curtains, chairs and couches, or carpet.
How do you get rid of bed bugs in an office building?
If a bed bug infestation has taken hold, here are some strategies to contain the infestation before calling in the pros:
- Contain any contaminated objects in sealed bags – This is an option for items like curtains, clothing, throw pillows, and books. Even larger items can be sealed in large garbage bags.
- Put smaller items into a freezer – Freezing bed bugs for three days or more is an effective way to stop the spread, but it’s only realistic for smaller objects or if you have a large walk-in freezer on site.
- Wash and dry infested items – Use hot water to wash and the highest heat setting on your dryer to clean any infested items, such as clothing.
- Vacuum – Bed bugs rapidly lay eggs that are difficult to see — especially on darker or more dense fabrics. Vacuuming can help prevent bed bug eggs from hatching and continuing the cycle of infestation.
Given how disruptive bed bugs are in an office environment, it’s a good idea to call your local pest control company if you find evidence of bed bugs.
How to keep bed bugs out of your office
Employees may accidentally bring an infested item into your office, but bringing in furniture is another common culprit. If you handle donations of clothing or household goods, you make have bed bugs enter your space on those items. For situations like these, there are steps you can take to prevent bed bugs from outside sources.
Here’s how to reduce the chance of office bed bug infestations:
- Have used furniture cleaned by a pro before you bring it to the office. Thrifted furniture in your office design is a great way to reduce waste, save money, and add character — but have your second-hand furniture professionally cleaned first to ensure bed bugs don’t hitch a ride into the office on your new-to-you couch.
- Regularly inspect office chairs, reception furniture, carpeting, and window coverings for signs of bed bugs or eggs. Bed bugs shed their shells up to five times during their lifespan. These tiny eggs often collect in the crevices of furniture and draperies.
- Vacuum weekly. Regular vacuuming is one of the best ways to keep your office free of bed bugs proactively.
Pest control solutions for office buildings
A bed bug infestation can bring productivity to a screeching halt, particularly if your workplace isn’t set up for remote work while an infestation is treated. Hawx takes infestations in office buildings seriously, and we’ll send our knowledgeable technicians to handle your current bed bug issue — and work with you to prevent future infestations. Our team is ready and waiting with industry-leading technology, products, and tools needed to get your pest problems under control.
