A recent survey undertaken by BASF Pest Control Solutions revealed that pest controllers in both Italy and the UK are finding bedbugs an increasing challenge.
This internet-based study was conducted over the past year with more than 110 pest controllers, almost equally divided between the UK and Italy. Bedbug control was identified as an important aspect of their businesses by over three quarters of those involved.
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The vast majority (89%) reported increasing calls for bedbug treatment in recent years, with hotels and residential homes unsurprisingly being by far the greatest current sources of business. At the same time, over 80% of pest controllers in both the UK and Italy are finding bedbugs more challenging to deal with these days, the majority significantly so. More restricted insecticide choice is identified as the greatest particular current control challenge. Also mentioned by more than a third of controllers are more frequent infestations and more extended treatment periods. “Our study underlines the growing challenge presented by bedbugs across Europe,” comments study co-ordinator, James Whittaker of BASF Pest Control Solutions. |
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“While differences of detail were apparent between UK pest controllers and their Italian counterparts, they were remarkably consistent in their views. Northern and southern Europe clearly shares almost exactly the same problems with this particular insect pest.
“This isn’t surprising given greater international travel, increased pressure on houses in multiple occupation, increasingly disadvantaged communities and decreased use of residual insecticides in cockroach control, amongst other factors, in both countries. And, of course, to cap it all the industry has recently lost one of its most widely used weapons in the war against bedbugs – chlorpyrifos – under the EU Biocidal Products Directive.”
The full report of this study appeared in issue 8 of Pest magazine. Click here to read the article in full.
