Bed Bug Research Findings Unveiled at PestEx 2007

Speakers at the popular bed bug seminar included (left to right): Clive Boase (Pest Management Consultancy), Richard Naylor (Sheffield University), Frank Meek (Orkin) and Dr Graham Small (Insect Investigations). BPCA Event Manager Laura Marshall (left) and Iain Urquhart of Advanced Pest Management found a quick moment to enjoy the sunshine and views of London and the docks. Peter May (Xavca, Australia) with Sion Price and Richard Smith (Sorex) and Murray Hern (Syngenta, Switzerland) enjoyed a flight on the London Eye. (Photo: Frances McKim) Nearly 70 exhibitors attended PestEX from all over the world. An array of digital products designed for the PCO were on display. U.S. companies were well represented. Orkin's Tom Luczynski was looking for franchise partners when not caught elsewhere.

LONDON — Visitors from far and wide flocked to PestEx 2007, held last Wednesday and Thursday at ExCeL, in the fashionable docklands area of London. Nearly 1,350 visitors from more than 30 countries attended the two-day event.

Organized by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), 67 exhibitors networked with visitors and showed off their newest product developments. Digital products were strongly represented at this year’s event. PCOs in Europe now have a choice of electronic recording, information input and storage systems from such companies as Intelliscan (www.insetelliscan.co.uk) with its digital pen and paper system, Codegate (www.codegate.co.uk) with mobileworker and Shield Consultancy Services (www.shieldyourself.co.uk).

A large portion of the exhibitors came from Europe as well as the U.S. – including Orkin, Kness, Atlantic Paste & Glue and Earth Care Products. Commenting on the international nature of the event, Oliver Madge, chief executive officer, BPCA, said, “PestEX has now established itself as the leading international event within Europe. If you are a manufacturer or consultancy interested in trading overseas, PestEX is the place to be.”

In addition to the exhibition, PestEx contained a series of popular seminars. Very much an international pest, a whole seminar was devoted to the ever-increasing international problem of bed bugs. A recent survey has shown that reported bed bug infestations in London are rising at an alarming rate of 25% each year – a problem London is working to curtail with the forthcoming Olympic Games. Laundering infested items, such as bed sheets, has always been part of a recommended remedy, but Sheffield University Researcher Richard Naylor revealed the results his recent studies. To ensure a 100% kill, a wet wash must be heated to 140°F (60° centigrade), tumble drying must be more than 140°F (45° centigrade) for half an hour, while dry cleaning proved successful as did freezing down to 1.4°F (-17° centigrade) for at least 10 hours.

Everyone made the most of the unseasonably warm and sunny weather with temperatures reaching more than 73°F (23 degrees centigrade). Attendees were able to admire the view of the old docklands area. Rodenticide manufacturer Sorex entertained their UK and overseas distributors to an evening in London, including a flight on the London Eye.