Canadian PCO Weighs In on Recent Bed Bug Surge

CALGARY, Alberta, Canada – Canadian pest control industry veteran John Target, president of Target Pest Control, Calgary, Alberta, has seen bed bug work “ebb and flow” throughout his 18 years in the industry. If recent trends hold true, bed bug service requests will continue to surge, according to Target.

Like many PCOs, Target’s bed bug work dipped during the COVID-10 pandemic, primarily due to travel restrictions and a general decrease in human movement. “With fewer opportunities for bed bugs to hitchhike on clothing and luggage, the rate of new infestations dropped significantly,” Target said. “On average, we noticed a 65 percent decrease in bed bug calls 6-18 months after they announced the pandemic.”

With the end of COVID-related travel restrictions, normal human behavior has returned, including international travel, an important bed bug consideration in Calgary, a major tourist and business hub. “This has led to a notable surge in infestations, underscoring the importance of vigilance and professional pest control services,” Target said. “I also think that because of the pandemic, a lot of local businesses started to cut costs, and unfortunately pest control was one of those services some hotels and restaurants thought they could do without.”

To meet increased bed bug service request demands, Target and his team have fine-tuned its protocols, which combine thorough inspections, heat treatments, chemical applications, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. “Our aim is to not only eradicate existing infestations but also to prevent future occurrences, ensuring the well-being of our clients,” said Target, who added this approach has worked particularly well in the commercial sector with a focus around hotels, Airbnb’s, offices, public transportation, movie theaters, health care facilities and schools.

Target treats a variety of residential and commercial accounts, from multi-family apartment complexes to single-family homes. As such, tailoring treatments to the specific needs of each setting has been key to the company’s success.  “We employ heat treatments using steam to eliminate bed bugs at all life stages, complemented by targeted chemical applications,” Target said. “Emphasizing education and prevention, our IPM strategies focus on environmentally friendly methods. Notably, the introduction of Aprehend has proven successful, reducing callbacks and providing a chemical-free alternative for concerned customers.”

Calgary and surrounding areas are not immune to the problem of bed bug resistance, a challenge Target and his team have addressed by integrating newer, more effective chemical formulations and enhancing its heat treatment capabilities. “We stay up to date with the latest research and advancements in bed bug control, ensuring our methods are both effective against resistant populations and safe for our clients,” he said. “Education and training for our technicians are also key components of our adaptation strategy.”

Reflecting back on the past 10-plus years controlling bed bugs, Target said he’s gained insights into the necessity of combining knowledge, adaptability, and persistence in effective treatments. “Understanding bed bug behavior, emphasizing prevention, and maintaining a proactive approach have been crucial to our success. As the landscape of bed bug control evolves, we remain committed to providing the best possible service to our clients, ensuring their spaces are free from these resilient pests,” he said.