How does a sanitary‑epidemiological service poison bed bugs? - briefly
The service applies a regulated insecticide—often a pyrethroid spray or silica‑gel dust—directly to infested seams, mattress folds, and wall cracks, creating a residual toxic barrier that kills «bed bugs». Follow‑up inspections confirm the absence of live insects.
How does a sanitary‑epidemiological service poison bed bugs? - in detail
The sanitary‑epidemiological authority employs insecticidal agents approved by national health regulations to eliminate Cimex lectularius populations. Prior to treatment, inspectors conduct a thorough survey to locate infestations, identify harborages, and assess infestation severity. Findings are recorded in a standardized report, which includes the selected product, dosage, and application zones.
Approved chemicals belong to the following categories:
- Pyrethroid‑based aerosols (e.g., deltamethrin, bifenthrin) applied as residual sprays on mattress seams, bed frames, and cracks.
- Silicate dusts (e.g., diatomaceous earth) dispersed in voids where contact with insects is inevitable.
- Insect growth regulators (e.g., hydroprene) incorporated into spray formulations to disrupt molting cycles.
- Vapor‑phase fumigants (e.g., sulfuryl fluoride) used in sealed rooms for severe infestations, following strict ventilation protocols.
Application procedures follow a step‑by‑step protocol:
- Remove or encase all bedding and clothing to prevent contamination.
- Seal the treatment area with polyethylene sheeting to contain vapors, if fumigation is employed.
- Apply residual spray uniformly, targeting crevices, baseboards, and furniture joints; maintain a minimum wet film thickness as specified on the product label.
- Distribute dust into inaccessible voids using a hand‑held duster; avoid excessive accumulation to reduce respiratory hazards.
- Allow the treated surface to dry for the period indicated by the manufacturer before re‑occupying the space.
- Conduct post‑treatment monitoring using sticky traps and visual inspections at 7‑day intervals for at least four weeks.
Safety measures include mandatory personal protective equipment for staff (gloves, respirators, goggles) and the provision of written instructions to occupants regarding temporary evacuation, ventilation, and cleaning procedures. Waste residues are collected in sealed containers and disposed of according to hazardous waste regulations.
Documentation of each operation is stored in a central database, enabling traceability, assessment of efficacy, and compliance with health authority audits. Continuous training ensures personnel remain current on emerging insecticide formulations and resistance management strategies.