What does the sanitary‑epidemiological service use to treat bed bugs? - briefly
The sanitary‑epidemiological service typically applies licensed insecticidal formulations, such as pyrethroid‑based sprays, and may supplement them with controlled‑temperature heat treatments to eradicate bed‑bug infestations. These methods are approved for public‑health interventions and are deployed according to official guidelines.
What does the sanitary‑epidemiological service use to treat bed bugs? - in detail
The sanitary‑epidemiological authority employs a combination of chemical, physical and mechanical measures to eradicate Cimex lectularius infestations. Standard practice begins with a thorough inspection using visual surveys, interceptors and scent‑detecting devices to map infestation zones. Once the extent is established, the following interventions are applied:
- Synthetic pyrethroids (e.g., permethrin, deltamethrin) applied as residual sprays on cracks, crevices and furniture frames; concentrations follow national guidelines to ensure efficacy while minimizing resistance development.
- Neonicotinoid‑based products (e.g., imidacloprid) used for targeted spot‑treatment of adult insects and nymphs, particularly where pyrethroid resistance is documented.
- Desiccant dusts containing silica gel or diatomaceous earth, dispersed into voids to cause dehydration of hidden stages; dusts are preferred for voids inaccessible to liquids.
- Heat treatment: portable kilns raise ambient temperature to 50–55 °C for a minimum of 90 minutes, a proven method that kills all life stages without chemicals. Temperature monitoring devices verify uniform heat distribution.
- Cold treatment: exposure of infested items to –20 °C for at least 72 hours, employed when heat application is impractical.
- Vacuum sanitation: high‑efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums remove live insects and eggs from mattress seams, upholstery and floor surfaces; collected debris is sealed and disposed of as hazardous waste.
- Encasement: mattress and box‑spring covers with certified bed‑bug proof ratings isolate residual populations, preventing re‑infestation while other measures take effect.
After treatment, the service implements a monitoring phase lasting 4–6 weeks. Sticky interceptors and passive traps are placed in previously infested zones; weekly inspections verify the absence of new activity. If residual counts exceed threshold values, a repeat cycle of the appropriate method is initiated.
Documentation includes a detailed work order, pesticide application log, temperature logs for thermal procedures and disposal records for contaminated material. All actions comply with the national sanitary code and the pest‑control regulations governing public health interventions.