The new European code of practice for bedbug management was launched during the Europest event held in Krakow, Poland in May. Its production has been co-ordinated by the Bed Bug Foundation. The document is based on the pioneering Australian code already in its third edition and involved leading bedbug experts, as well as a formal consultation process across the European pest management industry.
Dr Daniel Bajomi from Babolna Bio, Hungary and Frederic Verwilghen from Edialux in France gave an excellent double act on the content. Dr Bajomi was one of the instigators of the Bed Bug Foundation, whilst Frederic is also a vice president of the European confederation of pest control associations, CEPA.
Both presenters, it turned out, have first-hand experience of bedbugs, Frederic’s encounter was on an aeroplane and Daniel’s in a hotel bedroom – the airline and hotel chain concerned must remain nameless! Bedbugs are a pest which potentially threatens everyone. “It’s an exposure pest not a dirty pest”, explained Frederic.
“And, one thing’s for sure. If you haven’t got bedbugs in your country yet the chances are you will have them soon.” Bedbugs are a global pest, requiring a global solution, so this panEuropean code is to be welcomed as a step in the right direction.
The code provides a wealth of information on bedbugs and their detection and control. It advocates the need for pest controllers to switch from thinking solely about controlling the pest to ways in which they can manage it through monitoring and periodic assessments, speak to the experts in insect pest control in Bolton, Manchester and further afield if you have a bedbug issue.
