February 3, 2011 (Topeka, KS) –One in five Americans report they have had a bed bug infestation or know someone who has. As a result, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has created Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Bed Bugs to help consumers evaluate pest professionals and to create standardized best practices among pest professionals treating for bed bugs.

“Bed bugs are extremely difficult to control, let alone eradicate, which is why it’s so important that we share these Best Management Practices,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “These guidelines will provide professionals with the tools needed to most effectively service their customers and will offer consumers a much-needed resource in their education about proper management of bed bugs.”   

“Schendel is excited about the release of the Best Management Practices for Bed Bugs,” comments Brent Boles, president of Schendel Pest Services.  “These practices reinforce our current methods of treatment and provide excellent guidelines in the areas of detection, control and health and safety.  We expect these BMPs to become an often-used resource in our fight against bed bugs.”   

Developed cohesively by industry professionals, regulators, academics and entomologists, these guidelines provide step-by-step practices for professionals, including standards for service agreements, guidelines for proper control techniques, and recommendations on post-treatment evaluation. A slightly condensed version of the comprehensive BMPs will help consumers understand the accepted best practices for detecting bed bugs, working with a professional and enacting appropriate follow up.   

The Best Management Practices for Bed Bugs include guidelines in areas such as:

• Disposal of personal items/furniture

• Bed Bug Detection

• Canine Detection

• Client Cooperation and Treatment Preparations

• Methods of Control

• Post-Treatment Evaluation

• Health and Safety of Customers

Complete guidelines can be found on the NPMA website at www.pestworld.org/bed-bug-BMPs

About Schendel Pest:  Schendel Pest Services has provided complete pest management services to commercial, industrial, and residential clients since 1947.  Schendel’s corporate office is located in Topeka, Kansas and Schendel provides services to customers in five states – Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.  Additionally, Schendel Pest Services is a partner with Copesan Services, which enables the company to sell and service commercial accounts on a national basis

Contact:  Julie Johnson, Schendel Pest Services, 1-785-233-3332, Ext. 114 Julie@pestzero.com   www.schendelpest.com