Bed bugs pose a lot of challenges for PMPs, and they also cause significant problems for homeowners. Bites can lead to secondary infections and psychological harm, turning someone’s life upside down. Since homeowners are hypersensitive about infestations, the industry must continue to focus on innovating to help PMPs deliver peace of mind to their customers.
One of the reasons bed bugs are so challenging is that there has not been efficient and effective technology that detects moderate- to low-level infestations. During the daytime, bed bugs hide in cracks, crevices and other protected sites close to where people sleep. Their flattened bodies also help them hide in seams and folds of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards. This means they are often not easy to see.
Bed bug treatment solutions are widely available and fairly effective before infestation levels peak. However, the key is to be able to identify low-level infestations early. Detection is critical to prevent infestations from spreading. That is why Envu Professional Pest Management is introducing the TruDetx™ Bed Bug Rapid Test.
The TruDetx Bed Bug Rapid Test solves bed bug detection issues by enabling PMPs to identify even low-level bed bug infestations immediately with a science-based test. After the inspection is complete, the test results will be available in just five minutes. The PMP will be able to present the customer with these clear results that determine with over 90% accuracy* if bed bug residue is present.
The TruDetx Bed Bug Rapid Test is a simple lateral flow strip that works like a COVID-19 self-test. Here’s how it works:
- First, the PMP removes sheets to expose the mattress. Then, they remove the swab from the holder and use the soft end to collect residue from the mattress and other sleeping areas where bed bugs hide, including mattress piping and the headboard.
- Next, the PMP returns the swab to the holder with the soft end facing down. Next, they break the solution seal by bending the stem until it snaps and release the liquid by squeezing the bulb. Then, they gently agitate the holder for 15 seconds until the swab is soaked.
- Next, the PMP removes the white cap from the end of the swab and places four drops into the well. The test results will appear in five minutes.
- The results look exactly like a COVID-19 self-test. One line indicates that bed bug residue is not present, and two lines indicate that bed bug residue is present.
This technology is critical because it solves an unmet need for PMPs. They can now detect even low-level bed bug infestations quickly with a science-based test. This means the homeowner and the PMP can feel confident in moving forward with treatment to solve the problem quickly.
The industry can count on Envu to continue bringing these types of valuable innovations to the market. The Envu Professional Pest Management team provides both the highest-quality products and essential expertise to move the industry forward and help PMPs satisfy customers with outstanding results.
For more information, contact your Envu representative or visit: us.envu.com/pest-management-and-public-health.
*Ko, Alexander & Choe, Dong-Hwan. Development of a lateral flow test for bed bug detection. Scientific Reports 10:13376 (2020).
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Environmental Science U.S. LLC, 5000 CentreGreen Way, Suite 400, Cary, NC 27513. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-800-331-2867. www.envu.com. Envu, the Envu logo and TruDetx™ are trademarks owned by Environmental Science U.S. LLC or one of its affiliates. ©2023 Environmental Science U.S. LLC. ES-0623-TRUDETX-049-A-R1
Authored by:
Peter Jardine
Head of Marketing and Strategy, Digital Services, Envu Professional Pest Management
