Bed Bug Testing Services

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe bed bugs as small, flat, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep. The insects are found globally and have been discovered in everything from hotels and resorts, to cruise ships, buses, trains, and homes.

 

For those concerned about bed bugs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its Top Ten Tips to Prevent or Control Bed Bugs. The list includes the following:

1. Make sure you really have bed bugs, not fleas, ticks, or other insects.
2. Don’t panic!
3. Think through treatment options – Don’t immediately reach for the spray can.
4. Reduce the number of hiding places – Clean up the clutter.
5. Regularly wash and heat-dry bedsheets, blankets, bedspreads, and any clothing that touches the floor.
6. Do-it-yourself freezing may not be a reliable method for bed bug control.
7. Kill bed bugs with heat, but be very careful.
8. Don’t pass your bed bugs to others.
9. Reduce the number of bed bugs to reduce bites.
10. Turn to the professionals, if needed.

 

“Bed bugs are experts at hiding, which can make them difficult to find,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Their presence can be an ongoing annoyance because they often cause itching and loss of sleep. Some people may suffer allergic reactions caused by their presence. Reports of bed bug infestations can also cause severe financial harm for any business unfortunate enough to have an infestation.”

 

To help identify the presence of bed bugs, and to confirm the effectiveness of eradication and cleaning efforts, EMSL Analytical offers highly sensitive DNA-based laboratory testing techniques and easy-to-use sample collection kits. Testing can also be used to assist in identifying a minor bed bug situation so it can be effectively treated, before it becomes an all-out infestation. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video sharing the EPA’s Top Ten Tips that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/PUcihrcXT_M

 

To learn more about testing for bed bugs or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. To access bed bug or other IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

 

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.