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Tips for new PCO
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soundofthesea
newbite
Joined: Jun '10
Posts: 15offline
Posted 1 year ago
Thu May 17 2012 15:37:46
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Hello, everyone. My husband very recently started working for a pest control company. We do not live in an area that is "known" to have a big problem with bed bugs, but in the short time my husband has been working for this company, the vast majority of his inspections have been for bedbugs. Now, I have had friends who have had bedbugs before, so I know how terrible they can be. I have been concerned about him bringing them home, although his boss has assured him that they have never had an employee take bedbugs home. I'm looking for a second opinion. What kinds of precautions would you more seasoned professionals recommend? I'm really wanting to buy a packtite for him to use on his clothes and shoes when he gets home. Any thoughts?
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soundofthesea
newbite
Joined: Jun '10
Posts: 15offline
Posted 1 year ago
Thu May 17 2012 15:57:15
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I did just notice this post, http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/personal-question-for-the-bug-pros. Have any of you pros ever had problems with bedbugs in your vehicles? Any other tips? Should we get a packtite?
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oldtimer
Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 6,761offline
Posted 1 year ago
Thu May 17 2012 16:43:45
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Hi,
Welcome to the forum. There is a lot of information around when you look and search. With regards not bringing work home well its a skill you develop like all things with time. A PackTite can help in managing that worry and is a great tool for home owners and professionals alike. I must confess I often toast my boots before heading out on a cold night (LOL only joking).
There is a lot of hits and tips around here, most of which is in the FAQ's. It only take a few days of watching and reading to get the rough outline of who are who and what its all about.
If we enjoys the work and wants to learn I am sure you can help supplement what I would hope is a good internal training program. Its not the easiest job in the world but there is a great deal of job satisfaction if you do it well and certainly for the foreseeable future he will not be short of work.
David Cain
Bed Bugs Limited -
cilecto
oldtimer
Joined: Aug '08
Posts: 3,852offline
Posted 1 year ago
Thu May 17 2012 17:09:55
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I'm not a pro, but just because no tech at your company has ever taken BB home, doesn't mean they won't in the future and it doesn't mean that there aren't precautions to take. (Analogy: "This boat is 10 years old and has never been in an accident. We don't need life jackets on board.")
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oldtimer
Joined: Nov '11
Posts: 2,515offline
Posted 1 year ago
Thu May 17 2012 20:18:35
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Dear sound,
Yes, pest control take bed bugs home with them inadvertently from work. In fact, if they are working on a continued basis at infested locations, then they are at a greater risk of picking up and/or transfering bed bugs to any variety of locations including their own homes.
To prevent bringing BBs home I bring a complete set of fresh clothes with me to a job site. When the work has been completed I will change clothes completely, usually behind my vehicle, and seal the "suspect" clothes into a plastic bag for subsequent heat treatment and laundering. No clothes or equipment enter my home or vehicle without at least being heat or steam treated.
In addition to this, I wear white or light color clothing when working BB locations. Recently I have invested in a set of white "scrubs" which are light weight and comfortable to wear when working.
You can also find additional information via some of my published articles on this very subject. Some of these articles include: "Preventing Bed Bug Hitch-hikers", "Even Superman Can't See Through Lead" and others.
You may find these articles via Google or on the articles page of my website.
Hope this helps ! paul b.
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soundofthesea
newbite
Joined: Jun '10
Posts: 15offline
Posted 1 year ago
Fri May 18 2012 16:45:06
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Thanks, Paul. The articles were really good. And as cilecto pointed out, I have also recognized that just because no one in their office has ever taken bed bugs home doesn't mean it will never happen. And of course, I'm sure they need to prevent cross-contamination. I have not had many conversations with my husband on the topic, so I really don't know what office policies and preventative measures are already in place, but I'm sure we will talk more about it now. Thanks for the help!
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oldtimer
Joined: Nov '11
Posts: 2,515offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sat May 19 2012 14:45:09
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Happy to be of assistance, let me know if any questions. Have a great weekend ! paul b.
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