Capturing the ABCs of bed bug (Cimex lectularius) management in California's low-income multi-unit housing situations: a summary of survey responses

Bed bug management is especially challenging in public and subsidized housing environments, apartments, and other low-income multi-unit housing (MUH) situations. We attempted to assess the current prevailing bed bug management practices in use, the most challenging aspects associated with bed bug management in MUHs, and the self-reported needs of client groups that may improve bed bug management outcomes in these environments using online surveys distributed to California's pest management professionals (PMPs) and housing management professionals (HMPs). MUHs were considered by most responding PMPs to harbor the worst (highest density) bed bug infestations, to be the most difficult locations in which to manage bed bugs, and to be the locations most often treated by their companies. Common themes reported by respondents as challenges to bed bug management in MUHs included lack of preparation, clutter, lack of client cooperation, reintroductions, lack of education, misinformation (usually from online resources), high costs, and language barriers. Responding PMPs reported substantial use of many different bed bug detection and control methods, though visual inspections and insecticide applications were clear mainstays. Many HMPs reported holding tenants responsible for bed bug management costs at least 'sometimes', and almost half reported use of bed bug addenda as attempts to enforce policies. Working with these clientele groups, academic colleagues, and municipal partners, we hope to use these data to design impactful research and extension programs surrounding bed bug management issues in Califonria's MUHs.