The bed bug monitoring unit, NightWatch, is now available for purchase from Bed Bug Central. Now that the long awaited arrival of the NightWatch is finally here, Jeff White, Research Entomologist for Bed Bug Central, helps address the exciting effects this unit will have on the pest management industry, as well as its limitations.
BedbugFREE companies will be able to purchase NightWatch units at an affinity discount greater than that of non-membership firms.
Developed by BioSensory, Inc., the NightWatch monitor has created a great deal of anticipation in both pest management and the general public because it is one of very few ‘active’ bed bug monitoring devices available. This device employs three distinct bed bug attractants. The unit emits both heat and CO2 to mimic a sleeping host as well as a chemical attractant that is effective with both immature and mature host-seeking bed bugs.
The attractant technology in the unit may increase the potential for earlier detection and verification of infestations because NightWatch goes beyond simple visual inspection that is known to be faulty. However, White warns "that the unit better serves as another tool in assisting the detection process rather than a definitive method for detecting bed bug presence."
Like similar monitoring systems, NightWatch is primarily effective with hungry bed bugs actively seeking a blood meal. If the bugs are dormant during testing periods, the monitor may produce a zero catch reading. As a result, a zero catch may not be definitive proof there is no infestation present. In spite of this limitation, the operational advantages for professional use set the NightWatch apart from other active monitors on the market.
Unlike the CDC-3000, another active bed bug monitor, the NightWatch allows operators to autonomously run the monitor eight hours per day for up to seven days without having to refill the CO2 or replace the attractants. This allows more operational time to attract bed bugs emerging from dormant periods to seek a blood-meal. This continuous monitoring without ongoing maintenance allows industry professionals to minimize operational expenses and logistical consumption.
In addition to providing another verification method for infestations, the NightWatch is also expected to influence the business model of pest management firms. According to White, the NightWatch can be an important asset for servicing both commercial and residential sites.
"I see the NightWatch fitting into the hospitality industry very well when you have a need to periodically monitor guest rooms prior placing them back into service. Another good fit is for the monitoring of vacant apartments prior to leasing a unit," says White.
According to Jeff White, The NightWatch is likely to be an asset in the commercial sector as bed bugs are increasingly introduced into work environments. Over the past month Cooper Pest Solutions has had six office structures requesting treatment or inspection for bed bugs and this trend is only expected to increase.
The NightWatch also lends itself to incorporating resale or renting options. Property owners/managers may be interested in purchasing or renting units to be installed as part of a properties ongoing monitoring procedures. For example, in apartment complexes, property managers can utilize the units to monitor vacant units as part of their pre-occupancy procedures. Hotels and office buildings with history of bed bug activity are also likely to have an interest in purchasing units to use on an ongoing basis as part of a proactive monitoring program.
The unit is expected to meet if not exceed the performance results of the CDC-3000. White is currently conducting field research concerning the attractant efficacy of the NightWatch, results to be released later this month.
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