Bed Bug Prevention
Our Commitment to the Health and Well-Being of our Staff and Guests
At Muskoka Woods, we prioritize your child’s well-being and comfort. With increased global travel, bed bugs have become an issue in hotels, airplanes, public transit, dorms, and summer camps. These pests can hitchhike on luggage and clothing. While they don’t spread diseases, their bites can cause allergic reactions, and infestations are stressful and costly.
We’re dedicated to maintaining a bed bug-free environment through a thorough process and specialized tools. Here’s how we ensure your child’s stay at Muskoka Woods is safe and enjoyable:
Prevention
At the start of the season we apply Aprehend™spray in all cabins. This proactive measure provides long-lasting protection against bed bugs.
Comprehensive Monitoring
Advanced Bed Bug Traps
We use SenSci Volcano Traps, strategically placed in cabins that need to be more closely monitored and inspect those traps every few days. (See more about SenSci Volcano Traps below.)
Immediate Reporting and Investigation
If any suspected bed bugs are found in the traps, they’re immediately reported to our Director of Resort Operations. The incident details are logged, and the Director inspects the trap, confirms the presence of bed bugs, and assesses their development stage. A plan of action is determined based on the Director’s findings.
Bed Bug Response Protocol
Our Bed Bug Response Protocol is designed to handle any bed bug issues quickly and effectively. By addressing reports promptly, documenting incidents, and keeping open communication with staff and school/group trip administrators, we attend to our guests’ health and swiftly restore cabins to a pest-free environment.
Highlights of the Protocol
Rapid Response
If there’s a report of bed bug bites, our Director of Resort Operations is notified right away. We fill out an incident report and log all details in our bed bug log, giving the highest priority to suspected cases.
Clear Communication
Our Schools & Groups Director and Executive team are immediately informed about any bed bug reports. They receive updates on inspection results and remediation actions. School/group trip administrators are contacted when guests are directly impacted, ensuring transparency and support for families.
Extensive Remediation & Monitoring Tools
We use a combination of proactive sprays, heat treatments, and specialized traps to ensure thorough and effective bed bug prevention and elimination:
- Preventative Aprehend™ Spray: At the start of the season we apply Aprehend™spray in all cabins. This proactive measure provides long-lasting protection against bed bugs.
- Heat Treatment: If necessary, we use our Heat Assault™ 500X machine to treat the room, ensuring complete elimination of bed bugs. This powerful equipment heats the affected area for a minimum of 12 hours, eliminating the bugs without damaging personal items within the cabin. Since we own and operate this equipment, we can respond immediately without relying on external contractors.
- SenSci Volcano Traps: These traps are designed to attract and capture bed bugs using a lure that mimics the scent of human skin. SenSci Volcano Traps help us monitor and manage bed bug presence effectively.
Experienced Team
Our Director of Resort Operations has a decade of experience in pest control. We also collaborate with Orkin regularly for expert support and advice.
Detailed Inspection
We conduct thorough inspections within a five-metre radius around the reported bed using a UV flashlight, magnifying glass, packing tape, and a sharp instrument. We check mattresses, bunks, walls, and crevices for signs of bed bugs, documenting and marking any findings for immediate follow-up. Traps are placed beneath each bunk to monitor for bed bugs.
Continuous Improvement and Communication
We maintain detailed logs, provide regular staff training on the latest bed bug remediation techniques, and ensure transparent communication with guests about any incidents that directly impact guests and our response measures:
- Digital Logs: We keep detailed digital logs to track and analyze bed bug incidents, ensuring our processes are effective and continuously improving.
- Regular Training: Our staff undergo regular training on the latest bed bug remediation techniques to stay ahead of potential issues.
- Guest Communication: We are committed to transparency and promptly informing school/group trip administrators about any bed bug incidents that directly impact guests and the steps we are taking to resolve them. This ensures peace of mind and confidence in our management practices.
Bed Bug FAQ
What are bed bugs and how can they affect my child at camp?
Bed bugs are tiny, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood, often causing itchy bites. While these pests do not transmit diseases, they can lead to significant discomfort, including stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Additionally, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to their bites. Rest assured, we take every precaution to ensure our facilities are thoroughly inspected and maintained to prevent any unwelcome visitors, allowing you to focus on making unforgettable memories.
What do bed bug bites look like?
Bed bug bites often manifest as small, red, itchy bumps, occasionally appearing in a line or cluster. It’s important to note that not everyone exhibits visible signs of bites, and the Muskoka region is home to a variety of insects that can produce similar marks, including mosquitoes, black flies, deer flies, and ticks. To help you identify bed bug bites, please refer to this link for images. If you have any concerns, our team is always here to assist you and ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
Will bed bugs make me sick? Do they spread disease?
Bed bugs are a nuisance but they don’t pose serious health risks. They do not transmit diseases to humans. However, their bites can cause itching and discomfort, and in some cases, allergic reactions.
Are bed bugs only a problem for certain types of households?
Absolutely not! Bed bugs do not discriminate — they can affect anyone, regardless of cleanliness, income, or race. These resilient pests spread through luggage, clothing, and furniture, making them a common issue across all sectors of society. At Muskoka Woods, we are dedicated to ensuring a pest-free environment for all our guests, so you can focus on enjoying your time with us. Rest assured, our vigilant team takes proactive measures to prevent and address any potential concerns.
How do bed bugs appear at a summer camp, hotel, airplane, etc?
Bed bugs can inadvertently be brought into summer camps, hotels, airplanes, and other places through guests’ luggage, clothing, and personal items. These tiny hitchhikers can also latch onto visitors. Once inside, bed bugs hide in mattresses, furniture, and crevices, quickly incubating and becoming a nuisance. Our team is committed to preventing these unwelcome guests by implementing rigorous inspection and cleaning protocols, ensuring your stay with us is worry-free and enjoyable.
Can bed bugs be completely eradicated?
Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate due to their exceptional hiding abilities and resilience. However, at Muskoka Woods, our prevention and treatment strategies are designed to control and effectively eliminate these pesky pests. While complete eradication can be challenging, our comprehensive approach — including Aprehend™ spray, SenSci Volcano™ traps, Heat Assault™ solutions, and BEAPCO™ traps — ensures that we stay ahead of potential infestations. Our commitment to maintaining a clean and comfortable environment means you can relax and enjoy your time with us, knowing we are vigilant in our efforts to keep bed bugs at bay.
How will I be notified if there is a bed bug issue?
How do I prevent bringing bed bugs home from hotels, university dorms, camp, etc.?
To ensure a bed bug-free return from travel, follow these precautions:
- Inspect belongings: Before bringing your child’s belongings inside, thoroughly inspect them for any signs of bed bugs.
- Wash and dry clothes on high-heat: Wash all clothes in hot water and dry them on high heat for at least 45 minutes. This helps kill any potential bed bugs or eggs that may have hitchhiked home.
- Vacuum and inspect luggage: Vacuum and inspect luggage thoroughly, paying attention to seams and pockets where bed bugs could hide.
- Consider sealing luggage: During your stay, consider sealing luggage in plastic bags to prevent bed bugs from getting inside.
By taking these proactive steps, you can minimize the risk of bringing bed bugs home and ensure a comfortable and worry-free transition after any travel.
What measures do I take at home if bed bugs are found due to my travels?
If you discover bed bugs at home, it’s essential to take swift action to address the issue effectively:
- Contact professional pest control: Immediately contact a professional pest control service that specializes in bed bug eradication. They will conduct thorough inspections to assess the extent of the infestation and recommend appropriate treatment options.
- Treatment options: Professionals may use a combination of chemical and non-chemical methods to eradicate bed bugs. These methods can include insecticide treatments, heat treatments, steam treatments, and vacuuming.
- Follow recommendations: Follow the recommendations provided by the pest control experts, which may include preparing your home by decluttering, laundering clothes and linens in hot water, and vacuuming thoroughly.
- Monitor and follow-up: After treatment, monitor your home for any signs of bed bugs and follow up with any additional treatments or inspections recommended by the pest control professionals.
Taking these measures promptly and thoroughly will help eliminate bed bugs from your home and prevent further infestations, ensuring a comfortable living environment for you and your family.
Is the spray safe for humans and pets?
Yes, the bed bug spray we use at Muskoka Woods, Aprehend™, is safe for humans and pets. The active ingredient is a naturally occurring fungus called Beauveria bassiana, which has been used in agricultural products for over 20 years without significant adverse effects.
The spores in Aprehend™ stick to surfaces, minimizing any risk of inhalation, especially for allergy sufferers. Additionally, Aprehend™ is environmentally friendly and does not lead to chemical resistance in bed bugs.
Treated areas need to be vacated for two hours to ensure safety, fitting smoothly into our camp’s schedule. This makes Aprehend™ a reliable and eco-friendly choice for maintaining a healthy, pest-free environment at Muskoka Woods.
Does the spray damage luggage, clothing, etc?
Bed bug sprays and traps used at Muskoka Woods are chosen for their effectiveness and safety, including their impact on personal belongings. When used properly, these products should not damage luggage, clothing, or other personal items. Our team takes great care in applying treatments to ensure that belongings remain unharmed.
What is heat treated and will the heat treatment damage items?
At Muskoka Woods, we take every precaution to protect your belongings during heat treatment. The controlled heat levels used are designed to be safe for most personal items, including luggage and clothing. Our experienced staff will provide guidance on any specific items that may need special attention.