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Bed Bug Resources
Bed Bug infestation is a growing problem around the country, but also here in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Community Health has pulled together a work group to address concerns and provide information to the public relating to this issue. Our first meeting was held on 1/14/08 in Lansing. MDCH asked that PMAM send a representative from the organization to represent the interests of multifamily housing.
The work group consisted of members from the Michigan Department of Health, Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan State University, Michigan Environmental Health Association, Michigan Pest Control Association, Wayne County Health Department, and the PMAM, representing the property management industry. Everyone felt that there is little information available from within Michigan and that this work group could possibly take the lead in providing information to Michigan residents concerning this growing problem.
Eric Foster, with MDCH, let the initial workgroup meeting and hosted the meeting as well. The meeting lasted four hours and resulted in four subcommittees being formed. Gary Offenbacher represented PMAM and the housing industry for the initial meeting. It was suggested that the Motel/Hotel industry also be invited to participate and possibly the College housing industry. 1. Quality of Life Issues.
Issues addressed by the group:
2. Anxiety issues surrounding infestations.
3. Difficulty in control and management.
4. Public Education and Communication.
5. Residents with Special Needs.
6. Workforce training issues.
7. Toxicity of Pesticides and health risks.
8. Legal and enforcement issues.
9. Tracking of complaints.
10. Legal and Legislative concerns.
11. Cost and available resources.
The Committees formed picked some areas to target information on:
· Scientific-Basic Biology, History of problem in Michigan, Resistance to treatments and pesticides.
· Treatment Guidelines/ Safe Pesticides Use-research Cornell paper on homeless shelter infestations, Fact sheet and MDA Brochure, Inspect-Identify-IPM-Control Practices-Monitoring., Chemical vs. Non Chemical, Registered Pesticide List, Immediate Solutions.
· Laws and Regulations-Matrix of Relevant laws, Definition from regulatory standpoint, Case Law and financial responsibility, Advocacy, Local health department jurisdictional issues.
· Education/Training and Communication.-Licensed pest management company link, local jurisdiction contact list, training powerpoint, stigma and psychology.
It was agreed that the four groups would try to assemble a basic body of knowledge by and the subgroups would meet by phone or in person before the next work group meeting. The end product may be a binder with information about what is working in Michigan to combat bed bugs and numerous references of places to get further information and resources.
The following links and forms are provided as a resource as a result of the efforts of the caolition mentioned above.
Please Note Terms and Conditions of Use: The intent for the data on this website is for informational purposes for PMAM and Affiliate members only, and does not constitute professional advice or even purport to amount to opinion. Since every legal issue is different, suitable legal counsel should be consulted to advise on and resolve specific matters. The documents on this website are made available as guides only and you use them at your risk. This means that you accept that PMAM or any of its’ affiliations will not be liable in any respect concerning wording of the documents, or their interpretation, or any disputes which may arise from their use. Forms
Bed Bug Infestation Manager Response
Bed Bug Treatment Plan Phase 2
Bed Bug Free Certification for Move In
Bed Bug Treatment Agreement Sample
Bed Bug Treatment Agreement Sample 2
Links and Additional Resources
Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Bed Bug Resources
What Other Advocacy Groups are Saying About Michigan's Bed Bug Work Group
Michigan Bed Bug Workgroup Updates
