On March 12, 2014 we hosted a successful <i>Bed Bug Preparedness 101: Bed Bug Plan Development for Condominium Associations and Cooperatives.</i> During the half-day event, Midwest Pesticide Action Center staff led association and cooperative board members through a detailed, sample bed bug preparedness plan that included best management practices for education, monitoring, inspecting, and treating units, while recognizing the unique governing challenges these buildings have. Attendees left with a plan that will allow them to be prepared for bed bug sightings and infestations in their buildings.

The Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance states that all condominium associations and cooperatives must have a bed bug pest management plan in place by <b>March 24th, 2014</b>. This plan must include detection, inspection and treatment strategies, as well as proper record-keeping procedures for pest control activities.

Attendees from both sessions that day manage over 9,000 units, making this one of the more impactful single events Midwest Pesticide Action Center holds. This was a great opportunity to discuss the relationship between pest control practices and the health of people and the environments we live in.

Our sample plan goes above and beyond the minimum that is required under the ordinance. In order to minimize using pesticides, MPAC and pest professionals advocate for frequent monitoring and inspection. Our plan helps to give people the tools they need to make good pest control decisions to get the best results with the lowest negative impacts.

For more information on bed bug control, Chicago’s ordinance, and how to hire a responsible, experienced pest control operator, visit our resources page <a class="more" title="All Resources" href="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/" target="_blank">here</a>.

<strong>Our next event is scheduled for May 9th and is designed for both multi-unit building managers and condominium associations. Sign up <a class="more" title="Events" href="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/">here</a>.</strong>