BugScents™ Sentry Pro: Revolutionising Bed Bug Detection
A Case Study with Michael Marbe with Pest Control News
In an insightful interview with Michael Marbe, Commercial Pest Team Manager for London Network for Pest Solutions Ltd, we explored the groundbreaking impact of BugScents™ Sentry Pro. After trialling the pheromone-based bed bug detector, Marbe shared how it significantly improved their pest control efforts, catching bed bugs in locations where traditional methods failed.
Marbe first heard about BugScents™ Sentry Pro through direct contact with Adam Obee, Business Development Director for Arctech, and was impressed by the product’s unique technology. “It’s the first detection system that uses pheromones as an attractant, which really stood out to us. The claims that it could catch bed bug nymphs were also promising, and the science behind it was thoroughly explained to us.”
The company had previously used various methods for monitoring, including cardboard corrugated traps and standard sticky monitors. However, when trialling BugScents™ Sentry Pro, the team found it far superior. Within 48 hours of installation, the device captured bed bugs that were may have been missed by visual inspections and other monitors. In a trial within a sheltered accommodation block, Sentry Pro detected three live bed bugs after other methods had failed to find any. “Without the Sentry Pro, we would have given that area a clear visit, but the device revealed there was still activity.”
Although the Sentry Pro units take slightly longer to set up compared to traditional monitors, Marbe emphasised the benefits: “The extra time spent installing them is definitely worth it. We catch more bugs and save time on clearing areas that would otherwise need further investigation. It’s efficient and reliable."
Marbe highlighted that the device’s cost could be a consideration, but its accuracy and reliability made it an invaluable tool. Over a 90-day period, BugScents™ provided peace of mind by confirming no further bed bug activity in problem areas. “The value of this device is in the confidence it gives both to our team and to the residents we serve. It has allowed us to confidently declare properties bed bug-free after persistent issues.”
In terms of comparative performance, BugScents™ Sentry Pro surpassed other monitors, often catching three to four times as many bed bugs as their counterparts during side-by-side trials. “We tested it alongside the standard sticky monitors and, on average, the Sentry Pro consistently outperformed them. In some cases, we were only catching on the BugScents™ units, which clearly demonstrates its effectiveness.”
The device has also proved invaluable for post-treatment monitoring. “It’s allowed us to monitor specific areas and rule out potential problem spots, and it’s helped in effectively monitoring communal areas as well. This has been crucial in preventing reinfestations.”
In closing, Marbe praised the potential of BugScents™ Sentry Pro to transform the pest control industry: “Without overstating it, I truly believe this has the potential to revolutionise bed bug monitoring. It’s far more effective than anything we’ve tried before. If adopted more widely, it could change the way we approach bed bug management.”
The case study showcases how BugScents™ Sentry Pro has become a pivotal tool for London Network for Pest Solutions Ltd, offering an effective, science-based solution for tackling bed bug infestations. For pest control professionals across the UK, it represents a significant advancement in bed bug detection technology.