Swot Analysis Of Integrated Pest Control Measures Used In Bed Bug Control In Colombia And Spain

This study aimed to assess the records and experience of Integrated Pest Control and Management
Companies in Colombia and Spain to contribute to the epidemiological knowledge of bed bug infestations in both countries. To accomplish this objective, a confidential 27-question questionnaire, designed using Google forms®, was sent by different means: directly or through national associations (Vector and Pest Management and ACOPI in Colombia, and ANECPLA in Spain) and, in Colombia, a surveying company was used. The returned surveys were assessed using a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) approach. More than 900 surveys were sent (from June 2021 to November 2021). Only 31 were returned: 17 from Colombia and 14 from Spain. Several similarities and differences were found; from the years of experience to the proportion of companies that had to intervene with bed bug infestations. Infestations requiring intervention occurred in urban, rural, and peri-urban areas and affected all social strata. In Spain, the number of companies that carried out several monitoring visits and gave information to the client about the know-how was higher, and the use of dogs and diatomaceous earth was only reported in this country. Infested places were differentially reported in both countries. In both countries the presence of inefficient insecticides was reported, although it appeared to be more severe in Spain. This study informs about the differences and similarities between the bed bug situation in Colombia and Spain, and thus reinforces the
importance of the pest control companies and the creation of adequate protocols in their combat against the global resurgence of bed bugs.