Ambler-base Allergy Technologies and the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) have launched a preventive program to keep bed bugs out of public housing developments. The program involves a $15 million, five-year contract for Allery Technologies to implement its, Allergy Technologies Affordable Housing Control and Prevention Program for Bed Bugs or ATAHC, in 6,000 residential units throughout Philadelphia.
According to the announcement, the ATAHC program, “has proven to cut bed bug incidents by over 99 percent in affordable housing communities over two years with a goal of achieving zero bed bug infestations.”
“Our residents deserve homes free of this insidious pest,” said PHA President and CEO Kelvin A. Jeremiah. “The ATAHC Program was chosen for its proven effectiveness and sustainability attained through a preventive and collaborative approach. It’s not simply a reactive strategy aimed at killing bed bugs when reported, but rather a program that unifies residents, staff, and pest control professionals in partnership to deliver a prevention-based solution to this complex problem.”
“Philadelphia has constantly been placed near the top of Orkin’s Top 50 Bed Bug Cities list, which we find unacceptable,” said Joseph Latino, president of Allergy Technologies. “PHA’s decision to implement ATAHC improves the Quality of Life of residents and staff first and foremost.”
The five-year contract comes on the heels of a first-of-its-kind pilot program launched in 2020 in Philadelphia that resulted in over 99% of residential units having no bed bug reintroductions and a 40% reduction in bed bug-related expenses.
“The residents of affordable housing are now primed to have their lives changed. ATAHC provides a solution to a huge unmet need in an environment that desperately needs effective bed bug prevention,” said Gus Carey, founder and managing director for Allergy Technologies.
“Our expectation is this novel strategic program, which has saved money while significantly improving Quality of Life for the residents and staff, will be replicated in affordable housing communities and other multi-occupant dwelling environs throughout the U.S.,” he concluded.
“Early detection and intervention are core tenets of the ATAHC Program,” concluded Joseph Latino, president of Allergy Technologies, “but the unique key component of the program’s success comes from having our ATAHC team work collaboratively with residents, property management and professional pest control providers.”