Bed Bug Media Frenzy

Hear about bed bugs lately?

Of course you have.  They’re all over the news.  But is all this attention justified?  Are they really a problem?  Should folks panic?

The answer is yes, the attention is justified.  Yes, they are a problem.  And no, you should not panic.  Let’s look at the facts.

Although I agree that the media attention to this problem is justified, it should serve to educate us and not produce panic .  It’s important that we educate ourselves with the facts, because there is a lot of rumor and misinformation out there.

Bed bugs ARE on the rise.  Because international travel is so common today, bed bugs have resurged in the  U.S.  Instances of bed bugs in hotels, apartments, churches, schools and anywhere else people congregate has increased.  According to the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA) First-Ever Comprehensive Global Bed Bug Study to Determine Extent of Resurgence, only 25 % of pest control operators reported encountering a bed bug infestation in 2000.  Today, 95% of pest control operators have reported encountering a bed bug infestation.  And, they are found coast to coast and everywhere in between.

So what do we do?  I say, don’t panic, but be prudent.

We’ve had several panicky calls recently for bed bugs only to find…….no bed bugs.  These calls have turned out to be something else.  Folks are so upset by the recent bed bug media frenzy that some of them are downright paranoid.

Bed bugs are nocturnal pests that bite you in your sleep, leaving large welts on your skin.  They do not just live in beds, but may be found in electrical outlets, behind pictures frames -pretty much anywhere.  They are very hardy, can live a year without eating and can be spread through pipes, electrical outlets, vacuum cleaners, laundry and luggage. 

Here are four prudent steps to avoid bed bug panic:

1. Education, Education, Education: Folks who know me know how important I feel education is.  Your first step is to educate yourself on what bed bugs look like and how they spread. Visit the NPMA’s Bed Bug Hub, the NPMA’s central online location for bed bug information.
2. Check out the Bed Bug Registry before traveling.  This registry keeps a list of hotels, apartment buildings, etc., where bed bugs have been spotted.  Keep in mind that not all of their information is completely accurate, as anyone can post to these sites.  We actually know of local bed bug infestations which are not listed on that site. 
3. Be aware of what is around you while traveling or visiting a new place.   Carefully check your hotel room, your luggage and your clothing.
4. If you do find an infestation, DO NOT PANIC.  We’ve seen instances where folks have panicked and thrown away their possessions, which is not necessary.  Now’s the time to to get professional help.   A licensed professional pest control operator is required to eliminate a bed bug infestation.   They CAN be eliminated using chemical or heat treatments.

Find a pest control operator through your state pest control operator association.  Pest professionals are usually not allowed to join these associations unless they operate with integrity.  We also recommend you check with your state regulatory agency to make sure the pest professional of your choice does not have any complaints filed against them.  You may also go here to find a NPMA member pest control company in your area.

Educate yourself, your friends and your family.  And don’t panic, be prudent.

Here’s to staying bed bug free, Kris