Good Night, Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite

Here’s a reason why you might want to think twice before picking up free furniture you occasionally see sitting curbside: Bed Bugs.

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reports a steady increase in the number of reported bed bug infestations, while local pest management professionals are finding residential infestations are becoming more common.

According to Terminix Company of North Carolina President Jim Haugh, the bed bug infestation is here to stay. “We’re only going to see more and more cases of bed bugs in the future, especially in people’s homes,” says Haugh.

Haugh indicates:
* Most people do not realize they have bed bugs until after waking up with red, itchy welts, and by that time it’s too late to prevent infestation. When bedbugs bite human skin they inject an anesthetic-like liquid that numbs the skin and allows the pest to bite undisturbed.
* Some Hampton Roads residents, have had to toss out thousands of dollars worth of furniture, clothes and luggage because of bed bug infestations. Unlike mice and roaches, there is nothing sold in the grocery store that can eliminate bed bugs.
* Once the bugs make it into the home, eliminating the pest is a taxing process as the nocturnal creatures can hide in cracks and crevices, carpet, peeling wallpaper, and light fixtures, making detection and removal difficult.
* The infestations have been most common in hotels, hospitals, and college dorm rooms where large congregations of people are found, allowing the pests to migrate from person to person. Recently however, the hitchhiking pest has started moving into suburban homes and neighborhoods.
* Haugh indicates that there are several measures people can take to help prevent infestations. “Make sure your new or existing mattress and box springs are wrapped in plastic,” says Haugh. “You should also pay attention to your surroundings when you travel, check the mattresses and sheets, and behind the headboard of the bed in your hotel room. Just to be safe, it’s also not a bad idea to have all of your clothing dry cleaned upon arrival from vacation, business travel, or college.”

What pesky critters creep you out the most?