In the world of bed bugs and pest control, there are always plenty of interesting stories making the news each week. At Bed Bug Guide, we like to keep ourselves well informed about the latest developments. This is the seventh in our series of regular news roundups, in which we summarize the top headlines that grabbed our attention over the past month.
1. Bed Bug Infestations Increase in British and Irish Homes
Bed bugs in Britain and Ireland have become so resistant to pesticides that entire towns have given up trying to kill them, and are instead learning to live with the insects. Colm Moore, technical manager of Rentokil Ireland, agrees that infestations are rising. “Our parents and grandparents were aware of bed bugs. We all know the saying, ‘night night, don’t let the bed bugs bite’. That generation knew what bed bugs looked like. Now people don’t – they think they’re dust mites or beetles, but they’re not,” said Moore. The number of cases reported to Rentokil has increased by 1300% since 1997.
- New Treatment Could Revolutionize the Fight Against Bed Bugs
Experts in Philadelphia estimate approximately 10% of local homes contain bed bugs, but warn that the parasites have developed immunity to many common poisons. Pest control specialist Dion Lerman instead recommends an effective new form of treatment using mattress encasements along with monitors placed under the bed. The monitors are small plastic discs that attract and trap the unwelcome insects using a specialized glue formula. Researchers from Pennsylvania State Universityhave also developed a fungus that kills bed bugs, but is non-toxic to humans.
- North Dakota Experts Warn of Growing Bed Bug Problem
A severe bed bug problem continues to increasein Fargo, North Dakota, according to local pest management experts. “It’s growing everywhere, it’s consistent and we haven’t seen a dip,” saidLoren Radar of Midwest Pest Control. Radar believes bed bugs are spreading at an exponential rate, and hotels are often to blame. “You pick them up and bring them back home. It’s just a cycle over and over again,” he warned. Radar also cautioned against using bed bug bombs to eradicate the pests, as they simply cause the bugs to spread further away from the poisoned area.
- Ten People Left Homeless After Woman Tries to Kill Bed Bugs With Alcohol
A devastating blaze in Cincinnati left ten people homeless and three in hospital last month, after a woman set fire to her apartment block while attempting to kill bed bugs with alcohol. Fire Department Chief Randy Freel said the fire broke out in the first-floor unit after the alcohol was ignited by a candle or burning incense. One of the displaced residents, Kamaron Lyshe, shared the evacuation online via a Facebook Live video. The footage shows flames billowing from the roof of the apartment block. Freel advised homeowners to always contact pest professionals, instead of trying to use alcohol to eradicate the insects.
- Bed Bugs Discovered in New York City School
Bed bugs were found last month at John Adams High School in Queens, NYC, according to the City Department of Education. The school remained open, with fumigation scheduled for the winter break. Parents were advised that any bags, binders or books brought home by students could harbor the blood-sucking parasites. Students told reporters that they had heard rumors about the insects a whole week before letters were sent home. One parent said she was upset that the information was not released sooner.
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