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 twelfth in our series of regular news roundups, in which we summarize the top headlines that grabbed our attention over the past month.
Horrified Arizona mother discovers bed bugs in her daughter’s hospital ward
After a near-fatal asthma attack this month, Erin Ortega’s daughter was recovering in the ICU ward at Banner Desert Hospital, Mesa, Arizona. However the horrified mother was forced to notify hospital workers after discovering bed bugs on the sheets the hospital provided. The family was moved to an alternate room, where Ms. Ortega found two more of the insects. She then discovered that the unwelcome parasites were lurking in several rooms of the hospital. “Sure enough, there was another bed bug on the floor behind the recliner, as well as a dead one that was stuck to the chair,” Ortega told reporters. Ortega said she was unable to spend nights with her daughter for fear of bringing the bed bugs home. The hospital issued a statement saying it would take immediate action to remedy the situation.
- Pest controllers expect bed bug cases to rise over summer
New research from the US National Pest Management Association has found that 97% of pest controllers were hired to deal with bed bugs over the past year. More than 50% of professionals say summer is their busiest time of the year, and 84% say they encountered bed bugs after being called to deal with another type of pest problem. In many cases the client suspected a flea or cockroach infestation, when in fact the problem was bed bugs. “While bed bugs remain a pervasive issue and the public is concerned, general awareness and knowledge about these pests is alarmingly low,” said NPMA vice president Cindy Mannes. “Our goal is to arm the public with the information they need to be proactive in preventing a bed bug encounter, whether at home or on the road.” The most common places where pest exterminators encounter the insects are family homes, condominiums and hotels.
- Israeli soldiers furious over bed bug infestation on base
IDF soldiers serving in northern Israel raised concerns over an infestation of bed bugs at the Michve Alon base this month. The newly-drafted recruits took to social media to air their complains and post photos of the insects, claiming their commanders have done little to resolve the situation. The soldiers are growing frustrated because they believe their plight is not being taken seriously. Images shared on Facebook depict large black bugs, alive and dead, as well as bed bug feces in the soldiers’ rooms. Other photos show itchy red bites over the soldiers’ bodies. An IDF spokesman said steps are being taken to rectify the situation. “Pesticides were sprayed and additional equipment was distributed to soldiers, including new mattresses, uniforms, sleeping bags and vests.”
- Disaster response facility in Texas infested with bed bugs
A government building in Fort Worth, Texas that helps citizens to deal with hurricanes and other natural disasters is coping with a crisis of its own. The expansive facility near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport was closed for two days last year after workers discovered an infestation of bed bugs, and now the unwelcome parasites have returned again this month. Facility director Roger Garland said the center is “providing an immediate and aggressive response for the safety of our employees and their families.” He stated that his department “takes seriously all concerns related to the health, safety and welfare of our employees” and that the site will be closed once again while exterminators deal with the problem.
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