Study: Bed bugs hide in unexpected places

ALBANY — The National Pest Management Association’s new 2018 “Bugs Without Borders” study said that 84 percent of pest control professionals were initially contacted about a different type of pest before identifying them as bed bugs, with 71 percent being initially contacted about fleas and 28 percent contacted about cockroaches.

The study said there is a myth that bed bugs are strictly found in beds, but that is not the case. Bed bugs can be found almost anywhere. Some of the most unusual places bed bugs can be found are stuffed animals, wheelchairs, airplanes, school buses and bedside lamps.

Studies have shown that almost 97 percent of pest control professionals have treated bed bugs in the past year. A majority of the pest control professionals say that overall, bed bug service work and the prevalence of these pests are increasing. Summertime is a hotbed for bed bug activity due to increased travel spreading bed bugs from vacation destinations, homes, dorms and other places.

Single family homes, apartments/condominiums and hotels/motels are the most likely locations for pest professionals to encounter bed bugs, however, nursing homes, schools, hospitals and public transportation can house bed bugs. Bed bugs can be found in couches and bed frames, but they can also be found in unexpected places including stuffed animals, wheelchairs and even bedside lamps, the study said.

An indicator of infestation is bites which account for 92 percent of reported infestations. Some people immediately develop a skin reaction to bites, others may take two to three days before showing obvious symptoms or any symptoms at all, meaning that people could be unaware of a bed bug problem until a full-blown infestation has taken root.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said that the ways to prevent bed bug infestation include:

— Checking secondhand furniture, beds and couches before bringing them home;

— Using protective covering on mattresses and box springs;

— Reducing clutter in the home;

— Vacuuming frequently;

— Transporting clothing in a plastic bag when using shared laundry facilities;

— In multi-family homes, isolate units by installing door sweeps and sealing cracks and crevices;

— Consider purchasing a portable heating chamber to treat any items believed to have bed bugs.

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