Ugh....Bed Bugs!
By: Scott
J. Richardson
Just the thought of bed bugs causes people to recoil and twitch.
While nothing new, bed bug infestation in our homes, hotels,
dormitories and even offices has reached a new high. Bed bugs
(Cimex Lectularius) are parasitic insects that are small flat and
reddish-brown. They feed on the blood of people and animals while
they sleep. And, warning here comes an ugh - they can live several
months without a blood meal!
While the Centers for Disease Control do not consider bed bugs a
medical or public health hazard for the majority of Americans,
having them in their homes is unacceptable. The CDC does
acknowledge that excessive scratching can sometimes lead to
secondary skin infections. Some people have an allergic reaction to
the bites and require medical attention.
A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
found some Americans have suffered ill effects from the poisons
used to control bed bugs. Many of the cases studied were
do-it-yourself owners or tenants who misused the chemicals or
applied the wrong product. The government has urged consumers to
call professionals in dealing with bed bugs. The illnesses reported
may also have been coincidental to the exposure according the
government. While this report tells us little conclusively, it
should serve as a warning that self treatments or DYI for bed bugs
can come with significant risks. Professional pest
management companies are trained in the use of heat, chemical
and other modalities to treat bed bugs.
So what do you do if you find yourself in the unfortunate
circumstances of finding bed bugs in your home? First and foremost,
call a pest management company with bed bug
experience. They will do an investigation of your home and
some companies even utilize specially trained dogs to "sniff out"
bed bugs. They will review various treatment alternatives with
you.
Sometimes the infestation is so bad that bedding, mattresses and
furniture need be destroyed. In that instance, it is unlikely that
the homeowner will find help from their homeowners policy as damage
from insect infestation is generally excluded from
coverage.
One of the most frequently asked questions is: "How did we get
bed bugs? We have a very clean home." In short they hitch
hike in luggage, clothing, purses, cars and other places. If you
are staying in a hotel, as a careful consumer, you should inspect
the bed in your room before retiring for the night. Bed bugs like
to live in cracks and other dark, tight places. Inspect your
bed for:
- Dark or rusty spots of bed bug excrement on
mattresses, and walls
- Bed bug fecal spots, egg shells, or shed skins on
mattresses.
- An offensive, musty odor from the bugs' scent glands
As hotels have been spotlighted recently as a transport source
for bed bugs, we have a few suggestions:
- Keep you luggage off the floor, the bed or along the walls. I
have taken to placing luggage in the bathtub to protect
it.
- Inspect the bed and bedding
- Hang clothing in the closet farthest from the bed
Place luggage on the folding rack found in most hotels
- Unpack in the garage and immediately wash all clothing
Cringe inducing bed bugs are with us. Take precautions when you
travel. If you see signs of infestation or experience any
bites contact a professional pest management company with
experience in bed bug infestation removal.
About the author: Scott
J. Richardson is a shareholder in the Phoenix law firm of Jaburg Wilk. Scott assists
clients with administrative
law, pest
control law and insurance
coverage issues. He frequently speaks and writes on
administrative law topics and is the author of Office of Pest
Management Qualifying Party and Supervisor Manual.
This article is not intended to provide legal advice.
This article only covers United States Law. Always consult an
attorney for legal advice for your particular situation.
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