Shannon Morris

Com. 202

News Story

Bed Bug Resurgence Could Become an Epidemic

Bed bugs have resurged in unprecedented numbers, according to Michael Potter,

Professor of Entomology at Kentucky State University. The common bed bug (Cimex

Lectularius) are blood sucking pests that feed off of hosts in each of the five stages of their life

cycles. Bed bugs are being found in higher populations in houses, schools, health care facilities,

hotels, dorms, camps and public transportation portals. Potter has referred to bed bugs as the

perfect parasite because They bite you while you are sleeping, in the darkness. and then

scurry away. (September, 2010).

Bed bug bites cause a three pattern bite, which can cause itching and discomfort at the

site of the bite. Some people have no reaction to the bites. says Potter (September, 2010).

Problems arising from bed bug bites occur from scratching the bites, which can lead to secondary

infections. Other issues include dust-containing bed bug skeletons which can contribute to

asthma, the psychological stress of living with an infestation, and in extreme cases, the bite can

cause anaphylaxis allergic reactions. Bed bugs can survive for weeks or months without

feedings. Females lay 1 or two 2 eggs every day. Populations of bed bugs can increase rapidly
increase from 4 to over 200 bugs. A massive infestation of bed bugs could result in serious

economic and environmental hazards.

--More--

According to an article written in Medical and Veterinary Entomology, titled The re-

emergence of the bed bug as a nuisance pest: implications of resistance to the pyrethroid

insecticides (September 2012) by Davies, Field, and Williamson, the re-emergence of the

common bed bug began to resurface in the late 1990's in the U.S., Europe and Australia. As

research has continued to emerge, these patterns lead experts to believe that this is a global

pattern in bed bug infestation rises. Several contributing factors have led to the re-resurgence;

International travel, discontinued use of pesticides such as DDT, that are no longer available due

to tighter safety restrictions, and a mounting resistance by the bed bugs to the pyrethoid

pesticides that are currently used.

In an interview on NPR radio, Professor Potter lists some things individuals can do to

detect bed bug infestation along with methods for prevention and treatment. Whether at home or

away, the first line of defense for detection is checking cracks and crevices on the sides and

bottoms of mattresses and box springs, especially the headboard side of the mattress. If bed bugs

are detected, professional pest control specialists can be hired to come in and exterminate.

Individuals can be diligent about cleaning linens, drying items in the dryer that cannot be

washed, and dusting along with vacuuming regularly. In hotels keep luggage on tables or luggage

racks instead of on the floor or bed. If bed bugs are detected, you can call the front desk and

request a new room as infestation in one room does not suggest the entire hotel is infested.
 --More--

New advancements are addressing the influx of the bed bug population. Scientists are

researching new chemicals to contain the bed bug population. New regulations are also being

introduced, New York State has passed a law that apartment complexes must notify new tenants

if that complex has had a pest control problem in the past year.

The old saying, Good night, sleep tight, dont let the bed bugs bite, would indicate that

bed bugs are pests that have been around for many generations. Professor Potter believes that it

is possible that we have become a people who believe that we shouldnt encounter pests and that

just may not be realistic. Acceptance that pests are a natural part of life may be part of the

equation however, the other protocol for the case for bed bugs requires detection, prevention and

extermination by professionals.
 -3-

Sources:

Davies, T.G.E., Field, L.M and Williamson, M.S.. (September, 2012). , The re-emergence of the bed

bug as a nuisance pest: implications of resistance to the pyrethroid insecticides. Medical and

Veterinary Entomology, Vol. 26: Issue 3: 241254. From Wiley Online Library.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2915.2011.01006.x/full

Walker, James A. .(April, 2007). The Re-emergence of Bed Bugs.

Amateur Entomologists' Society, Vol 66.

https://www.amentsoc.org/publications/bulletin/articles/re-emergence-of-bed-bugs.html

Good Night, Sleep Tight, Dont Let the Bed BugsSeptember 8, 2010. Fresh Air, NPR Radio, Terri

Gross. Interview subject, Michael Potter, Professor of Entomology at the University of Kentucky.

Good Night, Sleep Tight, Don't Let the Bed Bugs...