Like New York City, for some reason the state of Ohio has a huge problem with bed bug infestations. The problem is so bad that in 2010 Ohio’s Governor, Ted Strickland, petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency for emergency help with fighting the blood suckers. Out of complete desperation he asked that the EPA grant the state permission to use the pesticide Propoxur for indoor use to treat the bed bugs that are plaguing the citizen throughout the state. After some consideration, the Environmental Protection Agency denied the request for indoor use because they believe that the chemical could have adverse effects on children.
In an interesting turn of events, the Environmental Protection Agency will be allowing the use of Propoxur in the state’s senior-citizen residential centers…with limitations imposed. One limitation is that only one treatment can be made using the pesticide. Governor Strickland, who will be leaving office soon, would like Propoxur available for usage in houses, apartments, hotels and motels as well. According to the Columbus dispatch, Governor Strickland said the EPA’s proposal would “inadequately treat one small extension of the problem rather than the root.”
I must admit that treating just one type of facility, just one time, does seem like putting a bandage on a bad wound, but at least it’s something. Perhaps the EPA will see how well Propoxur works and they will then allow more pest control experts throughout the US an opportunity to use it on bed bug infestations that continue to spread.
