Edward Cullen may have nibbled his way into the hearts of millions of teen girls and women alike, but bloodsucking bed bugs are still a plight in most cities each day and night. They creep and they crawl, making no noise at all, slipping in and out while you sleep.
It’s no secret that New York City was the first area in the United States to report serious issues with bed bug infestations. Industry experts attribute the rise in New York City bed bug infestations to the increase and ease of international travel, the lack of pesticides available to pest management professionals, and the lack of awareness about the creepy bugs that attack in the night.
Until recently, the New York City bed bug infestation phenomenon has shown no signs of slowing since the bloodsuckers resurfaced years ago within the city. Resent research has shown that bed bugs have developed a resistance to many of the insecticides that are available for use, that they have developed a thicker exoskeleton to protect them from all insecticides, and they have also been able to alter their genetic make-up.
Due to their resurgence, pest control experts, hotels, as well as city officials have worked hard to find ways try to eradicate the bloodsuckers. Many hotels remain dedicated to trying to remain bed bug free by utilizing traps, monitors, thermal heat treatment, regular bed bug pest control services, and mattress encasements. The NYC Health Department developed the NYC Bed Bug Portal which helps residents learn about preventing, identifying, and treating bed bug infestations. Tenants with bed bugs have the option of calling the “311 Hotline” and reporting their bed bug problems.
Bed bug infestations have proven to be the most difficult pest for all pest control professionals to eradicate throughout the United States. Taking the time to become educated about how to avoid infestations, knowing how to recognize the signs of an infestation, and knowing when it is time to call in a professional to treat an infestation is the key to combating bloodsucking bed bugs.