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Bedbugs in the City

Guest post by: Jennifer Loftus

Article Overview: hroughout 2010, many places of business throughout the United States reported bedbug infestations. In this issue of Astronology, we explore the sudden manifestation of these insects, and what you can do to prevent an infestation in your office and home.

Bedbugs in the City

Throughout 2010, many places of business throughout the United States reported bedbug infestations. In August 2010 Terminix, a pest control company, listed the top 15 cities for bedbug infestations. The top five include New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, Cincinnati, and Chicago. Considering that these cities are often traveled to for business and leisure, this listing is a major concern for the traveler and his / her family. In this issue ofAstronology, we explore the sudden manifestation of these insects, and what you can do to prevent an infestation in your office and home.

Bedbugs – What Are They?

The small, oval, nocturnal insect called the bedbug belongs to the insect familyCimicidae.They are thin and flat, which allows them to hide in places such as baseboards, carpets, loose wallpaper, bed mattresses, and dresser drawers. According to Orkin,a pest control company, “Bedbugs have a great worldwide distribution due to human travelers who transport luggage, clothing, bedding and furniture.” Reproduction of the bedbug happensvery quickly. A female bedbug can lay up to 50 eggs, which will hatch in 1-2 weeks. An adult bedbug can live for 10 months, or substantially longer.

Bedbugs feast on blood from warm-blooded animals. The insect finds victims by searching for carbon dioxide emitted from humans and animals. The actual bite from a bedbug does not hurt. However, the bite causes itching, red welts, or swelling in some individuals. These markings can appear the day after being bitten, or several days later for some individuals. Many people do not show any reaction to bedbug bites. Although bedbugs can carry diseases, such diseases do not transmit to humans.Orkinstates “The greatest risk posed by bedbugs is the irritation of bites.”

Travel Safety Tips

High traffic places such as hotels, airplanes, buses, and even concert venues are susceptible to infestations. In order to lower the risk of bringing these pests to your home, Terminixsuggests the following:

• Check headboards, mattresses, and box springs for bedbugs and the dark blood spots they leave behind.
• Hang all clothing. Leave nothing lying on the bed or on furniture.
• Avoid storing clothing in the hotel’s furniture drawers.
• Store baggage on a luggage rack as far from the bed as possible.
• Vacuum suitcases when returning, and immediately wash clothing in hot water.

Home Safety Tips

Terminix’s records show that bedbug infestations in office buildings and retail shops are on the rise. Homeowners are suggested to use the following tips for protection against bedbug infestation:

• Inspect furniture, antiques, used appliances, or consignment items for signs of bedbugs before bringing them into the home.
• Never pick up a used mattress or furniture left curbside.
• Inspect clothing for bedbugs and wash in hot water new items after bringing them into the house.
• Use zippered encasements on infested mattresses and box springs.
• If you have bedbugs, have your home inspected by a trained professional. Bedbugs cannot be controlled by over-the-counter treatments.

With all the bedbug hysteria across the United States, the first best step is to be informed. Find out more information, especially if there is suspicion of a possible infestation. The sooner you can identify and put into action preventative steps, the better!

Want to learn more about bedbugs? For ourAstronologyreaders in the New York City tri-state area, HR/NY will be hosting a 90 minute program called “Work Right – Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite!” The morning will feature Phil Rosen of Jackson Lewis and Peter DiEduardo of Bell Environmental Services. Mr. Rosen will explore yourliabilityas an employer for potential harm from bedbugs to your employees and customers. Mr. DiEduardo will explain how you cancontrolthe pests without creating an additionalsafety hazard. Both presenters will explore how to address thefear and finger pointingissues that can arise after a bedbug spotting. Avoid the damaged employee morale and lowered customer trust that come with having a workplace with bedbugs. To learn more about the session and to register, visitHr/NY'swebsite. “Work Right – Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite!” has been approved for 1.5 Strategic recertification credits through HRCI.

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Article Tags: 10 months, astronology, bedbug infestations, bedbugs, carbon dioxide, carpets, cimicidae, dresser drawers, font weight, human travelers, initial outline, insect family, mattresses, nocturnal insect, outline color, outline width, pest control company, red welts, warm blooded animals, worldwide distribution



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