National Pest Management
Association offers insights into public perceptions about bed
bugs
One out of five Americans has had a bed bug infestation in
their home or knows someone who has encountered bed bugs at home or
in a hotel according to a new survey released by the National Pest Management
Association (NPMA).
"Most Americans recognize that bed bugs are back in a big
way. Our survey shows that people are taking the bed bug
resurgence seriously and are modifying their daily routines to
avoid infestations," said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public
affairs for NPMA. "Although it appears bed bugs are here to stay,
it is important that the government and pest management industry
work together to provide accurate information to educate the
public. The public, in turn, needs to practice vigilance to help in
minimizing infestations and act immediately if they themselves have
an infestation."
The "Bed Bugs in America" survey offers a look at how the bed
bug resurgence is impacting the lives of Americans. Here are key
survey highlights:
1. Americans who have encountered bed bugs tend
to be younger, live in urban areas and rent their homes. The
incidence of bed bugs is three times higher in urban areas than in
rural areas due to factors such as larger population size,
apartment living and increased mobility, which are conducive to the
rapid spread and breeding of bed bugs.
2. Bed bugs are found in all 50 states.
Specifically, the pests were encountered by 17 percent of
respondents in the Northeast; 20 percent in the Midwest; 20 percent
in the South; and 19 percent in the West.
3. Most Americans are concerned about bed bugs and
believe that infestations in the United States are
increasing. Nearly 80 percent are most concerned about
encountering bed bugs at hotels; 52 percent on public
transportation; 49 percent in movie theaters; 44 percent in retail
stores; 40 percent in medical facilities; 36 percent in their own
homes; and 32 percent equally pointed to places of employment and
friends' homes. The fear of getting bitten topped the list of
concerns.
4. As the public's awareness of the bed bug
resurgence grows, many Americans are modifying their behaviors to
minimize their risk of an infestation: 27 percent have
inspected or washed clothing upon returning from a trip; 25 percent
have checked a hotel room for bed bugs; 17 percent have inspected
or vacuumed a suitcase upon returning from a trip and 12 percent
have altered or canceled travel plans because of concern about bed
bugs.
- 16 percent inspected second-hand furniture they have brought
into their homes; 15 percent have checked dressing rooms when
trying on clothing and 29 percent have washed new clothing
immediately upon bringing it home from a store.
- Of the 13 percent of respondents who said they knew someone who
had a bed bug infestation in their home, 40 percent said they
avoided entering the infested home and 33 percent discouraged those
who had the infestation from entering their own home.
5. Despite the availability of information,
most Americans still have misconceptions about bed bugs.
Nearly half of respondents incorrectly believe that bed bugs
transmit disease. However, research conducted to date has
shown that bed bugs do not transmit disease to their human victims,
although some people may experience itchy, red welts; 29 percent
inaccurately believe bed bugs are more common among lower income
households, and 37 percent believe bed bugs are attracted to dirty
homes. Bed bugs do not discriminate in regard to household
income and are found in both sanitary and unsanitary
conditions.
For more information about bed bugs, visit NPMA' s
Bed Bug Hub. To learn more about household pests or to find a
pest professional in your area, visit PestWorld.org.
The NPMA, a non-profit
organization with more than 7,000 members, was established in 1933
to support the pest management industry's commitment to the
protection of public health, food and property.
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