Congressional Bed Bug Forum Brings Together Experts to Address National Scourge

NPMA Staff

Today, Members of Congress, representatives from federal agencies, academic bed bug experts, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), other industries and victims of bed bug infestations will gather at the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. to participate in the "Don't Let Bed Bugs Bite" Congressional Forum organized by Representative G.K. Butterfield (D-NC). The event will be held from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.

NPMA will offer insights from the professional pest control industry about the extent of the bed bug problem, what the industry is doing to combat it and what the federal government can do to assist Americans whose lives are impacted by this pest.  The pest control industry is in a unique position to offer its expertise as its members are seeing the extent of the bed bug problem first-hand.

The Forum's panelists will discuss the medical, emotional and financial impact of bed bugs, treatment methods and the federal actions needed to deal with this nationwide pandemic.

"As an organization, whose members are on the front lines of this problem, NPMA is pleased to be part of today's event and to work together with our public and private sector partners to help find solutions to this growing problem," said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA.

"Bed bugs are no longer a pest of the past or characters in a nursery rhyme, rather they are a real and serious problem. They have invaded not only residences, but public places as well. While our industry is committed to effectively eliminating the bed bug problem, federal intervention is also necessary. This Forum is a crucial first step," added Henriksen.

A 2010 survey conducted by NPMA and the University of Kentucky found that 95 percent of professional pest control companies in the United States have encountered bed bug infestations in the past year and 76 percent of pest professionals said that bed bugs are THE most difficult pest to treat.

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.

####