According to a new study from the Journal of the American
Medical Association, bed bugs do not transmit disease to their
victims, but infestations continue to increase worldwide. The
National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has reported a 71%
increase in bed bug infestations in the states since 2001 and urges
public awareness in helping to curtail a further rise in
prevalence.
The study also found that typically 50% of people exposed to bed
bugs experience an allergic reaction. "Bed bugs remain unnerving
because they inject an anesthetic-like liquid that numbs the skin
as they bite, leaving their victims undisturbed," said Greg
Baumann, senior scientist for NPMA. "Unless you experience an
allergic reaction, you many not even know you've come into contact
with bed bugs-that is until an infestation appears in your own
home, business or property."
Independently, yet on the heels, of this new JAMA study, the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host a National Bed Bug
Summit on April 14-15, 2009. Held in Arlington, VA, this
meeting is open to the public and seeks to address the diverse
communities in which bed bugs have become a significant problem,
notably housing and hospitality. This meeting will also
feature in-depth, expert discussions of strategies regarding
prevention, control and management of bed bugs.
"Bed bugs have become a significant issue nationwide," said Bob
Rosenberg, senior vice president for the NPMA. "We fully
support the EPA in its effort to further public awareness of these
resurgent pests and further, we hope that this summit marks the
beginning of an open and ongoing public conversation about bed bugs
and how to best prevent and treat these pests."
Bed bugs can travel easily- from beds to sofa cushions, from
room to room and even home via suitcases from travel. Once an
infestation develops - whether in a home, a hotel or even a movie
theater - bed bugs are extremely difficult to remove and require
the experience of a pest professional to eliminate an
infestation.
The NPMA, a non-profit
organization with more than 5,000 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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