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New Survey Shows Americans Taking Action Against Bed Bugs
National Pest Management Association Urges Continued Vigilance During Bed Bug Awareness Week
FAIRFAX Va. – A majority of Americans have begun taking
precautions against the spread of bed bugs, according to the 2014 Bed Bug
Awareness Week survey conducted online in the U.S. by Harris Poll
on behalf of the National
Pest Management Association (NPMA) in March 2014 among over
2,000 U.S. adults ages 18+. The survey, which found nearly three in
five (59%) Americans take some kind of precaution against bed bugs,
is being released in conjunction with Bed Bug Awareness Week (April
20-26), a national observance to help spread awareness about bed
bugs and what people can do to curb infestations.
Bed bugs are known for their hitchhiking capabilities and are
easily transported, making them an elusive pest and formidable
opponent. In fact, bed bugs are considered one of the most
difficult pests to control by professionals, due in part to their
quick breeding capabilities and tendency to hide in small, dark
crevices, often unseen by the human eye, such as behind headboards
and baseboards, as well as inside electrical outlets and box
springs. Depending on the scope of an infestation, it can take
several treatments to fully eradicate the bugs.
Industry experts agree that public awareness is key in quelling
infestations. “Education and vigilance are the first steps to help
stop the spread of bed bugs, and we’re pleased and encouraged to
hear that so many Americans are becoming more aware of their
surroundings and taking measures to protect against this
troublesome pest,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public
affairs for NPMA. “We hope the public will use Bed Bug Awareness
Week as an opportunity to brush up on prevention
techniques—especially as we head into the busy summer travel
season.”
Below are highlights from the survey:
- 59 percent of all U.S. adults take some kind of precaution against bed bug infestations.
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- 34 percent inspect sheets, mattress pads and mattresses for signs of bed bugs upon checking into a hotel
- 33 percent wash all clothes in hot water after returning home from a vacation
- 29 percent avoid visiting homes or locations that have had a bed bug infestation
- 28 percent remain vigilant of where they place their belongings when in public places
- 12 percent vacuum suitcases after returning home from vacation
- 8 percent keep their suitcases in a plastic trash bag or protective cover for the duration of their hotel stays
- If they suspected a bed bug infestation in their home, 95 percent of U.S. adults would do something to alleviate the problem.
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- 69 percent would wash their sheets and bedding in hot water
- 64 percent would clean and vacuum their bedrooms
- 62 percent would contact a pest professional/exterminator
- 40 percent would buy an over-the-counter bed bug removal product
- 30 percent would throw away their mattress and purchase a new one
More information, including bed bug biology, prevention tips and best practices can be found on AllThingsBedBugs.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. For more information, visit PestWorld.org.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of the National Pest Management Association from March 11-13, 2014 among 2,037 adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.