Super Eco

Photo credit: cuttlefish

We are in the midst of the largest, most widespread, bed bug outbreak since WWII. This outbreak caused the EPA to hold a  National Bed Bug Summit on April 14 and 15 in Arlington, Virgina this year.

Bed bugs are small wingless parasitic insects which inhabit the nests/homes of their hosts. Bed bugs seek out people and animals, mostly at night while they are sleeping, to painlessly drain a few drops of blood for sustenance. Prolonged exposure to bed bugs can result in allergy induced lesions and possible site infections.

These opportunistic little stowaways travel via used furniture--particularly bed frames and mattresses--luggage, furniture, clothing, pillows, boxes, and other such objects that are moved between apartments, homes and hotels. Schools and Universities are particularly at risk for bed bug infestations. Here is a short but very disturbing National Geographic video about Bed bugs. The shame and emotional stigma surrounding Bed Bug infestations should not keep you from getting the help you need. Wealth and privilege are no barrier to the current Bed Bug epidemic, according to an article in the New York Times, "Some of the best hotels in New York have them."

Since Bed bugs are seriously on the rise, it is so important to be vigilant and keep them out of your home.

Here is a list of some helpful resources:

1. A handy-dandy online Bed Bug Registry.
2. Here is a link to Rand McNally's Tips: How to avoid Bed Bugs When You Travel.
3. Bed Bug sniffing Dogs are being used by many companies and organizations to help sniff out and control Bed bugs. The National Entomology Scent Detection Canines Association NESDCA was formed by a group of Pest Control Professionals to ensure the highest standards for Canine scent detection are upheld. NESDCA offers a list of certified service providers.
   
4. The Harvard School Of Public Health offers guidelines about identification and testing and treatment for Bed Bugs.
5. Green lodging News offers advice to Hoteliers about green options for bed bug eradication. Methodologies such as freezing, thermal exposure, enzymatic treatment and food source isolation have been shown to be effective.
6. Your local Agricultural Extension Center can be very helpful with bug identification and information. Here is a USDA Cooperative Extension Center finder, to help locate the nearest center to you. 
7. When it comes to Bed Bugs, prevention is the best and greenest measure.

"Good night, sleep tight and don't let the Bed Bugs bite!"