Surviving the Bed Bug Apocalypse

SURVIVING THE BED BUG APOCALYPSE DO AMERICANS STAND A CHANCE IN THE FACE OF THE BLOOD-SUCKING FURY? No homeowner, landlord or tenant wants to hear the ominous verdict: “You have bed bugs". And yet, America can't seem to shake off the tiny flea-like creatures burrowing into mattresses, sucking on the nation's blood and spreading disease. More than 60 years after successfully eradicating them in the developed world, bed bugs have resurged in almost every large city in America. This infographic takes a look at how serious is the bed bug problem in America and what chance do we have to put an end to the hysteria-inducing phenomenon. THE BROWN PLAGUE According to the 2013 Bugs Without Borders Survey, conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), in partnership with the University of Kentucky, the current bed bug infestation has reached epidemic proportions, overrunning virtually every place inhabited by people. Survey 100 90 99% Of the 251 pest companies surveyed: 80 95% 70 99.6 percent reported they have encountered bed bug infestations in the past year, up from 99 percent in 2011 and 95 percent in 2010. 60 50 40 7 in 10 contractors reported an increase in 30 bed bug infestations in their area, down from 9 out of 10 in 2011 and 2010. 10 Survey 2010 I 2011 Where the Bed Bugs Roam Free: Top 10 U.S. Cities According to pest management company Terminix, the top 10 bed-bug infested cities in 2013 are: Cincinnati Los Angeles 7. Dallas 1. 6. 2. Philadelphia 3. Detroit 8. Chicago 4. New York 9. Houston 5. Columbus 10. Baltimore The top 10 U.S. cities reporting an increase in the number of bed-bug complaints in the last 12 months are: Sacramento - 54% 50 Milwaukee - 53% 3 Las Vegas – 50% 40 Columbus – 47% 30 ----. Baltimore – 46% Riverside – San Bernardino – 41% 20 St. Louis – 40% 10 Cleveland – 36% Louisville - 31% 10 Denver – 28% Seasonal or Year-Round? 49% believe infestations occur more during summer season due to increased traveling and relocating. don't see any seasonal difference in the number of bed-bug complaints, 51% considering bed bug infestation a year-round phenomenon. YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE! The Bad News: Bed bugs in houses, bed bugs in schools, bed bugs everywhere! There's a veritable infestation of the tiny creatures across the country, and they seem unstoppable. Homes and dwelling spaces are the most infested: 9 out of 10 of the pest management pros surveyed have been called to treat bed bugs in apartments, single-family homes and condominiums. Hotels/Motels 75% College dorms 47% Nursing homes 46% Compared to statistics Office buildings 36% from 2011 and 2010, 2013 Schools 41% has seen a large number of bed bug infestations Hospitals 33% outside of the home: Public transportation 21% Libraries 12% 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 The Good News: Movie theaters down from 17% 10% Pest management Airplanes 2% down from 6% companies have reported a decrease in bed bug infestations in, compared to Retail stores 15% down from 21% data from 2011: DO WE STAND A CHANCE 73% According to some scientists, special genes active in the exterior shell of the bugs produce anti-pesticide substances, providing them with physical and chemical protection against pesticides and sonic devices. of pest professionals believe bed bugs are the most difficult pest to treat. As far as detection and control methods are concerned, 99% of the respondents rely on visual inspection conducted by specialized technicians to spot infestation. Compared to previous years, innovative methods have gained terrain: Pitfalls are used by 50% to detect subtle bed bug presence (up from 46% in 2011) Active monitoring traps are used by 35% (up from 27% in 2011) Detection methods that are becoming obsolete include: Canine detection, used by 40% of respondents (down from 43% in 2011) Aerosol bug bombs/fumigators While bed bug infestation can be observed by the untrained eye, its complete removal can only be ensured by pest management professionals, specially trained to provide: » Integrated Pest Management (IPM) » Preparation Services • High Heat Treatments • Encasement and Monitoring • Chemical Treatments Right now, America is in the midst of a bedbug epidemic. As these pests continue to plague every place we live and gather - personal homes, schools, hotels and hospitals -, it is essential to raise public awareness and encourage both residential and commercial owners to resort to professional methods of detecting, controlling and preventing infestation. Sources: Brought you by: http://www.pestworld.org/ TM greenleaf" http://www.terminix.com/ http://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/ O proactive, preventative, pest control. Increase in Bed Bug