S@M's Health Today: The BedBug Pandemic

Here's something a little different for you all...

Last year, a global study conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the University of Kentucky found that 95% of pest-control professionals had treated a bedbug infestation in the past year. 76% agreed that bedbugs were the most difficult pests to treat. That report called today’s infestations, up nearly 75% from a decade ago, a “bedbug pandemic.”

NPMA members are not only treating bedbugs in homes and hotels, but restaurants, hospitals, subways, buses, taxis, movie theaters, libraries, and offices. Some 35 percent of pest managers had treated college dorms. Even elementary schools reported bedbug infestations. (Sidenote: Children are already dirty, if YOUR child is the extra dirty one...keep him or her home. Please and thank you.)

What they look like: Flat, oval and light tan to rusty brown. Size? Think tomato seed.

Where they can be found: They hide in crevices (word to @ImMurphysLaw) of beds, bedding, photo frames, behind baseboards and under older carpets. According to the NPMA, 93% of bedbugs’ “harborage” is either on the bed itself (70%) or within five feet of the bed.

How you would be able to tell: They often leave evidence: blood-speckled sheets, or brown or black spots on bedclothes, which can be classified as bedbug droppings. They often leave their molted skins behind.

I know, disgusting little imyams right?

Should you be afraid?

Well, no. They can be dealt with. But time is of the essence. And just in case you're wondering, no bedbugs can’t fly, but they’re phenomenal climbers. Their bites are itchy welts, often in lines on the skin (from one bug biting repeatedly). The bites can cause an allergic reaction, but aren’t dangerous to health.

Although the cause of the bedbug epidemic is a mystery, many experts suspect that it stems from increased worldwide travel, as people unknowingly transport the pests in suitcases, handbags and clothing after leaving an infested room.

In short, leave your stuff where ever you left your stuff.

Bedbugs can live up to 300 days and can lay several hundred eggs. To locate the critters, some pest management companies are now using specially trained dogs to sniff out the pests.

Ridding bedbugs is no DIY project by any means. Experts ACROSS THE BOARD recommend calling a professional exterminator as soon as an infestation is even merely suspected! Two treatment minimum is standard, in addition to a follow-up visit.

#BigUps to Yahoo! Health, but you can thank us later.

SCREAM @ ME!!!