Recent Study Shows Bed Bug Infestations Increasing

Which seat might have a bed bug? Where would you like to sit?

KILOHANA K9s is a proud member of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). The NPMA among many things, publishes much useful information, organizes conventions and even conducts studies that keep the pest management industry in the know.

In 2011 the NPMA published the results of a study, 2010 Bugs Without Borders Survey, which they had the University of Kentucky conduct. The study found that bed bugs infestations have increased and bed bugs are now being found just about everywhere.

The study, which surveyed U.S. pest management professionals, found that 99 percent of respondents encountered bed bug infestations in the past year. More than eight of out ten noted that bed bug infestations are increasing across the country. This represents a sharp increase in prevalence as only a mere 11 percent of respondents reported receiving bed bug calls more than 10 years ago.

One of the most significant findings is that bed bug encounters have become much more common in public places than the previous year, in some instances increasing by 10, 20 or nearly 30 percent. Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA noted that "this pest shows no signs of retreating "and that of most concern is that pest professionals are encountering bed bugs more frequently in places "such as, schools, hospitals, and hotels/motels. In many cases the numbers of professionals who have reported treating certain types of businesses and commercial facilities has seen double digit growth."

Below shows the professional's reporting of treating bed bugs in specific locations and the percentage increases from 2010.

• College dorms (54 percent, up from 35 percent a year ago) 
• Hotels/motels (80 percent, up from 67 percent) 
• Nursing homes (46 percent, up from 25 percent) 
• Office buildings (38 percent, up from 18 percent) 
• Schools and day care centers (36 percent, up from 10 percent) 
• Hospitals (31 percent, up from 12 percent) 
• Transportation (train/bus/taxi) (18 percent up from nine percent) 
• Movie theaters (17 percent, up from five percent) 

Survey respondents also reported finding bed bugs in retail stores, laundromats, libraries, restaurants and even airplanes!

Some other major points from the study are:

• Nearly all professional pest management companies have received bed bug calls in the past year. Respondents attribute the growth in bed bug infestations to increasing travel and movement of people, continued need for awareness, changing pest control products and methods, and bed bug resistance to available pest control products.
• Bed bugs continue to be THE most difficult pest to treat, according to 73 percent of survey respondents.
• Despite the many warnings that bed bugs are not a DIY pest, 25 percent of customers attempt to treat bed bug infestations by themselves before calling a professional. Those who attempt to treat bed bug infestations by themselves often engage in dangerous and risky DIY practices putting themselves and their property at risk and are often ineffective at controlling the infestation.

As you can see, this is not a problem that is going away. There seems to have been a slow down in the media coverage on bed bugs infestations, especially in regards to the west coast of USA, but experts feel this might be due to the fact that not many studies or surveys have been conducted recently. 

Thanks to the NPMA for their efforts to provide updated information!

Lots of hiding places for stow-away bed bugs here. Places like this are 
where a scent detection dog can help the most!