Bed bug menace rife in New York City

The bug that is nearly impossible to eradicate, is increasingly becoming a problem within homes, apartments, urban and suburban hotels, boarding houses, dormitories and shelters.

Bedbugs that were kept well under control through pesticides are once again spreading like wildfire due to increase in traveling and immigration.

Missy Henriksen, a spokeswoman for the National Pest Management Association stated, "Bedbugs are often referred to as the 'hitchhiking pests.

"They need to be where people are, so they're on the move with people, and obviously as more and more people have increased their travel habits, bedbugs have certainly been able to tour the world.”

Surge in bug infestation
According to New York City health officials, one out of every 15 citizen has battled the pesky little insect over the last year.

The rate of bug infestation has increased dramatically in the last five years. In 2004, the city received 537 complaints from residents, but the number jumped to approximately 11,000 in 2009.

$500,000 to be spent on 'bedbug battle plan'
Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the government advisory board met to discuss the bug infestation problem in the New York City.

The city is planning to utilize $500,000 of health department money to begin the first major phase of a "bedbug battle plan.”

A part of the money will go towards creating an online portal, which will impart information about avoiding bedbugs and educating people on how to treat their homes.

Daniel Kass, the city's deputy commissioner for environmental health, stated, "This is happening globally, and I don't think anybody has figured out exactly why. So what we're left with is managing them and keeping them from spreading. They're going to be with us for some time."

New York City is planning to utilize $500,000 of health department money to begin the first major phase of a "bedbug battle plan.”

A little about bedbugs
The bed bugs are tiny creatures that reproduce rapidly, don’t die easily, and can go a year without feeding.

Their flattened bodies help them hide in the cracks and crevices around the room and within furniture.

There favorite hiding places include the bed frame, mattress and curtains. Signs of bedbug infestation include pepper-like spots of their fecal matter, specks of dried blood on bed sheets, and of course their bites.

Bed bugs are most active in the middle of the night when they painlessly sip a few drops of blood.

Though their bite causes irritation and itching, the bed bugs are not known to be infectious.

Some tips for tackling bedbugs
Health experts advise travelers to check the bedding, headboard, upholstered furniture and drawers where clothing is stored in hotels.

At homes, cracks and crevices need to be inspected with a bright flashlight. A hot air dry can also flush them out of their hiding places.

In addition, clothing, suitcases, and pocketbooks need to be checked as the bugs can use them as a means to travel from one place to another.

Bedding, linens, curtains, rugs, and clothes from infested homes must be washed in hot water.

Mattresses and floors must be vacuumed. Disposal of the vacuum bag is recommended in a sealed plastic bag.

Hire a licensed pest control operator who is experienced in managing bed bug infestations.