New York City has reported an 800 percent increase of bed bug infestation from 2008 to 2009. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development received 13,152 infestation complaints. (nachi.org)

Because of the above I thought this a great topic to discuss in this week’s article.

Mankind has always been harassed by bed bugs; however, historically bed bugs were almost eradicated in the 1950s because of the use of DDT. DDT is a powerful synthetic pesticide that was widely used in agriculture until a public outcry which lead to a US-ban of the chemical in 1972, followed shortly thereafter with international bans. Unfortunately at the time no one realized these environmental laws would lead to a worldwide pandemic.

Right now the hot bed for these little critters is New York. These little guys hitch a ride from country to country and city to city on suitcases and clothing. These parasites have spread to movie theaters, cabs, buses, hospitals, houses and everything in between. Bed bugs are adept at hiding in almost everything, e.g., books, curtains, carpets, bedding, furniture, exercise bikes, etc. (New York Daily News)

Below are a few tricks that may help and reduce the risk of bed bug infestation:

• Remove bed skirting that touches the floor.
• Move your bed away from the wall, these bugs cannot fly; however, they climb walls and fall onto the bed.
• Place duct tape around the base of your furniture with the sticky side out. If the bug tries to crawl up the furniture leg it will get trapped on the duct tape.
• If returning you are from a trip, spray your luggage down with an insecticide designed to kill bed bugs before bringing it into your home.
• Don’t buy furniture unless you know the previous owner.
• Don’t buy used hotel or motel mattresses.

Fortunately, for most of us bed bugs do not pose a health risk and seems to be limited to temporary skin irritation and inflammation. Actually the bite looks a lot like a mosquito bite. If you are a traveler and have concerns about this potential problem, please contact a local pest management professional. If you are concerned from a medical point of view, please consult your health care provider.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do?  For more information about Ed, go online to www.nwees.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified indoor environmental professional, forensic, fire, flood, mold Inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.