NYT: Sleeping With the Enemy (Bed Bugs)

[shireen]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/11/health/11patient.html

AFTER virtually disappearing for decades, bed bugs have made a comeback throughout the nation, with particularly bad infestations in densely populated apartment buildings.

Encouraged in part by the banning of DDT, the insects have become so prevalent that the Environmental Protection Agency held a National Bed Bug Summit in April.

Rather than wait for a Washington task force to do something, though, people with an infestation probably want to take immediate action. So this column is all about what consumers can do to avoid being bitten twice — first by the vermin and then by a venal exterminator.

While in most cases an infestation is more a skin-crawling nuisance than serious health problem, in some people severe reactions to bed bug bites can include asthma, generalized hives and even a life-threatening allergy attack that requires emergency treatment. Regardless of the medical consequences, though, bed bugs can be expensive to banish.

oh, just reading this makes me feel itchy .... x(

[pecwae]

1. Bed bugs know no class.

Luxury hotels and resorts can be infected and low budget stays can be free of them. I read TripAdvisor and am surprised to hear how many complaints there are about them in the reviews worldwide. I use a sleepsack fairly religiously.

[opihimoimoi]

2. Them skin mites(Scabies) can be itchy too...requires doctors prescribing meds,

and topical treatments....

easier to manage and get rid of I guess

[Smarmie Doofus]

3. They are an epidemic in NYC.

Had 'em here last year. Threw everything out that could be thrown. Luckily it was mostly old stuff that stood replacing anyway. Treated the joint professionally. Saw an occasional straggler or two for a few weeks. Then .... nothing.

Knock on wood: they seem invincible while they're here but they can be whupped, definitively.

Oh! bedbug-proof mattress covers..... they are a must.

[Berry Cool]

5. That's why if you find one place to stay in the city that you know is bedbug-free,

it pays to stick with them rather than trying some other place.

[glowing]

4. One of the main reasons for their come back is the world wide travel

increasing.. They live in the suitcases. So, some of the really expensive joints that cater to international travellers will tend to have them more often than say a cheaper joint. I'm sure the Orlando area is crawling with them as well.

AND then the poor maid or staff bring them home to their own homes.. they travel in clothes and can live for a long while.