 Bed Bugs - Strange Bed Fellows We have seen a re-emergence of this long time pest not only in our homes but in hotels, dorms, assisted living facilities, and daycare centers. We in the pest control industry are faced with a unique control challenge when dealing with this particular pest. These blood sucking creatures have been creeping around since the discovery of the new world and we did not see a marked decrease in numbers and effective control until after 1939 with the introduction of DDT(Dichlor-Diphenyl-Trichlorethylene), which is a synthetic pesticide. DDT was banned in 1979 after an American biologist by the name on Rachel Carson wrote a book called: Silent Spring, which detailed the effects that indiscriminate usage DDT had on wildlife and humans. Nowadays, those powerful chemicals of the past have been prohibited due to the increased awareness of their negative effects. This action has caused the bed bug population to increase along with the fact that we as a society are more and more mobile, unknowingly transporting the pesky creatures from infested to pest-free environments. Protect yourself when traveling: Visit the Bed Bug Registry to find out if the place you’re planning on staying at for your next vacation has been reported for bed bug infestations. TIPS: When entering the hotel room: With a flashlight, look for bugs or blood spots in corners, cracks, and crevices Behind the headboard (lift off brackets on the wall) Along the piping around the mattress, under the sheets Along the edges of the box spring Around joints in bedside tables (including drawers). Steps to prevent transporting infestations: Use luggage racks set away from the wall—NEVER set luggage on the bed. Put suspect items in sealed plastic bags until you can clean them. Dry everything in the dryer on the highest temperature for 60 minutes when you get home. Freeze what can’t take the heat for 2 weeks before using. Hopefully this brief article has helped you see the importance of personal diligence when dealing with this illusive creature. We may never see its eradication but by following some simple techniques we can avoid some itchy scratchy nights. ** | 
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