Don’t let the bedbugs bite: Infestations in Paris, Las Vegas
Studies show bedbug infestations are currently on the rise globally. Graphic by SUKHMAN SAHOTA, Art Director
Online videos show bedbugs crawling over metro seats, travelers with bites covering their arms and hotels shutting down over reports of infestation.
This raised the question of whether bedbugs are on the rise.
Bedbugs began being reported in Paris when the city was hosting Fashion Week from Sep. 25 to Oct. 3. Media attention was at an all-time high, with several videos of vermin on public transport being posted to social media.
However, while some French politicians have made comments like “no one is immune” and “there is an urgent need to act,” others have assured “there is no reason for general panic,” which begs the question: has the media sparked widespread fear over an issue blown out of proportion?
Maybe, but it’s not just in Paris.
According to a study in the Annual Review of Entomology, there’s been a “global resurgence” in bedbugs since the turn of the century, including in several U.S. cities that are mostly densely-populated areas such as Chicago, New York City and Philadelphia.
However, smaller cities have seen this resurgence as well.
Since this time last year, several Las Vegas hotels on the strip reported bedbug sightings and guests being bitten, the most recent being in June at Planet Hollywood.
The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) takes action when a report is made.
“When we receive a report of bedbugs in a hotel room, a complaint is generated, and an environmental health specialist follows up with the facility management,” Jennifer Sizemore, the SNHD chief communications officer, told the Panther. “They typically take quick action as they do not want a persistent bedbug issue.”
Sizemore continued: “If the complaint is verified, the facility will have the room treated by their pest control operator and provide service receipts to the district.”
According to the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA), there have been no reports of bedbugs in the county in the last year.
However, the agency does have suggestions to avoid infestations. These include checking sleeping areas for signs of bedbugs, like their skins from molting and rust-colored spots from bedbug droppings, according to OCHCA Director of Environmental Health Christine Lane.
When reports are made, Environmental Health will first conduct an investigation.
“Eliminating bedbugs and removing any evidence of activity or infestation is required of the responsible party and must be conducted in an approved manner,” Lane said. “Environmental Health will then conduct a follow-up inspection to verify the correction.”
Approved manners of bedbug removal include both chemical and non-chemical methods, such as using pesticides and steam cleaners. The agency considers it critical to contact a pest control operator licensed by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Structural Pest Control Board and follow their recommendations.
A pest control operator’s licensing can be confirmed on the board’s website.
According to Cura Termite & Pest Control, which provides services in Orange County, signs of bedbugs include red bite marks in lines or zig zags, as well as bloodstains and brown smear marks around bedding and furniture.
But, there are precautions you can take to protect your home from potential bedbug infestations.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends the following:
Reduce clutter in your home to reduce hiding places for bed bugs.
Vacuum frequently to remove any successful hitchhikers.
Be vigilant when using shared laundry facilities.
Transport items to be washed in plastic bags . (If you have an active infestation, use a new bag for the journey home)
Remove clothes from a dryer and place them directly into a bag to fold at home. (A dryer on high heat can kill bed bugs.)
If you live in a multi-family home, try to isolate your unit by:
Installing door sweeps on the bottom of doors to discourage movement into hallways.
Sealing cracks and crevices around baseboards, light sockets, etc., to discourage movement through wall voids.
Although bedbugs may not be a global epidemic just yet, Paris serves as a reminder that it could happen anywhere. Pests don’t discriminate.