We’re attentive to the bed bug problem year-round, but our industry association National Pest Management Association (NPMA), with from the Environmental Protection Agency, are highlighting for the public how to address bed bug concerns during Bed Bug Awareness Week (April 22 through 26).
Even if there’s not a fullblown media panic, Bed Bugs are as large and wide a problem as ever across the country. The association’s 2013 Bugs Without Borders Survey found that bed bug infestations in the US continue at high rates and the pest is as much, if not more of a problem than in years past. The survey of U.S. pest management professionals, found that 99.6 percent of respondents encountered bed bug infestations in the past year and that infestations have increased in the majority of locations in which pest professionals typically treat for bed bugs.
The NPMA’s press release with a summary of the survey’s findings is here.
As part of National Bed Bug Awareness week, the EPA also wants to raise public awareness about bed bugs and what people can do to help curb infestations. The EPA has resources for communities to learn how to prevent, detect and control bed bug infestations. Obtaining accurate information is the first step in both prevention and control. While there are no quick fixes, there are effective strategies to control bed bugs using both non-chemical and chemical methods.
Later this week, on Thursday, April 25 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm ET, the EPA and the NPMA will co-host a webinar “Understanding Bed Bugs in Schools.” Presentations will describe proactive steps, such as how to prevent bed bugs, and how to manage bed bug hot spots in schools. To register for the webinar, please visit https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/775395562.
Bell Environmental also works closely with schools and is an expert on solving bed bug and other pest issues in educational settings with the safesst, most effective, most environmentally friendly methods. Learn more about our work with schools to detect and resolve bed bugs issues by clicking here. We want everyone aware of how bed bugs can affect school and home environments. Therefore we are pleased provide free seminars and on site education for teachers, administrators, staff, students, and parents so you can have all of their questions answered. Contact us today and we can give you the tools to prevent new and solve existing bed bug problems.