Resurgence of Bed Bugs Leads To Congressional Forum

November 21, 2010 33720 Comments2010-11-21+13%3A37%3A37Ben+Nash

Linda Young – AHN News Writer

Washington, DC, United States (AHN) – People seeking answers to combat the growing problem of bedbug infestations gathered at a Congressional forum on Thursday.

The recent resurgence in bedbugs means people have found bedbugs in both public and private areas including theaters, retail stores, office buildings, hotel rooms, apartments, homes and college dormitories.

A recent Rasmussen poll found that 20 percent of people had recently changed travel plans to avoid public places because of fear of bed bugs.

U.S. Reps. Don Young (R-AK) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) co-sponsored the “Congressional Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite Forum.” The forum provided an “opportunity to discuss current federal policies and initiatives of prevention and management,” Young said in a statement.

Noting that bedbugs are as likely to infest a five-star bed and breakfast as they are to invade a five-star hotel, Butterfield said the pests represent a public health issue as well as a threat to tourism and commerce in every state.

Butterfield and Young have introduced H.R. 2248, the Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite Act. The legislation would give the U.S. Secretary of Commerce authority to provide grants to help states inspect places for bedbugs. The grants would cover any area including private homes, hotels, schools and train stations.

In addition, the grants would cover pest management education and training to use the most effective prevention and eradication techniques.

Young spoke about an Alaskan elementary school that recently had to send students home early after bedbugs were found in several classrooms.

Participants at the forum included members of Congress, academic bed bug experts, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), other industries and people who have experienced bed bug infestations.

Some 95 percent of professional pest management companies have encountered bed bug infestations in the past year, according to a 2010 survey of pest management firms by NPMA and the University of Kentucky.