Press Room

Bed bugs continue to dwell in homes, hotels and even cruise lines.

(NAPS)—You fall into bed after a long day, looking forward to a good night’s sleep. But while you dream, bed bugs become active, crawling out of crevices in search of a meal. Studies show that bed bugs are not only biting, but on the rise.

A new survey by Orkin, Inc. points to a continuing resurgence in bed bug infestations across the United States. Data indicate that bed bugs are invading new territories, increasing the number of states treated from 35 in 2003 to 43 in 2004.

"Bed bugs are continuing to make a strong comeback, and our survey results show that bed bugs are indeed a problem for everyone," said Orkin Technical Director Frank Meek.

Several factors have influenced the rise of this tiny pest, the foremost being that bed bugs are difficult to prevent. The insects can arrive at any moment, transported in travelers’ luggage. Once indoors, they can spread from room to room, hitchhiking on clothing, personal belongings and even vacuum cleaners. Despite the challenges, Orkin has developed a preventive treatment for bed bugs for hotels and other commercial properties that has fared well in field tests, said Meek.

Bed bugs can live over a year without eating and withstand a wide range of temperatures from nearly freezing to almost 113 degrees Fahrenheit, making them even harder to eradicate. Females are also able to lay one or more eggs per day, an average of 200 or more over a lifetime.

Facts on Bed bugs:

• Bed bugs are flat, light tan to brown and oval-shaped until after they feed; then they fill out and turn a reddish color.
• The adult is approximately the size of an apple seed.
• The nocturnal creatures hide in cracks and crevices during daylight. They also live in mattresses, box-springs, upholstery and hollow posts of beds and other furniture.
• Blood is a bed bug’s only food source.
• Bed bugs are not known to cause disease, but they bite and can leave itchy welts on a victim’s skin.

Bed bugs can dwell not only in homes, but also in hotels, motels, apartments, dormitories, condominiums, cruise ships and even aircraft. Meek suggests checking for common signs of infestations when traveling. Carefully inspect luggage and clothing for the insects, and check sheets for brown or red spots. Monitor for a musty, sweet odor (like soda pop syrup), and look for welts on the skin. Successfully treating for bed bugs requires the expertise of a licensed pest control professional with specific training and experience.

For more information regarding bedbugs or other pests, or to receive a free home inspection, call 1-800-800-ORKIN or visit www.Orkin.com.