Bed bugs are spreading fast across several Southern states due to the surge in tourism to the region during winter and early spring, a leading insect expert says.
Ameya Gondhalekar, an urban entomologist at the University of Florida, cited heightened global travel, increased use of secondhand furniture and other belongings, and widespread pesticide resistance as reasons for the bed bug infestation.
Mr. Gondhalekar, who has studied bed bugs for more than 10 years, says the current outbreak is part of a broader resurgence that has been ongoing for more than 20 years across North America and other developed nations.
Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on blood, similar to mosquitoes. They live in crevices where people sleep, such as mattress seams, and behind headboards and baseboards.
The critters can easily be carried on luggage and brought home from a vacation destination.
Mr. Gondhalekar says bed bugs can’t transmit any viral or bacterial diseases unlike ticks or mosquitoes. But many people bitten by the bugs complain of itchy bumps and rashes, while others show no symptoms.
Bed bugs do not cause any life-threatening or serious diseases, but can lead to insomnia caused by fear of insects, anxiety, secondary bacterial skin infections from extreme scratching, or in very rare cases, an allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
“Early detection of bed bugs … is important because smaller infestations of bed bugs are relatively easier to eradicate in comparison to larger more entrenched infestations,” Mr. Gondhalekar said in an email. “So, when people are on vacation and living in rental homes or hotels, they should make sure that they are not staying in an infested place by doing a quick inspection of the mattress sofas, bed frames in their rooms.”
If bed bugs are suspected of being on clothing, he recommends leaving luggage in a garage or on a balcony for a few days and immediately cleaning clothes.
“Freezing travel items in a chest freezer for at least 7-10 days may also kill hitchhiking bed bugs,” Mr. Gondhalekar wrote. “When people do not feel confident about dealing with bed bugs themselves, it is recommended they get professional help from pest control companies.”
Bringing furniture left on a curb or anywhere outside increases the risk of introducing bed bugs into your home.
