News reports of bed bugs are on the rise. The Flathead County Health Office says it’s seen an increase in questions about the pests. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of, and even if you can manage to kill them, their eggs can lie dormant for months before hatching. Pest controllers also report an increase in calls about them.“I used to do, let’s say 10 years ago, we’d do only 1 or 2 a year,” says Gary Stetson of American Pest Control. “In the last 18 months, I’m doing 1 to 3 a month. That’s 50 percent at least, maybe 60 percent more than 5 years ago.
We’re told bed bugs don’t spread disease like fleas, but just are still considered a public health issue because they itch, and scratching them can lead to infection.If you suspect you have them, wash your sheets and curtains and vacuum your carpet. You can also try over-the-counter pesticides, but professional pest control usually has the most success against them.
By Will Wadley
Filed under What Are Bed Bugs by on Sep 26th, 2010. 
