By Reference Librarian Eunice Borelli
By now everyone has heard about the bedbug epidemic that’s affecting everything from the fanciest hotel rooms to college dorms to cruise ships. In August, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a joint statement, which touched on the history of bed bugs in the United States, signs to watch for, and steps to take for prevention and control.
Some highlights of the statement include:
o Bed bugs are small, wingless, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of sleeping people and animals.
o Infestations usually occur around or near the areas where people sleep for significant periods of time, so places like apartments, shelters, rooming houses, hotels, nursing homes, hospitals, cruise ships, buses, trains and dorm rooms are at risk.
o Bed bugs hide during the day in seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, dresser tables, cracks or crevices, behind wallpaper, and under any clutter or objects around a bed.
One of the easiest ways to identify an infestation is by bite marks that appear on the face, neck, arms, hands, and other body parts. Bite marks are similar to that of a mosquito or a flea-a slightly swollen and red area that may itch and be irritating. However, bite marks may take as long as 14 days to develop in some people, so it is important to look for other clues when determining if bed bugs have infested an area. These signs may include exoskeletons, a sweet musty odor, and rusty-colored blood spots that are often excreted on the mattress or nearby furniture.
Recently the New York Times exposed a surprising way to unknowingly pick up bed bugs-flea markets, secondhand/consignment shops and used furniture stores. I’ll admit, I’ve never considered that and I am a frequent shopper at such places! The Times urges shoppers to continue frequenting these stores, but in an educated manner. Their tips:
o Carefully inspect all items before taking possession.
o If possible, put items in a plastic bag and pop it into the freezer (bedbugs can’t survive freezing).
o Have larger items dry cleaned.
o Check store policy. It is common practice (but not yet standard) for secondhand shops to fumigate their premises and contents on a regular basis. The next time you’re shopping, ask about their policy.
Finally, the State of Michigan has prepared a number of free resources to answer questions about bed bugs, including a manual on prevention and control, what schools need to know, a fact sheet on buying mattresses, and how to choose a reputable pest control company. Visit www.michigan.gov, and type “bed bugs” in the search box.
The Capital Area District Library Reference Department is located at 401 S. Capitol Avenue in Lansing, MI. Contact them at 517-367-6346 or by e-mail at reference@cadl.org.
