Bed bugs are a real problem but for some reason, the public is refusing to accept it. Accusations of media hype, opportunistic service providers and the extreme of complete denial represent the gamut of reactions when bed bugs are mentioned.
Yet again I read a comment yesterday posted on an article where the reader accused the media of creating the bedbug epidemic. “Many thanks to the media for creating false fear just so they can lure in readers and sell more advertising”, was the rant from a reader who apparently will not believe that bed bugs are a problem.
Granted, there are disreputable companies who will prey on the unsuspecting and vulnerable in regards to bed bugs, but there are bad people preying on victims in every realm of business. Let the buyer beware holds true for every transaction – not just bed bugs. It is education and knowledge that beget informed decisions.
Well, they are real and they are prevalent. In a 24 hour period last week, Googling bed bugs turned up dozens of articles on bedbugs and how they were affecting the public. Just a small sampling showed bed bugs:
In schools: http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2011/11/15/groveport-bed-bugs-found-in-school.html
http://www.trentonian.com/articles/2011/11/16/news/doc4ec491c16c66e350522135.txt
In libraries: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/491617
On airplanes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniehaiken/2011/11/21/bed-bugs-on-airplanes-how-to-fly-bed-bug-free/
In theaters: http://www.baristanet.com/2011/11/susan-pinkwater-the-clairidge-needs-help/
And the subject of School Board Policy Debate: http://gcdailyworld.com/story/1786963.html
And this doesn’t mention all the articles and web posts written by pest control professionals, victims of bed bugs or the sellers of bed bug products. This was strictly news stories of how bed bugs are an issue that we now collectively must deal with.
What to do? Get educated about bed bugs – who, what, when, where, and how of habits, breeding, mobility, and ways that YOU can bring them home. The chance of coming in contact with a bed bug over the next 5 years is statistically 100%. Will you be prepared?
Again, bed bugs are a real health issue! They are a nightmare to have as they ruin your ability to sleep soundly. They cause embarrassing and irritating reactions, they cause secondary infections, and have been documented to carry MRSA. Are you listening?
Thankfully, there are reputable, safe and cost effective solutions available such as Greenbug for People to prevent as well as treat for bed bugs. Greenbug is ‘green’ pest control that is safe enough to use yourself and NOT hire a professional. People do not have to become victims of bed bugs. As long as they know the facts, bed bugs are controllable and the fact is…
Bed bugs are very real!