58% of scientists responding to a survey by Principal Investigators Association believe in a surge of bedbug infestations.

The survey was conducted through the weekly ezine PI e-Alert, to thousands of researchers in all fields of science. The response was voluntary, so the results should be regarded as “indicative,” not statistically proven, said publisher Leslie Norins, MD, PhD.

Over half reported bedbugs afflicted somebody known to them. Of this group, a startling 38% had been affected personally. Another 23% said the insects had troubled their “significant other” or family. The remaining 47% knew of infestation suffered by colleagues or friends.

The two leading sites of personal encounters with bedbugs were “home” (43%) and “hotel” (41%). Fifty-three percent of the scientists were aware of bedbug infestations in their neighborhood, town, or state.

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Sleep tight don’t let the bedbugs bite has taken on a new meaning during the past few months as bedbugs have shown up more and more throughout the nation.

LSU AgCenter entomologist Timothy Schowalter said this is more of an annoyance than a health problem, but it should be identified.

“Five or six years ago they were showing an upsurge in New York,” he said. “I have seen them making their way around here for three or four years in apartments and residence halls.”

Bedbugs have been around since humans have been alive, LSU AgCenter entomologist Chris Calton said.

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Bed bugs were just found in a classroom at P.S. 107 Thomas A. Dooley in Queens, New York! We heard the news via a parent on Facebook and confirmed it with a quick phone call to the elementary school. The school principal confirmed there was “an isolated case” of bed bugs in a second grade classroom. An exterminator came and “took care of it,” and no school closure was required.

“Isolated” huh? “Exterminated” hmmm … Doesn’t make me feel any better. How about you?

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Residents in some local communities are itching to oust some unwanted invaders: bed bugs. The blood-sucking insects have become a growing problem in San Diego County in recent months, turning up in hotel rooms to plague travelers. But now Carolyn Sam with the International Rescue Committee of San Diego, an organization that assists refugees, warns that bedbugs are becoming a growing problem in City Heights and El Cajon.

“Help us get the word out to refugees and non-refugees alike: DO NOT PICK UP USED FURNITURE THAT IS JUST SITTING ON THE SIDEWALK,” she wrote in an e-mail to groups working with local refugees. “This is the #1 way that bed bugs are getting into homes in City Heights. Various refugee families in City Heights and El Cajon have already been affected, and the problem continues to grow.”

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This year alone, a handful of New York storefronts suffered closures thanks to the invasive pests, but it seems the rumor mill has finally hit close to home: We just heard gossip a few minutes ago that bedbugs have invaded Neiman Marcus’ Fashion Island Newport Beach location, causing it to shut down temporariliy.

Rest assured, we have confirmation:

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A parasite that hasn’t presented much of a problem in the United States since the 1960s is making a big comeback. Bed bugs are popping across the country, including here in Iowa. Brad Smith, owner Preferred Pest Solutions in Des Moines, says he hasn’t seen anything like it during his 30-plus years in business.

“It used to be we’d maybe get one or two calls occasionally for bed bugs, even as little as three to four years ago,” Smith said. “Right now, we’re getting several calls every day for bed bug issues.”

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Spurred by his trainer’s whispered command to “Seek, seek,” Buggsy snuffled his way along three suitcases searching for the culprit.

When his nose found what it was looking for, the 2.5-year-old Beagle mix sat down and looked expectantly at trainer and owner Eric Taylor.

“Show me,” Taylor said. Buggsy sniffed some more and pawed the pocket where a vial containing the triggering scent was contained.

What did Buggsy smell? Bedbugs — the ancient pest that is coming back with a vengeance and giving people worldwide a collective case of the willies.

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LEWISTON — Central Maine Medical Center has closed a medical-surgical unit while it gets rid of bedbugs.

CMMC found an infestation in the unit over a week ago when a patient alerted staff. That unit was shut down and patients were temporarily moved so exterminators could treat the unit and, as a precaution, the adjoining areas. The unit is currently closed, but no more bugs have been found and it will likely reopen Monday.

CMMC isn’t the only medical facility in the area to deal with bedbugs

In the past month, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees hospitals and other medical facilities, received reports of bedbugs at Lewiston’s Montello Manor and Montello Commons, which provide nursing care and assisted living services. A Sept. 13 complaint involved both Montello Manor and Montello Commons, according to a DHHS spokesman. An Oct. 5 complaint involved only Montello Commons.

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From homeless shelters to swanky hotels, bed bugs seem to be increasing their attack lately. And last week they showed up in a headline-grabbing locale: the headquarters of Chicago Public Schools.

An employee in the building, at 125 S. Clark, reported bed bug bites last Wednesday, CPS spokeswoman Monique Bond confirmed.

“Because of the attention it’s received, people are a little uneasy,” she said. “This appears to be an isolated incident, but again, it could be transported once it’s eradicated.”
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