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Scientists confirm our worst fear: the super bedbug is here to stay
The results from a large bedbug study at Ohio State University have been revealed - and they don't look good. According to scientists, bedbugs are turning into super bedbugs by becoming resistant to most common pesticides.
Compared to ten years ago, bedbugs are one thousand times more resistant to chemicals that used to kill them - and are less prone to stress from heat, cold and dehydration.
Even more alarming is that bedbugs in New York City are 250 times more resistant to pesticides than bugs from Florida - which explains why New York has such a massive bedbug problem at the moment.
The report from Ohio State is quite complex, but certainly worth a read if you like waking up in the middle of the night from bedbug nightmares.
Check out this article for more tips on how to detect and remove bedbugs - by taking basic precautions, you may be able to prevent spreading the infestation.
[Photo: AFP/Getty Images]
Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Adam Organa Jan 20th 2011 11:44AM
I moved out of New York just as bed bug hysteria took hold about 3 years ago. I thought at the time its here to stay.
It has ruined some hotels reputations and I would be sure when booking a hotel in New York to do your research and ask about their history and measures to fight the onslaught of the super bug. Yuck!
http://www.hotel.info/en.hotels/New_York_City_18492/hotels.aspx
hdcase Jan 20th 2011 1:45PM
If you want to be credible please use the correct word. When referring to pests is infestation, not infection. Infection refers to diseases.
HM Jan 22nd 2011 3:39PM
Hmmm. Has anyone tried setting the legs of the bed on a plate containing diatomaceous earth. Bedbugs generally leave the bed for the day and would have to travel across diatomaceous earth, which pierces the carapace of the insect. Eventually, they dry out and die. This has proven to be a very effective treatment for roaches and since it works mechanically instead of chemically, there is very little chance of developing immunity ... sorta like hitting the bed bug with a hammer. No real protection for them from that form of assault.
You could also dust the bed with diatomaceous earth since it is not harmful to humans. But, the leg treatment may be all that is needed.
auto Apr 15th 2011 2:32PM
Gross, gross gross. I live in North Carolina where there have been bedbug outbreaks in hotels and (if I remember correctly) campus dorms. Every time we go to a hotel, we remember NOT to put our luggage or anything else on the floors so that no unwanted travelers hook on to our belongings and hitch a ride home with us.
I don't like bugs (who does) and the thought of a pesticide-resistant bug of any type is disturbing! They are larger than I thought, though, why not just mash the little buggers with something? (Ok I know that isn't very helpful but it makes me feel better. Only a little).