2010 saw a resurgence of bedbug infestations across the country. No longer infecting just homes, these apple-sized insects have also been reported in commercial facilities.

Dining on human blood, bedbugs hide in crevices such as baseboards, electrical switch plates, picture frames, cubicle dividers and upholstery. These pests are resilient to many insecticides and can live for a year without feeding. They also replicate quickly. In fact, female bedbugs will lay between one and five eggs a day.

The belief is that the rapid spread of bedbugs is due to heightened travel, and facilities such as hotels, motels, hospitals and college dorms are most susceptible to exposure. As these areas become infested, it is natural that building occupants or visitors will inadvertently transport them into facilities.

For facilities with bedbugs, solutions are available. Possible antidotes include applying heat treatment, frequent dusting, vacuuming and steam cleaning, sealing cracks, using non-chemical pesticides and proper use of effective chemical pesticides.


posted on 3/22/2011