They’re Back! New York’s Heat Wave Brings Out An Unwanted and Itchy Problem – Bed Bugs!

This July’s heat wave has raised New Yorkers’ concerns about staying cool and safe, while avoiding dehydration and power failures.
It’s also brought out the New York region’s least wanted problem – bed bugs.
We’ve seen a lot of news coverage of ways to stay cool and reduce power usage this week, but the media hasn’t picked up on the significant re-emergence of bed bugs in New York.  The phone and web inquiries we’ve received during the heat wave are far greater than what we experienced last year.  While summer months equal bed bug season when insect problems are greater, inquiries are up over 40% from last year.
The problem is widespread.  We’ve gotten calls about bed bug issues in commercial offices, government buildings, apartment complexes, theaters, and camps. Nursing homes and hospitals are also experiencing problems.  The problem is as widespread as ever.
Why are bed bugs so active now?  Bed bugs are more troublesome on hot days. These insects are more active in terms of their feeding, movement, and hitchhiking to new places. Bed bugs also reproduce and mature faster in higher temperatures.
Bed bugs are a problem that no one wants, but anyone can get. For advice on how to avoid bed bugs and protect yourself   against these worrisome insects, visit Bell-Environmental.com or download Bell Environmental’s free app “Roscoe’s Bed Bug Tips,” available for iPhones, Android, and even Blackberry phones.