The federal government is tackling tiny little problems in the country's bedrooms.
The Federal Bed Bug Workgroup will again assemble the brightest minds on home pests to stop the mini-sized scourge. The Environmental Protection Agency, along with other federal agencies, will join together on February 1 for the second National Bed Bug Summit.
The E.P.A. thinks education is one of the keys to stopping the creepy crawlers. From the E.P.A.'s website, some important bed bug myths the Feds want to dispel:
Myth: You can’t see a bed bug.
Reality: You should be able to see adult bed bugs, nymphs and eggs with your naked eye.
Myth: Bed bugs live in dirty places.
Reality: Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt and grime; they are attracted to warmth, blood and carbon dioxide. However, clutter offers more hiding spots.
Myth: Bed bugs transmit diseases.
Reality: There are no cases that indicate bed bugs pass diseases from one host to another. Lab tests have shown that it is unlikely that the insect is capable of infecting its host.
Myth: Bed bugs won’t come out if the room is brightly lit.
Reality: While bed bugs prefer darkness, keeping the light on at night won’t deter these pests from biting you.
Myth: Pesticide applications alone will easily eliminate bed bug infestations.
Reality: Bed bug control can only be maintained through a comprehensive treatment strategy that incorporates a variety of techniques and vigilant monitoring. Proper use of pesticides may be one component of the strategy, but will not eliminate bed bugs alone. In addition, bed bugs populations in different geographic areas of the country have developed resistance to many pesticidal modes of action. If you're dealing with a resistant population, some products and application methods may only serve to make the problem worse.
Got it? Stay tuned for the latest developments in the war on bed bugs, after the summit.
