Bed bugs are expected to show up in record numbers in New York this summer.
According to Jeffrey White, research entomologist for Bedbugcentral.com, the bed bugs presence will be particularly present in a few months.
"I firmly believe that this year is going to be worse than last year," White said in a seminar.
In 2009, nearly 7 percent of New York residents reported bed bug infestations, according to health department data. Additionally, the creatures have been invading public schools in unprecedented numbers, with 1,700 bed bug cases reported in just the first five months of the school year, which is three times as many cases as last year.
"If we combine the seasonal trends, with the bugs getting more and more embedded in our community, that allows the bugs to make that resurgence all the more stronger," White said.
Bed bugs are very difficult to get rid of because of their advanced hiding skills and the long amount of time they can go without feeding. It can cost thousands of dollars to get rid of them, and even then, theres no guarantee they wont return.
To help prevent bed bug infestations, plug up all holes around your pipes and wires and limit clutter in your rooms. Make sure to also do laundry on a regular basis and check your mattress and laptop for signs of bed bugs.
