The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is the leading authority on pest related information.  They are a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the protection of our food sources, property, and public health, both in the United States and internationally.  Their focus on common household pests, and pest control tips, keep them as a main resource for consumers and pest control experts alike.

The NPMA is very concerned about controlling the bed bug infestations that have been raging throughout communities in the United States.  They recently conducted a survey of random American citizens to see what their experiences, thoughts, and ideas about bed bugs are/have been.  The NPMA “Bed Bugs in America” survey offers some interesting insights as to what American’s think about bed bugs.  Here are some of the results…

• 1 out of 5 American’s has had a bed bug infestation or knows of someone who has encountered the little vampires in their homes or at a hotel at some point in time.

• Younger adult American’s tend to encounter bed bugs more than older adults do.  This is not surprising as younger adults are more likely to be living in apartments which are more conducive to bed bug transfers.

• American’s who live in urban areas rather than rural areas are three times more likely to encounter bed bugs.  Bed bugs congregate where people congregate so it stands to reason that if the human population numbers are higher in any location, bed bug infestation numbers will be higher as well.

• Almost 80% of the people surveyed said that they are most concerned about encountering bed bugs at hotels.  This fear is not unfounded as many people are unwittingly bringing home the nasty hitchhikers to their homes via their luggage and clothing.  Before they know it, they have a bed bug infestation on their hands.

Please check back on Monday for part 2.