With bed bug infestations now reported in all 50 states and the recent survey from the National Pest Management Association showing that one out of every five American’s has either encountered bed bugs themselves, or knows of someone who has encountered the nasty bugs, it’s not surprising that many states are clamoring to develop bed bug legislation to protect their citizens.

New York City bed bug infestations have continued to plague residents and lawmakers have been working on various legislations to protect the public.  Some bills have passed; some have failed.  The proposed bills that have failed to pass died in the New York legislation mostly because of funding reasons.

Connecticut is the latest state to develop bed bug bills for lawmakers to vote upon. There are currently three proposed bed bug bills for the Connecticut Senate and House of Representatives to mill over.  Here’s what issues are being considered…

Proposed Bill 5858 would require companies that re-manufacture mattresses to provide proof that the mattresses have been inspected for bed bugs and that they are free of bed bugs.  Bed bugs are excellent at hiding in any type of crack or crevice and clutter provides ample hiding spots and breeding grounds for the bugs.  Mattresses are definitely a hot spot for bed bug activity.  Bed bug fecal matter, blood smears, and adult bed bugs are easy to detect on the exterior surface of a mattress.  Bed bug eggs and young (nymph) bed bugs are very difficult to spot. Bed bug eggs are very tiny, white-ish/yellow-ish colored, with a sticky substance on the exterior.  Nymphs are small as well and very difficult to see. Bed bug infestations can easily be transferred via used mattresses so people should be wary of purchasing one and never pick up one that is placed curbside.  A bed bug must receive a blood meal in order for it to reach each stage of development so it’s important to catch any infestation early.

Proposed Bill 5874 would require that companies that provide rental furniture services inspect the furniture for bed bugs prior to the furniture being rented and provide certification that it is bed bug free.  This is good news as many consumers in the United States have launched complaints in recent years against various furniture rental companies stating that they have received used furniture that is infested with bed bugs.  Consumers are often blindsided by the nighttime attacks of bed bugs and the ensuing costs in eradicating the bugs when they rent used furniture.  Furniture rental companies often blame any bed bug infestation issue on the consumer who has entered into a rental contract so there is often a dispute as to who is at fault.  If you choose to rent furniture, it would be wise to have a bed bug sniffing dog check out the furniture before you bring it into your home.

Please check back on Wednesday for the conclusion.