Continuing from Monday…

The nurse at the elementary school, where the couple’s child attends, admitted to the family that bed bugs are a problem at the school.  She reports that kids are being sent to her office with bed bug bites and bed bugs crawling on the kiddies coats.   When asked about the bed bugs within the elementary school, a Public School spokesperson said that they aren’t aware of any bed bug problem.

According to their local ordinances, the Health Department does not have the authority to inspect for bed bugs in apartment buildings, so they cannot provide any assistance to the couple.

This entire scenario is just one family, living a bed bug infestation nightmare.  It’s an example of what often plays out in many cities and towns across the United States.  It’s important for all government officials in every state to take bed bug infestations very seriously.   Specific and comprehensive bed bug infestation legislative guidelines should be developed to direct the general public, schools, apartment buildings, rental homes, hotels, retail stores, etc.

New York City is leading the charge with new bed bug laws that will hopefully help stop the spread of NYC bed bug infestations.  Maine has bed bug infestation laws on the books as well.  A new Bill has been introduced in Pennsylvania that would force property owners to pay for a bed bug inspection 30 days prior to a new lease being signed.  Property owners would also be required to have all common areas inspected for bed bugs every six month.  If the Bill passes, stiff penalties will be imposed on those who fail to comply.  The National Pest Management Association supports the development of statewide measures that would clearly define the responsibilities of landlords, tenants, and pest management professionals to stop the spread of bed bugs.

New York and New Jersey pest control experts say that there is no silver bullet when it comes to bed bug eradication.  Everyone must work together to solve this problem as it continues to spread across the United States as well as around the world!