Bed Bug Infestations Are Back in the News

Cinnaminson, NJ, September 13, 2013

Earlier this month, Fox News published a report about an alarming increase in the number of Wisconsin residents complaining about the presence of bed bugs. According to the article, public health officials in the state have seen a remarkable increase in calls concerning the pests over the past two to three years.

Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. The insects are found worldwide and up until the several years ago were considered by many as primarily a problem in developing countries. Today, there are reports of bed bugs infestations in everything from single family homes and apartment complexes to fancy hotels and resorts.

Bed bugs can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. Some people may also suffer an allergic reaction. Sometimes the itching can lead to excessive scratching that can increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.

“Bed bugs are experts at hiding, which makes them difficult to find at times,” reported Charles Li, Ph.D., Director of PCR and DNA Analysis at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Their flat bodies allow them to hide in small of spaces and stay there for extended periods of time. EMSL provides bed bug testing services utilizing advanced qPCR techniques. This means that samples can be collected from bedding or another area by simply swabbing the edge of a bed, bedroom baseboards, or even dust samples from carpeting can be used.  Results can be available in hours that will indicate if bed bugs are present or not.” 

EMSL recently sponsored an online educational video about bed bugs that can be seen at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfAt_UAgNqA

To learn more about testing for bed bugs or other indoor environmental issues, please contact EMSL Analytical at www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, microbial pathogen, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com