Epidemic of Bed Bugs Reported and Ways to Identify their Presence

Late last year, Fox News published an article about epidemic levels of bed bug infestations in parts of Ohio. According to their report, exterminators, especially in northeastern cities in the state, shared stories of bed bugs being found in everything from stores and medical offices to homes. The article even discussed children bringing them into their houses from school when the insects are brought back in their school bags.

Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of people and animals, usually while they sleep. They are experts at hiding, which can make them difficult to find. The presence of bed bugs can be an ongoing annoyance because they often cause itching and loss of sleep for people living in or visiting an infested property. Some people may even suffer allergic reactions to their presence.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “If you have a bed bug infestation, it is best to find it early, before the infestation becomes established or spreads. Treating a minor infestation, while an inconvenience, is far less costly and easier than treating the same infestation after it becomes more widespread.”

“Fortunately, there is a simple way to test for the presence of bed bugs that can help identify the insects before a full blown infestation occurs,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “A dust sample is collected and sent to the laboratory where it is analyzed using advanced and highly sensitive DNA-based techniques. If test results indicate the insects are present, corrective actions can then be implemented to eradicate the pests before conditions get worse. At EMSL we are pleased to offer this service along with a convenient Bed Bug Test Kit.”

To help inform the public, property managers and business owners about bed bugs, EMSL has sponsored an educational video that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/gfAt_UAgNqA.

To learn more about testing for bed bugs or other indoor environmental quality issues, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To access the Bed Bug Test Kit, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail