Volume 11, Number 4—April 2005
Research
Bed Bug Infestations in an Urban Environment
Stephen W. Hwang*†
, Tomislav J. Svoboda*†, Iain J. De Jong‡, Karl J. Kabasele§, and Evie Gogosis*
, Tomislav J. Svoboda*†, Iain J. De Jong‡, Karl J. Kabasele§, and Evie Gogosis*
Table 2
Locations at homeless shelters affected by bed bugs and chemical and environmental control measures implemented
| Locations and control measures | No. shelters (%), N = 17 |
|---|---|
| Affected locations | |
| Sleeping rooms | 15 (88) |
| Bed or bed frames | 15 (88) |
| Mattresses | 13 (76) |
| Sheets | 13 (76) |
| Floorboards or walls | 9 (53) |
| Lockers | 3 (18) |
| Other* | 11 (65) |
| Nonsleeping rooms† | 11 (65) |
| Chemical control measures (insecticides) | |
| Spot treatment only | 4 (24) |
| Treatment of affected rooms | 5 (29) |
| Treatment of entire building‡ | 8 (47) |
| All beds dismantled and treated | 5 (29) |
| Environmental control measures | |
| Residents encouraged to shower and wash belongings | 17 (100) |
| Increased room inspections to detect infestations | 13 (76) |
| Ripped or torn mattresses discarded | 8 (47) |
| Limits on amount of personal belongings | 8 (47) |
| Beds and bedding steam cleaned and vacuumed | 6 (35) |
| Building renovations§ | 6 (35) |
| Adhesive boards on the legs of beds to trap bugs | 4 (24) |
| Replacing wooden beds with steel beds | 3 (18) |
*Other areas consisted of personal belongings, light fixtures, electrical switches and plugs, baseboards, carpeting, and other furniture.
†Affected nonsleeping rooms were the lounge, cafeteria, intake office, or storage room.
‡Treatment of the entire building entailed closing the shelter for 6 to 72 hours.
§See text for details.
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Page updated: May 23, 2011
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