There were 111 cases of acute illness confirmed from the use of insecticides to control bed bugs in seven states from 2003 to 2010, U.S. officials say. A report, published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, said 93 percent of the cases occurred among people living in private homes where the pesticides were applied by do-it-your-selfers. The ailments most frequently involved nervous system, respiratory and gastrointestinal effects, the report said.
“Frequently contributing factors included excessive insecticide application, failure to wash or change pesticide-treated bedding, and either a lack of notification or ineffective notification of pesticide application,” the report said.
If pesticides are warranted, certified applicators should do the application, health officials said.
WH&LA and Wil-Kil Pest Control have hosted several online webinars on treating and preventing bed bugs in lodging properties. Lodging members of WH&LA can access the webinar archive here.
The above link is password protected for lodging members only. If you need help logging in, email Michelle in the WH&LA office or call 262/782-2851.
EPA Region 4 and ENERGY STAR ® Present a FREE Webinar Series for Hospitality: Best Practices for Hotel Energy Management
