All articles tagged with #infestations
The article humorously details various infestations and pest issues faced by staffers at The Autopian, including bats, ants, mice, and invasive ducks, along with their experiences and solutions for managing these problems.
Orkin has released its annual ranking of worst cities for bed bugs, with six Ohio cities making the list. Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia top the list, while Cleveland-Akron, Columbus, Cincinnati, Youngstown, Toledo, and Dayton are among the top 50. Orkin provides tips for identifying and preventing bed bug infestations, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections, reducing clutter, and being cautious while traveling.
Orkin's annual ranking of the most bed bug-infested cities in the US places Chicago at the top spot for the fourth year in a row, with New York City following closely. The list is based on the metro areas where the company provided the most treatments for bed bugs in the last year. Complaints about bed bugs in New York City surged 17% in 2023, with an increase in cases reported. Experts attribute the rise to increased domestic and international travel, particularly from Central and South America.
South Korea has declared war on bedbugs after a surge in reported cases, with bathhouses, university dorms, and train stations on high alert. The sudden resurgence of the pests, following similar outbreaks in other countries, has caused alarm among the public. Pest control firms are inundated with requests for help, and social media is filled with pictures and accounts of encounters with the insects. Concerns over being stigmatized for hygiene reasons may lead to underreporting of cases. The government is collaborating with private pest control companies and expediting the import of new pesticides. The capital city of Seoul is launching a bedbug reporting and management system and will provide pest control support for small housing units. Resistance to insecticides and increased travel post-Covid are believed to be contributing factors to the outbreaks. Preventive measures and early responses are emphasized.
Infestations of more resilient bedbugs have been reported in Japan, with the Japan Pest Control Association receiving a significant increase in inquiries about bedbugs. The rise in bedbug population is attributed to an increase in travelers to Japan, although the number of inquiries remained consistent during the COVID-19 pandemic when borders were closed. Bedbugs are difficult to locate as they live in cracks and gaps of various objects and feed on human and pet blood. The insects are well-adapted to human habitats and can survive for several months without feeding. Despite the decline in inbound tourists, the rate of bedbug inquiries did not decrease significantly, indicating that bedbugs may be spreading within the country.
France has been gripped by a national hysteria over a rise in bedbug infestations, with media coverage and discussions dominating the public discourse. While there has been a real increase in cases, the panic seems disproportionate to the actual threat posed by bedbugs. Although highly unpleasant, bedbugs do not spread diseases and their bites are not long-lasting. The panic may be fueled by concerns about France's reputation among visitors, as the country is currently hosting the rugby union World Cup and will host the Olympic Games next year. The government has held a crisis meeting and taken measures to address the issue, including increased inspections and cleaning regimes.
France's transport minister has called for calm as reports of bedbug infestations in Paris and other cities increase. The minister pledged to work with transport operators and cleaning companies to find more efficient solutions to tackle the issue. Videos showing bedbugs on public transportation and in public areas have gone viral on social media, causing concern among the public. The French environment ministry attributes the resurgence of bedbugs to international travel and increased resistance to pesticides. Experts note that bedbug infestations tend to rise during late summer due to increased travel. Bedbugs are difficult to eliminate and require professional treatment. Lower-income households in Paris are being supported with the costs of dealing with infestations.
Paris is grappling with a bedbug infestation ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, with social media posts showing the insects on public transportation and in movie theaters. The city's deputy mayor has called for urgent action to address the problem, stating that "no one is safe" from infestations. A recent survey revealed that about 1 in 10 French households have been infested with bedbugs, and the issue is on the rise due to increased travel and pesticide resistance. Bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases but can cause sleep disorders and mental health issues. Similar sightings have been reported in Marseille, prompting residents to take precautions to keep the pests out.
Bed bugs have been found at several major hotels and resorts in Las Vegas, according to a report. State health records reveal that at least seven establishments, including Circus Circus, Caesars Palace, and MGM Grand, have dealt with infestations over the past year and a half. While some of the hotels have taken prompt action to address the issue, Nevada authorities do not impose fines or penalties. Experts suggest that guests should inspect mattresses for signs of infestation when staying at high-traffic venues. Signs of bed bugs include rust-colored stains, dirt spots, visible bugs, and rashes on bitten individuals.
Several restaurants and food vendors in Orange County were ordered to close by health inspectors due to various health violations, including cockroach and rodent infestations, insufficient hot water, and sewage overflow. Some establishments have since reopened after addressing the issues.