Bed Bugs Infesting Homes, Businesses Nationwide at Record Pace

NEW YORK, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Once thought to be all but wiped out, bed bug outbreaks have been growing in alarming numbers and infesting homes and commercial spaces around the world, generating increasing concern from scientists, health professionals, hoteliers and the general public. Infestations can cost thousands of dollars to treat, from spraying costly and dangerous insecticides, to throwing out and replacing furniture.

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During the 2009 Environmental Protection Agency's Bed Bug Summit, public health and pest control experts warned that bed-bug outbreaks in the U.S. have tripled since 2005.  Recognizing the potential impact of a sustained epidemic, many states across the country, from New York to Ohio, have formed task forces and advisory boards aimed at preventing the spread of bed bugs through public education.

Although they are most commonly associated with beds, these insects can live in any dark space, including behind picture frames, in couch cushions, rugs, and curtains. Recently bed bug infestations have plagued prominent apparel retail locations, movie theaters and airplanes.  They have even been found to nest in coffee makers.  

Infestations are not a reflection of cleanliness or hygiene; even the cleanest homes and environments are potential targets of bed bug infestations. An outbreak can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. Bed bugs are notoriously easy to transfer from one place to another.  They can travel in luggage or even hitch a ride on clothing.

Gail Getty, a noted Entomologist at the University of California Berkley offers some tips on travel and bed bugs and the importance of being proactive before you have a problem.

At Home

• Clean your home regularly and reduce clutter
• Wash bedding, draperies and clothing in hot water
• Regularly vacuum floors, bedding and curtains
• Fully encase every mattress, box spring and pillow in your home with protectors that feature reinforced seams and zippers like the entomologist tested AllergyLuxe ARM & HAMMER Bed Bug Barrier line. These encasements  are proven to effectively keep bedbugs out of box springs, mattresses, and pillows; If the bedding has already been infested, AllergyLuxe Bed Bug Barrier mattress, box spring and pillow protectors will trap bed bugs inside, disrupting their feeding routine and ultimately eliminating them

When Traveling

• Pack your clothes in a bed-bug proof pillow encasement to keep them safe in your luggage; The AllergyLuxe ARM & HAMMER Bed Bug Barrier pillow encasement works well because it features reinforced seams and micro-zipper technology
• Before entering a hotel room, leave your luggage at the door while you spot check your hotel bed; Look in the seams of the mattress and around the bed skirt for small brown stains (a sure sign that bed bugs have already gotten to the room)
• Slide a piece of paper or cardboard behind the headboard and make sure it comes out clean  If not, the room may be infested.  Picture frames, baseboard and curtains should also be checked
• Keep luggage zippered at all times
• Keep your clothes in a zipped suitcase for the entirety of your stay; do not unpack into hotel drawers and closets
• When you get home, carefully unpack your clothing directly into the washer and immediately wash and dry all clothing - and thoroughly inspect your entire suitcase

There is a good chance that the bed bug epidemic will never fully go away, but taking simple proactive steps like these at home and on the road can help minimize your chance of becoming a victim.

ABOUT ALLERGYLUXE® BED BUG BARRIER BEDDING COLLECTION

The entomologist-tested AllergyLuxe ARM & HAMMER Bed Bug Barrier line features reinforced seams and micro-zipper technology that guarantee the most secure encasement and protection from bed bug infestations. Additionally, the line features ARM & HAMMER odor neutralizing technology; an innovative antimicrobial shield which helps prevent mold, mildew and bacteria to effectively reduce odors. The line includes mattress protectors, pillow protectors, and box spring protectors. The AllergyLuxe ARM & HAMMER Bed Bug Barrier line is available at Bed Bath and Beyond stores nationwide and at www.bedbathandbeyond.com

ABOUT LONDON LUXURY LLC

London Luxury LLC is one of the nation's leading manufacturers of innovative and premium textile products for the home. The company is based in New Rochelle, New York, with a showroom in New York City. For more information please visit www.londonlux.com.  

ARM & HAMMER is a trademark of Church & Dwight Co., Inc. and is used under license by London Luxury LLC.

Media Contacts:
Emily Peck
kwittken + company
646.747.7149
[email protected]

SOURCE London Luxury LLC