DAVENPORT, Iowa - After disappearing for almost 50 years, bed bugs are making an alarming comeback. Big cities are battling these tiny insects; and not just in hotels, but on airplanes and movie theaters, too. The National Management Control Association says they've seen a 71% increase in bed bug related calls.
Environmental Health Specialist Jackie Hall of the Scott County Health Department says cases of bed bugs have been very rare in the county. Their most recent report of these was in October of last year.
"Usually what you would see is the evidence of bedbugs which could be small brownish spots," Hall says. And, since they feed off of human blood, it can also leave evidence on your skin. "It would be some kind of a rash and it's going to vary greatly from one individual to the next."
The Health Department blames international travel as reason these bugs are multiplying at such a high rate. Even though they don't transmit diseases, they can hitch a ride on your clothes when you go back home.
When you return home from a trip, inspect your luggage and wash all of your clothes, even those you didn't wear. If you do end up with an infestation at home, Hall says it is best to call a professional exterminator.
Environmental Health Specialist Jackie Hall of the Scott County Health Department says cases of bed bugs have been very rare in the county. Their most recent report of these was in October of last year.
"Usually what you would see is the evidence of bedbugs which could be small brownish spots," Hall says. And, since they feed off of human blood, it can also leave evidence on your skin. "It would be some kind of a rash and it's going to vary greatly from one individual to the next."
The Health Department blames international travel as reason these bugs are multiplying at such a high rate. Even though they don't transmit diseases, they can hitch a ride on your clothes when you go back home.
When you return home from a trip, inspect your luggage and wash all of your clothes, even those you didn't wear. If you do end up with an infestation at home, Hall says it is best to call a professional exterminator.
