WICHITA, Kansas -- They feed on your blood while you're sleeping and now bed bugs are making a comeback worldwide. In fact, some reports show a more than 500 percent increase over recent months. And a so-called 'Bed Bug Boot Camp' in Wichita is educating those in the lodging, multi-family and health care industries about how to deal with the pesky insects.
"It doesn't seem like anywhere is safe from bed bugs these days," said one woman. "Offices, movie theaters -- where are they going next?"
They're going wherever people are. The blood-sucking pests are notorious hitchhikers, catching a ride on clothing, bags or even second-hand furniture.
"It could be a five-star hotel, the nicest home in the community and you could have bed bugs," said Kevin Lemasters, associate certified entomologist.
In Connecticut, bed bugs climbed the pole inside a firehouse. In Pennsylvania, they infested a classroom. And in Colorado, bed bugs showed up in a library. There have also been outbreaks in a New York Victoria's Secret store and an Abercrombie and Fitch. They were most likely carried in, experts say, by unsuspecting customers.
"It has nothing to do with how sanitary or clean you keep things," said Lemasters.
There is no way to prevent bed bugs, so early detection and treatment are key. Experts advise against over-the-counter products, which can make the infestation worse. They suggest calling in professionals, like Patches, the insect detecting dog.
"She's 98-percent accurate in finding live bed bugs or viable eggs," said Mark Lillis, handler of KS Insect Detection Dog, "A human inspector is 30-percent accurate in visually finding bed bugs."
While there's an increase in the bed bug population worldwide, experts say you don't necessarily have to worry that they're in your home.
"I think that they need to start thinking about how they travel and where they travel and just be aware," said Jared Harris with BASF The Chemical Company.
Bed bugs are not known to carry diseases. One way to check if you have them is to take a hand warmer and place it on your bed near the headboard. Since the bugs are attracted to heat they may move toward the warmer. But keep in mind the method is not 100-percent accurate.
