Bring Home Memories - Not Bed Bugs - This Spring Break!National Pest Management Association The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the professional pest control industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property, reflected both in the offers travelers tips to prevent bed bug infestations. FAIRFAX, Va. -- Spring break is no longer simply for college students. Now, many adults also "break" the winter blues by heading for warmer destinations. As spring break approaches, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA NPMA National Pest Management Association NPMA National Property Management Association NPMA National Petroleum Management Association NPMA National Project Management Association NPMA Non-Preemptive Multiple Access NPMA National Podiatric Medical Association ) reminds all travelers of the risk of bringing home bed bugs from their spring sojourns, especially as the NPMA continues to note a 71% increase in reports of these pests since 2001. "Bed bugs are elusive, nocturnal nocturnal /noc·tur·nal/ (nok-tur´n'l) pertaining to, occurring at, or active at night. noc·tur·nal adj. 1. Of, relating to, or occurring in the night. 2. pests that thrive on blood." says Greg Baumann, senior scientist for NPMA. "While these pests do not transmit diseases, bed bugs inject an anesthetic-like liquid that numbs the skin as they bite, leaving their victims undisturbed un·dis·turbed adj. Not disturbed; calm. undisturbed Adjective 1. quiet and peaceful: an undisturbed village 2. . It is only when people awake that they find unexplained, itchy itch·y adj. Having or causing an itching sensation. red welts covering their bodies." One reason that bed bugs pose such a problem for travelers is their keen ability to "hitchhike hitch·hike v. hitch·hiked, hitch·hik·ing, hitch·hikes v.intr. To travel by soliciting free rides along a road. v.tr. To solicit or get (a free ride) along a road. ." Bed bugs can travel easily - from beds to sofa cushions, from room to room and even home via suitcases. Once an infestation infestation /in·fes·ta·tion/ (-fes-ta´shun) parasitic attack or subsistence on the skin and/or its appendages, as by insects, mites, or ticks; sometimes used to denote parasitic invasion of the organs and tissues, as by helminths. develops, bed bugs are extremely difficult to remove and require the experience of a pest professional to eliminate an infestation. More, it is important for travelers to understand the prevalence of bed bugs. "Although many associate bed bugs with sanitation levels, this is simply a myth," states Baumann. "Vigilance is critical, especially as we know that a five star resort can be as susceptible to bed bugs as a hostel." The NPMA offers three tips to prevent bed bugs from returning home with travelers: 1. At hotels, pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, particularly at the corners, for telltale stains or spots. If you see anything suspect, change rooms/establishments immediately. 2. Thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking, including behind the headboard and in sofas/chairs. If any pests are spotted, change rooms/establishments immediately. 3. After traveling, inspect your suitcases before bringing them into the house. Vacuum them thoroughly and wash all of your clothes in hot water. For more information on bed bugs, visit: www.pestworld.org. The NPMA, a non-profit organization A non-profit organization (abbreviated "NPO", also "non-profit" or "not-for-profit") is a legally constituted organization whose primary objective is to support or to actively engage in activities of public or private interest without any commercial or monetary profit purposes. with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property. |
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