Could You Be Shopping For Bed Bugs? - Maybe

Is There Really A Problem?

It's hard to turn on the news, listen to the radio, or read a newspaper or magazine without encountering a story about widespread infestations of bed bugs. They've made an alarming resurgence in recent years, and have reportedly been found in several respected establishments in New York City, a favorite shopping destination of the world. Stores affected include Bloomingdale's, Victoria's Secret, Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Nike.

But bed bugs are not just in New York, and they're not just in large cities. They've been reported in all 50 states, and can be found in rural and urban areas alike. So if these nasty little bugs are showing up in some of the finest stores in America, how can you be sure you're not bringing them home with you when you shop?

How Do Bed Bugs Get Into Stores in the first place?

One of the most widely circulated emails these days warns about clothing being shipped in from other countries where bed bugs are quite common. And naturally, they could spread to warehouses and then get shipped to stores. Snopes.com has suggested that this is probably a bit extreme. The infestation is more likely due to the fact that the bugs have spread due to increased international travel, resistance to present-day pesticides, and lack of awareness on the part of the public. Because the bugs can be found almost everywhere and are not easy to spot, they can make their way into any establishment. That's why it's so important to be on your guard.

In stores, someone may have purchased an item, taken it to a bug-infested home, and later returned it to the store where the bugs were able to spread to nearby items on clothing racks. Once the bugs are in the store and are taken into the dressing rooms, they can settle into the carpet, chairs, or crevices in the walls or moldings. And anyone not taking the following precautions could add to the problem.

Good Advice To Stay Safe While Shopping

Quickly scan the dressing room. You probably won't see the bugs in broad daylight: they prefer dark spaces... which is why they come out at night to feed. The bugs themselves might be hiding in the carpet, near baseboards, in crevices of any upholstered chairs in room, behind the mirror or moldings, or in wallpaper seams. But you might see evidence they've been there, such as shed skins from molting, or little brown specs on the furniture or walls that could be fecal remains.So make sure you hang up both your own clothing and anything you're trying on. Do not place the clothes on the floor, or on an upholstered chair. And don't forget about your purse! Bed bugs love to hide within the dark crevices and seams.Inspect clothing before you try it on. Especially look at seams, any ruffles, pleats, cuffs, pockets, and under collars.If you find any evidence at all of bed bugs, don't just freak out and leave the items in the store. The next person might not be so careful; and in the meantime, the bugs will be able to spread even more. Make sure you speak to a manager who is able to do something about the problem and likely to care enough to do so.If using mass transit (where bed bugs have also been reported), protect your new purchases by keeping the bags sealed and in your lap at all times. Don't lay them on the seat beside you.Protect Yourself At Home

In spite of these precautions, it's always possible that you may have missed some evidence of the bugs or their eggs. Although adult bedbugs can be seen (they resemble apple seeds in size and shape), immature bugs are very difficult to see.

Do not immediately hang up your new purchases in your closet or place them in drawers, possibly infecting your other clothes.Toss them in a hot dryer for 20 minutes. It's been reported that temperature extremes such as heat above 113 degrees F for at least 20 minutes (or cold below 23 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 5 days) can kill these bugs.Don't Let Your Guard Down.

It only takes one bug to create a real nightmare in your world. All this advice may seem a bit extreme at first glance. But the problem is very real. Getting rid of the bugs, once they've moved into your home, is extremely difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. It is so much easier to prevent the problem in the first place.

Linda S. Jones has a Master's Degree in Library Science and has worked as a Medical Librarian for over 20 years. Her passion is helping patients and their families connect with the best and most reliable health information online. Her two strongest pieces of advice: start any search for health-related information at http://www.medlineplus.gov/ and ALWAYS consult with a medical professional before making changes of any kind based on Internet information or hearsay from others.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Stevens_Jones

This article has been viewed 16 time(s).
Article Submitted On: October 30, 2010

View the original article here