The Intruding Bed Bugs

I received an email some time ago from my sister. She had received one from a friend that explained WHY we are going through a bed bug epidemic. This is important information for ALL shoppers here in the states!!

During this season of buying and wrapping, I thought it wise to share this article regarding the bed bug and how easily it is transmitted. It doesn't matter if you shop online or in the local mall. Everyone needs to read this.

"Information worth passing on. Hope none of us ever experience this!

I had been hearing about a bed bug epidemic, but not what caused it.

A bit of information that you might like to know about. We have friends here in our community and one of their sons is an entomologist (insect expert), and has been telling them that there is an epidemic of bed bugs now occurring in America. Recently I have heard on the news that several stores in NYC have had to close due to bed bug problems, as well as a complete mall in New Jersey.

He says that since much of our clothing, sheets, towels, etc. now comes from companies outside of America, (sad but true), even the most expensive stores sell foreign clothing from China, Indonesia, etc. The bed bugs are coming in on the clothing as these countries do not consider them a problem.

He recommends that if you buy any new clothing, even underwear and socks, sheets, towels, etc. that you bring them into the house and put them in your clothes dryer for at least 20 minutes. The heat will kill them and their eggs. DO NOT PURCHASE CLOTHES AND HANG THEM IN THE CLOSET FIRST. It does not matter what the price range is of the clothing, or if the outfit comes from the most expensive store known in the U.S. They still get shipments from these countries and the bugs can come in a box of scarves or anything else for that matter. That is the reason why so many stores, many of them clothing stores have had to shut down in NYC and other places.

All you need is to bring one item into the house that has bugs or eggs and you will go to hell and back trying to get rid of them. He travels all over the country as an advisor to many of these stores, as prevention and after they have the problem.

Send this information on to those on your e-mail list so that this good prevention information gets around quickly."

Now this really is one of those gross subjects!! But we need to be cautious in our purchases!! Check over the item carefully before wrapping! Obviously, you can't wash and dry items that you are giving as gifts but you can look them over carefully. Remember, it doesn't matter what store it is anymore!! These little critters can live a long time without sustenance! Which makes them easier to spread!

If you are traveling and stop in at a motel, be sure to inspect the bed, under the sheets, in the crevices of the mattress. DO NOT put your suitcase on the bed even if you don't find anything! Keep it up off the floor on the luggage rack.

If you use common sense and remember that it doesn't matter how clean a person is in determining who will get bed bugs, you will go a long way in protecting you and your family!!

For pictures and more information about this little critter, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bed_bug. View at your own risk! I hate bugs so I didn't post any pictures here.

Thanks for listening!! Please pass this on!!