Strategies for Housing Authorities and Other Lower-Income Housing Providers to Control Bed Bugs

摘要

Many factors have contributed to the global resurgence in bed bugs, and none of them show signs of abating. Insecticide resistance will continue to be a problem. The global economic crisis and natural disasters will continue to displace people around the globe, and bed bugs will travel with them. If the frequency and intensity of infestations increase, so too will the expenditure for detection and control. On the other hand, government and industry funding is decreasing or nonexistent. Because bed bug infestations have public health, financial, and social justice implications, housing authorities must adopt sustainable strategies for early detection and control. These strategies include incorporating bed bug detection into other inspections, working with Extension Entomologists, using treatments that are effective and specific to their environments, anticipating the needs of and facilitating communication to different demographic groups, proactive treatment of furniture, reexamining and prioritizing IPM programs, investigating new funding opportunities, and sharing information and resources with other authorities.