Joint Statement on Bed Bug Control in the United States from CDC and EPA

Submitted by Ann.Brockhaus on November 23, 2010 - 4:49pm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have posted a Joint Statement on Bed Bug Control in the United States. This document highlights emerging public health issues associated with bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) in communities throughout the United States.

 
According to the Joint Statement, the United States is one of many countries now experiencing an alarming resurgence in the population of bed bugs. “Though the exact cause is not known, experts suspect the resurgence is associated with increased resistance of bed bugs to available pesticides, greater international and domestic travel, lack of knowledge regarding control of bed bugs due to their prolonged absence, and the continuing decline or elimination of effective vector/pest control programs at state and local public health agencies.”
 
The document includes useful photos and sections on: 
  • Impact of Bed Bugs on Public Health
  • Bed Bug Biology
  • Integrated Pest Management for Bed Bugs
  • The Role of Government Agencies and the Public in Bed Bug Control
  • Additional Information and Resources

The document is available on the CDC website at: 

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehs/Publications/Bed_Bugs_CDC-EPA_Statement.htm

In addition, EPA has developed a search tool that can help you choose an EPA-registered bed bug product that meets your needs. You can search for a product by its:

  • Name
  • Company
  • EPA-registration number
  • Where you can use the pesticide
  • Pesticide type

This tool is available on the EPA website at:  http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/bedbug/