The increasing number of bed bugs are a problem being felt across the nation and here in Western New York. A notice posted on the website for the Health Sciences Charter School in Buffalo notified parents this week that a single bed bug was found inside the school and an exterminator was called.
Pete Tripi, from the Erie County Department of Health, said parents do not need to panic because the bigger problem is in homes where the insects bite sleeping individuals.
It is thought that changes in pesticide use, more international travel, and less awareness by the public is helping bed bugs spread.
"You have to bring them into your house, or someone else bring them in. They are hitchhikers," said Marc Potzler from Buffalo Exterminating / Ehrlich in Cheektowaga.
The Erie County Health Department is now trying to educate people to help control the spread of the bugs. The following link provides more information: http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=bed-bugs.
Bed bugs have not been found to transmit diseases. However, they are a considered a public health concern because they can cause problems leaving bumps or swollen welts if the victim is sensitive or allergic to the saliva injected while the insect feeds.
7 Eyewitness News reporter Ed Reilly has more in his report.
