Bedbug Infestations In NYC To Increase In 2011: Experts

Bedbug Infestations To Explode In 2011: Experts

Bedbug infestations are expected to soar in 2011, especially during the summer, experts say.

The pests are at their most numerous during July, August and September, according to Jeffrey White, a research entomologist for BedbugCentral.com.

"I firmly believe that this year is going to be worse than last year," White said at a bedbug seminar Wednesday, according to the Daily News. "If we combine the seasonal trend, with the bugs getting more and more embedded in our community, that allows the bugs to make that resurgence all the more stronger."

Close to 404,000 people, or 7 percent of New York City, reported bedbug infestations in 2009, according to the Health Department.

Last summer, bedbugs nearly brought the city to its knees, infesting department stores, movie theaters, and even forcing the temporary closure of a hospital wing.

The problem was so bad, it started affecting tourism.

Some landlords have even started requiring prospective tenants to disclose whether they've ever had bedbugs.

But we mustn't let these formidable, resilient bloodsuckers win. For tips on how to avoid getting bedbugs, check out today's Daily News article.

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