During the 6p.m. newscast Monday night, WRAL featured local extermination company Triangle Pest Control in a video segment titled "Bed bugs cause havoc in Triangle." The segment addressed the growing incidence of bed bugs infestations in Raleigh, Durham and the surrounding areas.
Bed bug researchers at NC State say bed bug complaints increased 50% in the Triangle over the last year alone. According to Dr. Mike Waldvogel, an entomologist at NC State, the Triangle is experiencing the worst comeback of the pests in the state. Due to the persistance of the insect, researchers recommend calling a professional for bed bug extermination. "Bed bug control," Waldvogel says, "is not a do-it-yourself."
The news segment featured Mike Dinatale, a Triangle Pest Control exterminator, and Donnie Shelton, CEO of Triangle Pest Control. The company says that two years ago, its inspectors received 1 - 2 bed bug complaints per month. Currently, the company receives 20 - 30 calls about the pests per month.
To discover what a bed bug treatment entails, WRAL reporter Beau Minnick followed Triangle Pest Control out on two bed bug inspections, one of which demonstrated just how damaging an untreated infestation can become. While bed bugs earned their name by feeding on sleeping human hosts, the pests can live anywhere in the home, preferring dark cracks and crevices.
