Study Takes a Biting Look at Bedbugs

Jan. 19, 2011 - PRLog -- West Chicago, IL - As many as 20 percent of Americans have had a bedbug infestation in their home or know someone who has encountered bedbugs, according to a study just released by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).*

The study found that those Americans most affected by bedbugs tend to live in urban areas where the incidence of bedbugs is three times higher than in rural ones.

Further, most Americans believe the bedbug problem in the United States is on the increase and are most concerned about encountering bedbugs in the following locations:

·       Hotels, 80 percent

·       Public transportation, 52 percent

·       Movie theaters, 49 percent

·       Their own homes, 36 percent

·       Where they work, 32 percent

Although the report finds Americans are taking steps to minimize their risk of encountering bedbugs-even washing luggage after a long trip-there are still a lot of misconceptions about the pests, most specifically that the only way to eradicate them is through the use of powerful and potentially dangerous pesticides.


"Our industry must take steps to help end users realize [that] there are effective and more environmentally responsible-strategies available to eradicate bedbugs," says Michael Schaffer, a senior executive with Tacony's commercial floorcare division and President of Tornado Industries, who is publishing a White Paper specifically addressing the bedbug problem.

For instance, Schaffer suggests using professional steam cleaners can prove very helpful.

He adds that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends when controlling any type of pests, "the most effective strategy may be an approach known as integrated pest management (IPM), which emphasizes the limited use of pesticides."

In fact, pesticide treatments alone can often prove ineffective because it may not kill the eggs, according to Schaffer.

"Due to the insidious nature of bedbugs, eradicating them can be a challenge," he says. "But by using an integrated pest management approach and employing specific [cleaning] equipment and measures, bedbugs can be eliminated with less impact on users, building occupants, and the environment."

*Released January 11, 2011

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About Tornado a Tacony Company

Tornado Industries has been designing and engineering quality cleaning equipment for more than 80 years. The company has a long history of developing innovative products and applying the latest technology to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve safety. Tornado prides itself on always being on the cutting edge of floor care cleaning solutions.



Tornado® Industries, Inc.
333 Charles Court #109

West Chicago, IL 60185
Phone: 800-Vacuums (800-822-8867); Fax: 708-867-6968
Chicago Phone: (630) 818-1300
e-mail: sales@tornadovac.com