Community concerned about bed bug infestation in Pocatello

(KIFI/KIDK) According to pest control experts, Pocatello is seeing an increase in bed bugs.

“We have found that it is not just at the shelter, it is throughout South East Idaho. In a lot of housing accommodations, it is at the jail, it can be at motels, they are anywhere,” said BJ Stensland, the Executive Director at Aid for Friends.

Not only are the bugs annoying, but they survive on the blood of mammals and that includes humans.

“This year we have seen more patients coming in with really they do not know what is going on. But the bites and lesions that see are pretty characteristic of bed bug bites. so really we have been seeing a lot more of that,” commented Dr. Kurtis Holt, the Director of the Emergency Department at the Portneuf Medical Center.

Some professionals in the area believe that part of the reason businesses and public buildings cannot keep up with bed bugs is because they keep getting reintroduced by new people. Between students coming to Idaho State University, people visiting Pocatello and people working for the rail road, there are lots of people coming through Pocatello.

“Because of the rotation of people, it is hard to keep [bed bugs] under control,” added Stensland.

One motel manager in Pocatello said they spray for bed bugs, but everyday they get new people staying there. Which means, that everyday a new person could reintroduce bed bugs into their building.

It is so easy to spread bed bugs, a person could pick up a bed bug on their jacket and then start an infestation in their home.

One way to prevent the spread of bed bugs it so keep your clothes off the floor of motels. Check the stitching around bedding for possible signs of bed bugs or bed bug stains. And if you have been traveling, make sure to wash out your suitcase and wash your clothes in hot water.

If you do see bed bugs in your home, it is important you call a pest control company right away to prevent the infestation from getting worse.