Bedbug epidemic could possibly hit South Africa

Globally the hospitality industry, domestic industry and the travelling public were oblivious to the health threat caused by bedbugs. Only now that the situation is becoming critical, are people reacting. The Bedbug Seminar, taking place on 31 March in Johannesburg and 2 April in Cape Town, have called industry experts together to discuss this threatening epidemic and to find solutions. This includes Professor Michael F. Potter who is a professor of Entomology at the University of Kentucky.

In the past the answer to the problem was an insecticide called DDT. This product has now been discontinued. Pest control companies are therefore forced to research alternative methods to inhibit bedbug break outs. These days the onus falls heavily on the pest control industry to contain the problem. “The pest control industry will of course play a very important role in helping to catch infestations early when they are easiest to eradicate, and educating stakeholders what they must do to be vigilant,” says Professor Potter. “The discontinuance of DDT, along with other effective bedbug insecticides undoubtedly has given the bedbug an opportunity to rebound and we are suffering the consequences of that today,” Professor Potter commented. “DDT has been widely credited with saving many millions of lives throughout the world from disease-transmitting pests such as mosquitoes and body lice. The pesticide was also instrumental in decimating bedbug populations during the 1940's - 70 throughout much of the world.”

Increased movement of people from around the globe, changes in pest control methods, and a shift away from products that were previously more effective against bedbugs than products used today, has resulted in increased reports of bedbug activity. “Studies that we and other research groups have conducted clearly show that bedbugs have developed immunity to the most widely used insecticides available today for controlling bedbugs,” says Professor Potter. He is the key note speaker at the conference and is one of the most sought-after public speakers on the topic. He specialises in pests that infest buildings, people and property, providing cutting-edge research findings and information on pests to companies and their clients worldwide.

“Guest house owners are not at all educated on the topic of bed bugs and how to detect or avoid their presence. I have received quite a few distressed calls from owners who have detected bedbug activity, but have little or no measures in place to deal with the infestation,” says Lyndsay Jackson from Guest House Accommodation of South Africa.

Throughout history we have learnt that no one group can resolve the bed bug problem. Therefore, through constant communication between the industries affected (hospitality, travel, housing, health care, furniture and public sector), solutions can be brought to the table. “The public will also need to become vigilant. Years ago, travellers understood the risks of bedbugs and routinely checked their beds before turning in for the night and upon returning home inspected their belongings,” commented Professor Potter. The Bedbug Seminar hopes to initiate open communication channels between all affected parties to come up with a solution.