Bed bugs to blame for Econo Lodge Fire

ProChem ProActive - Always hire a professional

Connect MidMissouri (2014) explained,

JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- The Jefferson City Fire Department revealed Thursday that a fire at the Jefferson City Econo Lodge started because staff there were trying to exterminate bed bugs with a propane-based heater.

Thursday, a burned mattress and some other debris were all that remained of the room's interior.

Although several rooms suffered damage, the fire was mostly contained to one room since the walls are made of concrete.

However, desk clerk Jason Thomas said using a propane heater to get rid of bed bugs is an industry standard.

"That's standard practice among many of the hotels," Thomas said. "We take any report of bed bugs very seriously. Whether there is a problem or not, we take it very seriously. We shut down the room, we do a thorough search through it."

Thomas said the discovery of bed bugs in one of their rooms was an isolated incident. "We get a report like this maybe once or twice a year at most," Thomas said. "It's very rare for us. But when it does happen, we take it serously because we know how quickly something like that can spread."

Kent Marsh of Aces Pest Solutions said last year, he approached Jefferson City Econo Lodge owner Sam Patel about the problem, but that his services were turned down. "I think he was in the frame of mind that he wanted to do it himself," Marsh said.

"If you're trying to self re-mediate with heat, you could catch yourself on fire, your house, your belongings," Marsh said. "It takes proper equipment, proper training."

Thomas said after the fire, they will likely hire an outside professional to investigate if any bed bugs remain.

According to the Cole County Health Department, they received three reports of bed bugs at Econo Lodge over the past two years, two of which were founded.

Marsh said destroying the bugs is a science. He said the bugs can be found in bed frames and headboards, but also anywhere in a home or an apartment.

"The problem is going to get worse. It's not going away. It's gotten this bad, in the United States we're seeing extreme amount of populations, 500% growth rates," Marsh said.

Marsh said the bugs can multiply into the tens of thousands within 120 days. He said if you see them, call a professional immediately.
http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/story.aspx?id=1044956#.U3ke0yg9pnM

Passengers detain train over bed bugs

Deccan Chronicle (2014) explained,

ProChem ProActive - Bedbugs are where ever people are.

Villupuram: Irate passengers of the Mannarkudi-Chennai Mannai Express delayed the train by two hours, protesting against bed bugs, at  Villupuram junction on Saturday. The passengers of an AC coach had spent a sleepless night on account of this, they complained to the railway authorities at a few previous stations and pulled the chain when the train reached Villupuram at 2:45 am.

Railway officials offered to carry out cleaning operations, but the passengers said they wanted the coach replaced. They refused to board the train, venting their ire on the railways for poor service.

The authorities pointed out that there were no additional coaches available for immediate replacement and pacified the passengers by replacing the bed rolls in the coach.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140427/nation-current-affairs/article/passengers-detain-train-over-bed-bugs

Bed Bugs Become Growing Problem

Prochem Proactive - bedbugs can be anywhere.

KFYR TV (2014) explained,
As people are becoming more mobile, bed bugs are becoming a growing problem across the country, even in North Dakota.

Bed bugs are considered one of the most difficult pests to control because of their quick breeding capabilities and tendency to hide in small, dark places, like headboards and baseboards, electrical outlets and box springs.

Often, people don't even know they have bed bugs until they develop bite marks on their body while sleeping, which could take up to 14 days.

But, there are different treatments available to get rid of the bed bugs.

"The whole home is heated.  A crew comes in and they heat up the whole house and they drive the air with the fans and everything to sort of make a giant convection oven inside your house,” says Brian Francis of Plunkett’s Pest Control.

There are also chemical treatments that can be done by professionals. Bed bugs aren't considered to be dangerous, but if people have a bad reaction they should seek medical attention.

http://www.kfyrtv.com/story/25313219/bed-bugs-become-growing-problem