Nursing home bedbugs a growing problem

Hospitals doing a better job than nursing homes dealing with pests


Your roommate in the nursing home might be a bedbug, according to an article on the NPR website.

Nearly 60 percent of exterminators have found bedbugs in nursing homes in the past year, according to an industry survey. That number is up from 46 percent in 2013. 

Bedbug reports in other medical facilities have gone up slightly. Thirty-six percent of exterminators reported seeing them in hospitals, up from 33 percent. Infestations seen in doctors' offices rose from 26 percent to 33 percent in the past two years, the article said.

"Nursing homes would be difficult to treat for the simple reason you don't use any pesticides there," said Billy Swan, an exterminator. 

"There are a lot of theories as to why they've made a comeback," said Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association. It could be differences in pest management practices, insecticide resistance, or just increased travel. "Bottom line is nobody knows what caused it, but bedbugs are back." 

Read the article.

 

 



June 25, 2015


Topic Area: Environmental Services


Recent Posts

Wanted: Scientific Standard for Hospital Cleaning

No accepted criteria exist for defining a surface as clean using microbiologic methods.


NLCS Strengthens Safety and Compliance with Comprehensive Electrical Program

Case study: A renewed partnership with Siemens helps the senior living provider meet NFPA 70B standards, reduce risk, and enhance reliability across its communities.


Sun Valley Surgery Center Suffers a Data Breach

On September 3, 2025, SVSC became aware of a potential issue involving SVSC’s information systems.


EV Charging Stations: Planning for Safety, Convenience, Expansion

Managers need to ensure patient access, coordinate with clinical operations and ensure every phase of construction supports the facility's mission.


Why Ambulatory Surgery Centers Are Turning to Dedicated HVAC Systems

Design experts from Neenan Archistruction explain how single-unit HVAC systems for each operating room enhance infection control, comfort, and resiliency.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.