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Scientists Believe Bedbug Plague “Real”, Not “Hype”, Reveals Survey by Principal Investigators Association

Naples, FL. Fifty-eight percent of scientists responding to a survey by Principal Investigators Association believe there really is a surge in bedbug infestations. Another 28% think media reports are just spotlighting a problem that was always there. Only 15% of researchers believe that media attention is causing exaggerated, or even false, reports of incidents.

The survey was conducted October 6-12, through the Association’s weekly ezine PI e-Alert, which is emailed to thousands of researchers in all fields of science. The response was voluntary, so the results should be regarded as only “indicative”, not statistically proven, said publisher Leslie Norins, MD, PhD.

Just over half of respondents reported bedbugs afflicted somebody known to them. Of this group, a startling 38% had been affected personally. Another 23% said the insects had troubled their “significant other” or family. The remaining 47% of the group knew of infestation suffered by colleagues or friends.

By far, the two leading sites of personal encounters with bedbugs were “home” (43%) and “hotel” (41%). Dormitories accounted for just 7% and airplanes barely 1%. Fifty-three percent of the scientists were aware of report of bedbug infestations in their neighborhood, town, or state.

Experts and pest control companies are still debating optimal measures to kill and prevent bedbugs. Scientists as a group are equally uncertain. Fumigation was recommended by 19%, chemical powder or spray by 16%, and steam by 15%. “Something else” was the remedy for 49%.

Only half the respondents felt they could identify an insect as a “bedbug” with an accuracy of over 50%.

Because scientists travel a good deal to national meetings, the survey asked if they were now taking any special “bedbug” precautions for such trips. Numerous tactics we reported. Notable were:

• At hotels, check the sheets and mattress for blood stains (from previous victims) and bug feces. Change hotels if necessary.
• Keep luggage off floor; hang all clothes in closet
• In advance, check online travel warning boards for posting of infestation at your contemplated hotel—though it was noted these may not be accurate and are often outdated.

Respondents were invited to note experiences with the bedbug problem. Illustrative incidents from scores submitted include:

• While interviewing for a faculty position, brought home bedbugs from the high-end hotel where they housed me. We had to dispose of half our belongings, and eradication cost over $18,000.
• On a trip to Madrid received hundreds of bedbug bites. Developed severe hives affecting eyes and throat. Now travel with “epi” (epinephrine) pen.
• Most people never suspect. Brought bedbugs home from hotel. Also had to have office treated.
• Eradication can take 6-8 months. Get rid of mattress. Fumigate. Spray. Dryclean or hot-launder all clothes.
• Was bitten in New York, Seattle, and Colorado Springs (5-star resort)

Frustration was expressed with lack of official guidelines and “cures”. “Why don’t the NIH, FDA and Department of Agriculture stop chasing third-world diseases and get us effective bedbug prophylaxis and treatment right here in the USA?” Also: “Test hundreds of already-approved compounds for efficacy against bedbugs”. And: “The hysterical DDT ban not only allowed malaria to kill millions, it deprived us of a great agent to aid bedbug control.”

Principal Investigators’ Association is a not-for-profit organization which helps scientists in all fields of research better perform their managerial and administrative duties by providing expert advice and continuing professional education. Topics covered include: preparing better grant applications, optimal management of lab staff, mentoring fellows and students, maintaining research integrity, etc. Dissemination of information is through newsletters, ezines, Webinars, and special reports.