City Cracking Down on Bed Bug Epidemic

There's a growing bed bug epidemic in New York City. Complaints to the city hotline, 3-1-1, jumped 34% last year, as over 9000 people called asking for guidance in their battle against the insects. In response, the New York City Council is creating a Bud Bug Advisory Board that'll develop a comprehensive strategy to rid the city of the pests. Council speaker Quinn calls the board an important first step:

The new advisory board will be made up of representatives from health, sanitation, and housing agencies, as well as an exterminator and an entomologist. There's division among professionals on the best way to get rid of bed bugs, and the Council hopes its board will present the city with a coordinated approach.

Exterminating bedbugs is costly, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on building specifics. Currently, there's a bed bug fact sheet available on the city's website and through 3-1-1.