New Hampshire is facing a growing problem that is making life uncomfortable for residents across several cities—bed bugs. These small, parasitic insects are notorious for infesting homes, hotels, and apartments, causing itchy bites and severe distress to those affected. While the presence of bed bugs is not new, the recent surge in infestations in several New Hampshire cities has raised alarms for residents and authorities alike. As the battle to control these pests intensifies, local governments are stepping up efforts to curb the invasion.
The Growing Problem of Bed Bugs in New Hampshire
In recent months, five major cities in New Hampshire have reported significant increases in bed bug infestations. From apartments to hotels, these insects are spreading rapidly, causing sleepless nights and distress among residents. The increasing problem has prompted the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to issue public health warnings and guidelines on how to handle infestations.
Bed bugs are particularly problematic because they are often hard to detect and eradicate. They are small, reddish-brown insects that hide in cracks and crevices, usually emerging at night to feed on the blood of humans and animals. Their bites can cause itching, swelling, and allergic reactions in some people.
5 New Hampshire Cities Struggling with Bed Bug Infestations
Here are five cities in New Hampshire currently combating a rise in bed bug infestations:
1. Manchester
As the largest city in New Hampshire, Manchester is facing a major bed bug crisis. The city’s densely populated areas, especially in housing complexes, have seen a rise in bed bug reports. Residents have been urged to take immediate action by checking their homes regularly and seeking professional pest control services to prevent further spread.
2. Concord
The state capital, Concord, has also become a hotspot for bed bug activity. Local authorities are working closely with pest control experts to address the issue in both public and private buildings. The city’s homeless shelters and rental properties have been particularly vulnerable to infestations, making it a challenging environment to tackle.
3. Nashua
In Nashua, an increasing number of bed bug complaints have been reported from residents in multi-family units and public housing. The city’s health department has been distributing information to help residents identify signs of bed bugs and take action to prevent the infestation from spreading.
4. Derry
Derry has seen a spike in bed bug activity, with infestations in local schools, hotels, and homes. The city has been proactive in reaching out to property managers and local businesses to raise awareness and provide resources for proper pest control. Public outreach campaigns aim to educate the public on how to prevent and identify bed bugs before they become a bigger issue.
5. Portsmouth
Known for its vibrant tourism industry, Portsmouth has struggled with bed bug infestations in hotels and short-term rentals. With many tourists coming and going, the problem has been hard to contain. The city is working with local businesses and pest control companies to reduce the spread of bed bugs and prevent future outbreaks.
Combatting the Bed Bug Onslaught
In response to the growing issue, New Hampshire cities are implementing various strategies to combat the bed bug crisis:
Public Education and Outreach: Local authorities are using social media, community workshops, and outreach programs to educate residents about how to spot bed bugs, prevent infestations, and manage outbreaks effectively.
Pest Control Services: Cities are working with certified pest control companies to treat public housing, hotels, and schools. These services often include inspections, treatment with pesticides, and follow-up visits to ensure the infestation has been completely eradicated.
Increased Inspections: Regular inspections of apartments, hotels, and rental properties are being conducted to catch infestations early. The inspections focus on identifying common hiding places for bed bugs, including furniture, bedding, and cracks in the walls.
Financial Assistance for Treatment: Some cities are offering financial assistance to residents who need help with the cost of bed bug treatment, especially for low-income households. This helps ensure that everyone has access to necessary services, regardless of their financial situation.
Collaboration Between Local Governments: The cities of Manchester, Concord, Nashua, Derry, and Portsmouth are working together to share resources and knowledge in the fight against bed bugs. By coordinating efforts, they aim to prevent the infestation from spreading beyond city borders.
Bed bugs may be small, but they are causing big problems in New Hampshire. As infestations rise in major cities, local governments are ramping up efforts to tackle the issue head-on. By increasing public awareness, offering support for pest control, and coordinating city-wide efforts, New Hampshire hopes to curb the bed bug onslaught and help residents sleep easier at night.
SOURCES
[1] https://mywaynecountynow.com/insect-invasion-5-new-hampshire-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught/
[2] https://garfieldpestcontrol.com/new-hampshire-bed-bug-law-infestation/
[3] https://extension.unh.edu/resource/bed-bugs-fact-sheet
[4] https://www.terminix.com/blog/whats-buzzing/top-bed-bug-cities/
[5] https://www.pctonline.com/news/terminix-reveals-top-50-bed-bug-infested-us-cities/
