Bedbug Boom

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Bedbugs are making their mark in the Kansas City metropolitan area, according to SOS Pest Control owner, Darryl Franke.  In the past two years, Franke said his bedbug removal business has grown about 600%, because of the increased infestation.  And he's on pace to surpass last years numbers, 192 jobs in 2009, with 182 completed so far and four more months left in the year.

While most people perceive the bedbug as an insect that is drawn to filthy surroundings, Franke said that's not true.  In fact his first bedbug client had an infested million dollar home back in 2004.  That year he had only three bedbug removal jobs.

Eliminating bedbugs can be done two ways, either with chemicals or heat.  According to Franke, chemical treatment is effective with multiple visits, which is why he prefers using the heat method.  With heat, Franke said it only takes one visit and guarantees it will kill all your bedbugs.

The heat method basically turns the affected structure into an oven.  Special heaters and heat resistant fans are used, raising and circulating the air temperature to 130 degrees.  The dry heat is sustained for three hours, literally cooking the bedbugs to death.  As you would expect, that temperature isn't good for candles or soft plastics, so they must be removed before the heat is turned on.

So why are bedbugs becoming a worldwide problem? Franke thinks it's because of the large number of people who are traveling.  "We love frequent flyers." said Franke.  They stay in infested rooms, the bedbugs hitch a ride and travel to their new home. 

And if you think the problems with bedbugs will subside with the end of summer, guess again.  According to Franke, they mate during the hottest months of the year, so their offspring will become active during September and October.