Bed bugs may be on the rise. In May, they were found at the Rescue Mission in Syracuse and a local pest control business says they are treating more cases than ever.
"We found a small infestation of bed bugs," says Paul LaDolce communications director for the mission. "We brought in a commercial pest control company which conducted treatment over a period of a month and as far as we're concerned the problem has been eradicated."
LaDolce says in the sagging economy, the Mission has been busier than ever and filled to capacity on many nights. He says, in addition to the treatment, they've bought equipment to steam clean the lockers, floor areas, all of the cracks and crevices.
"As you know, bed bugs can be found anywhere; it's not an indicator of unsanitary conditions," LaDolce says. "They've been found this year in the finest hotels but we don't want our residents to be living in any condition with bed bugs."
Bed bugs live around mattresses and feed off of human blood. If they bite you, it can cause itching.
Billy Shirtz of AAA Exterminators - The Critter Ridders, says they've seen bed bugs in dorms, hotels and people's homes.
"There's been a big increase in the last year, due to a lot of international travel," Shirtz says.
Shirtz says people who travel should clean their clothes in hot water.
