Alaska is currently facing a significant bed bug problem, with several cities experiencing increased infestations. Here are five Alaska cities combatting the bed bug onslaught:
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Anchorage: The largest city in Alaska has seen a surge in bed bug cases. American Pest Management reports that their technicians are working seven days a week to address the growing problem.Ā The company offers advanced heat treatment technology to eliminate bed bugs at all life stages.
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Fairbanks: This interior city is also struggling with bed bugs. American Pest Management has three technicians working six days a week, with their schedules fully booked.
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Juneau: While specific data for Juneau is not provided, as the state capital, it’s likely experiencing similar issues to other major Alaskan cities.
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Rural Areas: Officials and exterminators have noted an upward trend of bed bugs particularly in rural areas of Alaska.Ā This has led to the introduction of “neighborhood discount pricing” programs for village residents.
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Unspecified Urban Centers: The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has reported an increase in bed bug reports across the state, suggesting that other urban areas are also affected.
To combat this invasion, Alaskan cities are employing various strategies:
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Heat Treatments: Many pest control companies are using heat treatment technology, which is effective against all life stages of bed bugs, including eggs
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Chemical Treatments: When necessary, targeted chemical treatments are applied to specific areas.
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Education: Officials are emphasizing the importance of prevention, including regular inspections of beds and sofas, washing bedding, and using bed bug-resistant mattress encasements.
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Cold Treatments: Taking advantage of Alaska’s cold climate, some recommend exposing infested items to temperatures below 0Ā°F for at least four days to kill bed bugs.
The bed bug problem in Alaska is exacerbated by factors such as travel, immigration, and the insects’ growing resistance to insecticides.Ā As the issue continues to evolve, cities across the state are likely to intensify their efforts to control and eliminate these persistent pests.
Source
1. https://www.foxweather.com/learn/bed-bug-infested-cities-2024
2. https://www.juneauempire.com/news/officials-say-bed-bugs-on-the-rise-in-alaska/
3. https://alaskapestinc.com/services/bed-bugs/
4. https://www.uaf.edu/ces/publications/database/insects-pests/files/pdfs/PMC-00201%20Bedbugs%2011-08-24.pdf
