Success StoryRapid Response to a Global Bed Bug Problem



Rapid Response to a Global Bed Bug Problem

Author: Zachary DeVries

Planning Unit: Entomology

Major Program: Integrated Pest Management

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

During Paris fashion week (one of the major annual fashion events in the world), a news story broke on a massive bed bug “epidemic” sweeping across Paris.  In response to this, I spoke with reports from a number of major outlets (NY TimesTIMECNNNational GeographicNewsweek] [ABC Australia) to dispel some of the common misconception about bed bugs.  Specifically, I emphasized that this problem is not new or sudden, but rather a problem that has been likely going on in Paris for many years, just unnoticed.  In addition, I spoke on the global nature of bed bug problems, and the fact that what is occurring there is not unique to Paris, but a problem faced across the world.   Lastly, I emphasized the need for a community wide approach to deal with the omnipresent bed bug problem.  While bed bugs can be managed individually, if we hope to eradicate them from society we have to address them for all people living at all socio-economic status, including those people who lack the means or resources to deal with them on their own.






Stories by Zachary DeVries


52nd Annual UK Pest control Short Course

about 1 years ago by Zachary DeVries

In November we hosted the 52nd annual University of Kentucky Pets Control Short Course. This 3-day p... Read More


Rapid Response to a Global Bed Bug Problem

about 1 years ago by Zachary DeVries

During Paris fashion week (one of the major annual fashion events in the world), a news story broke ... Read More


Stories by Entomology


Providing Science base Information to Banana Growers of the Dominican Republic on an New Invasive Pest in the Caribbean Region

Providing Science base Information to Banana Growers of the Dominican Republic on an New Invasive Pest in the Caribbean Region

about 11 months ago by Raul Villanueva

The Dominican Republic was the first producer of organic bananas during past years but in 2023 it wa... Read More


Building the Impact of the Kentucky Crop Health Conference 2nd year: 2024

about 5 months ago by Raul Villanueva

The University of Kentucky Grain Crops Integrated Pest Management group continued to build on the su... Read More


Stories by Integrated Pest Management


Development of "Scabinar 2024", a successful multi-state webinar on management of Fusarium head blight of wheat

about 5 months ago by Carl Bradley

Fusarium head blight (also known as “scab”) of wheat is the most damaging disease that regularly occ... Read More


University of Kentucky Crop Pest Management Webinars--2023

about 5 months ago by Carl Bradley

The University of Kentucky Grain Crops Integrated Pest Management group organized a 4-week webinar s... Read More