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.






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Rapid Response to a Global Bed Bug Problem

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


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