Bedbugs!

sws said:

but if you would include a link to the paper, I'd be curious.

Here's what was ultimately published, unfortunately for me 98% of my work went unpublished. Media interference is something that was taken into account and was noted as being started in 2009-2010 after our sample, but, due to that occuring near the end of our sample along with many other variables and moving targets very little of the hard numbers gathered were published. I worked hard in the field and put in many long days, nights and weekends of my time away from my wife and 2 (soon to be 3) girls to add as much credence to them as possible. In the end to be truely scientific my %'s are estimates as I stated and for reference only, if I could put an actual 99.9% accurate on them I would have personally published them myself.

As stated before, it's not an apocolypse, but it is a rapidly growing issue that the EPA has the ability to control with approval of Propoxur for restricted indoor use. I am excited to soon be starting an assignment with the DOC in Ohio to work with thier field investigators on proper treatment within' the upholstry market in the state and to also gather more statistics on any increase or decrease in thier presence.

Here's another question I'd have.

Did the amount of false reports (or whatever the terminology for someone falsely thinking/reporting bedbugs) go up during the big media scare of 2010?

That is to say did people incorrectly think they had bedbugs more often during the hype in 2010/2011?

Lord Gonchar said:

Here's another question I'd have.

Did the amount of false reports (or whatever the terminology for someone falsely thinking/reporting bedbugs) go up during the big media scare of 2010?

That is to say did people incorrectly think they had bedbugs more often during the hype in 2010/2011?

To an unbelievable degree, the amount of reports to confirmed reports has a huge disparity. Some just out of media sensationalism others due to how similar flea egg clusters are to bedbug clusters which is an understandable mistake if you’ve seen both in upholstery.

The appalling thing is the amount of exterminators we uncovered doing multiple bedbug treatments on homes were we couldn't find any signs of bedbugs at all. One gentleman actually took us on an appointment to what he called a "moderate infestation" for a second treatment when we arrived we couldn't find any signs of any type of outside insect on the premises. While we were concluding our investigation of the home he was getting a check from the property owner for treatment and had began mixing chemicals. Needless to say he no longer holds a license and can never get another or work for an exterminating company in the state of Ohio. Unless you replace everything in the house including in severe cases flooring, subflooring, base molding, door casements etc than you will always have a bedbug "calling card" as it was called on here earlier.

Again, I'm not trying to be hyper-critical and I have the utmost respect for the long hours and hard work you put into your project, but the link you provided is devoid of hard data. It does nothing to change my opinion. Tables 1 and 2 refer to "bed bug complaints." Those results could easily be explained by increased incidence, increased recognition/reporting, or a combination of both. Personally, I believe it is a combination of both. I believe the incidence has actually increased however the media frenzy has also led to increased recognition and reporting. I think the problem has gotten worse but the fear of the problem has exceeded that. However, I can no more quote hard accurate data than you or Gonch. I think you're both right to an extent. However, if you happen to be one of the unlucky people afflicted with bed bugs, it is a nightmare. A friend from work went through it and has horror stories to tell.

Exactly what I'd expect, ldiesman.

While I didn't mean to trivialize the issue, you touched on just about everything I was trying to get at - the hype, the overreaction, those taking advantage.

You're ruining your rep with posts like that.

What has happened to Gonchar?

Yeah. I'm about to find another cult leader to follow.

Why aren't you guys being nice to me!?

Coasterbuzz is mean, magnum is sinking, great adventure doesn't need a hotel, or does it? Low capacity is a scam to sell more flash passes, as well as bad customer service, Skyrush is painful and Travis is a bully.

Also, Maverick.

Yes, but how do you really feel about pancakes??

Raven-Phile said:
Coasterbuzz is mean, magnum is sinking, great adventure doesn't need a hotel, or does it? Low capacity is a scam to sell more flash passes, as well as bad customer service, Skyrush is painful and Travis is a bully.

Also, Maverick.

Great sum up!

*Also* Maverick? Also???

What has happened to Coasterbuzz, indeed!