Survey Parameters An online survey was developed consisting of 36 questions, covering topics ranging from frequency of bed bug infestation, to management and busi- ness practices. Most of the questions were similar to those in last years’ survey in order to permit year-to-year comparisons. Questions were format- ted either as open-ended or closed-ended (fixed) responses. Responses to the self-administered online survey were collected from June 2 to July 18, 2011 with a few reminders sent out during the period. Letters requesting participation were emailed and delivered to 4,540 contacts representing 3,882 NPMA member companies. This resulted in 415 completed surveys for a 9% response rate. Respon- dents worked for companies ranging in size from fewer than 10 individuals to thousands of employ- ees. The majority (69%) represented companies with 25 or fewer employees. The breakdown of respondents by region is shown in Figure 1.
The Upsurge Continues An astounding 99% of respondents indicated their company treated or was asked to treat for bed bugs in
the past year. By comparison, 95% of U.S. respon- dents said they had encountered bed bugs in the previous (2010) survey (Figure 2). Only one in four respondents (25%) said they were asked to treat for bed bugs six to 10 years ago, and only 11% recalled receiving such calls more than 10 years ago—sur- vey trends that were much the same last year. When asked about the incidence of bed bugs in their region, most (84%) said numbers were increasing, 14% said they were staying about the same, and 2% thought they were decreasing (Figure 3). In last year’s survey, 91%, 8% and 1% of respondents, respectively, had these opinions. Respondents had varied opinions as to why bed
bugs are increasing. Most often mentioned were increased travel (by 82% of those surveyed), lack of societal vigilance and awareness (by 66%), increased immigration (62%), changing pest control products and methods (57%), and resistance to available insecticides (mentioned by 50%). Other factors mentioned as contributing to the
resurgence included: ■ Lack of knowledge/experience by some pest control firms*
FIGURE 1. Responses by Region
ND
Midwest: 24% 2010: 29%
SD
West: 24% 2010: 14%
NE IA MN WI MI
NJ RI
DE KS MO
Northeast: 20% 2010: 25%
ME VT NH
IL
South: 32% 2010: 32%
OK AR MS TX AK HI FL LA AL TN GA SC KY
IN WV
VA NC
6 PESTWORLD NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
www.npmapestworld.org
WA
OR
NV CA
NY PA
MD
MT
WY
UT
CO
AZ
NM OH
ID
ID
ID
ID
MA CT
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