VOICED: Bedbugs take a bite out of the Big Apple

New Yorkers are facing a bed bug crisis, with sightings in retail chains and infestations in homes and hotels. The city has seen a significant increase in hotline calls and has allocated funds for a task force to address the issue. Detection methods include trained Beagles, and the psychological impact of bed bug bites is significant. Personal stories highlight the extent of the problem, with some individuals even feeding bed bugs to maintain detection capabilities.

What has caused New Yorkers to be particularly anxious about bed bugs this summer?

• A city-wide bed bug awareness campaign

• A new strain of bed bugs that carry diseases

• Recent sightings in popular retail stores

• An increase in bed bug-related diseases

How has New York City responded to the increase in bed bug infestations?

• By banning the sale of second-hand furniture

• By setting up a hotline for bed bug reports

• By offering free pest control services to residents

• By allocating funds for a task force

What unique method is being used to detect bed bugs in New York City?

• Employing robotic vacuum cleaners

• Utilizing ultrasonic sound waves

• Deploying drones with thermal cameras

• Using specially trained Beagles

What is a common psychological effect of bed bug infestations on people?

• Heightened anxiety and stress

• Enhanced immune response

• Increased appetite

• Improved sleep quality

How does Jeremy, a New Yorker, contribute to bed bug detection efforts?

• By inventing a bed bug trap

• By organizing community awareness programs

• By using his own blood to train detection dogs

• By developing a new pesticide