Bed Bugs Alive And Well In New Jersey [AUDIO]

They may not be as prevalent as they once were, but infestations of bed bugs are still happening in New Jersey.

"At some point, virtually everyone in New Jersey can expect to encounter a bed bug in their home, apartment or workplace," said Leonard Douglen, Executive Director of the New Jersey Pest Management Association. "They are a very difficult pest to eliminate and no place is exempt from an infestation."

So, how do you know if you have an infestation? "One of the most telltale signs is you wake up and you have strange bites and you might see blood marks on your bed sheets," said Douglen. "At that point, you need to call a professional to confirm that it is, in fact, bed bugs and then take action."

A bed bug problem does not lend itself to a one-stop, quick application of a pesticide and total elimination. Pest management technicians are specially trained to find them and there are now bed bug-sniffing dogs that have proven effective. There are no proven bed bug repellent products currently available.

After professional treatment, it may take up to eight weeks before you can be absolutely sure no bed bugs are seen and following a treatment, the purchase of high quality mattress encasements to seal in unseen bed bugs or their eggs is an excellent investment.

"Bed bugs have nothing to do with cleanliness. People travel a lot today and they come from many different areas. They get into suitcases and are easily spread," said Douglen. "If you do travel, you can put your suitcases in the hotel bathtub while you inspect the room. Bed bugs can't get out of the bathtub. Once you know the room is clean, it can't hurt to wrap your suitcases tightly in plastic bags to keep them from getting inside. If you spot them, you can keep them in the bag to be destroyed and avoid bringing them into your home."