Author Archives: Pest Controller

GLENDALE, AZ - A Valley woman says bed bugs were feasting on her and a friend's arm shortly after they sat down to enjoy the Sci-Fi drama "Flatliners at the AMC at Westgate in Glendale.

Minutes into the movie, Crystal Mitchell said her arm started to itch. She ignored it for a while, but when the itching became unbearable, she turned on her flashlight to see what it was and saw several bugs just scattering into the crevices under the armrest, which was raised. She said two bugs were on her arm.

The horrified woman says she ran out and instantly informed a manager. She also posted the pictures she took and her experience on her social media page.

"I don't want anyone going and taking them home. I feel like I could have brought some home with me on my purse. I still haven't taken my purse inside," said Mitchell.

ABC15 sent the pictures Mitchell took to a Public Health entomologist and bed bug expert, Professor Dawn Gouge. Gouge instantly identified the insects as bed bugs, and said there appeared to be an active infestation, based on the size of the different bugs, and the eggs that appeared to have hatched.

Gouge said bed bugs liketo feast on human bloodand can be found in most places frequented by the public.

"Unfortunately cinemas are the ideal location for bed bugs to hide out. In the cracks and the crevices of the chair, its dark in there. They usually like to prey on human blood while people are in a state of rest," said Gouge.

She said that bed bugs typically hitchhikeon humans via clothing and backpacks, or purses, and are difficult to get rid of.

RELATED: Expert tells how to look for and prevent bed bugs

"In most bed bug infestations you need a lot of thorough monitoring and aggressive treating by the experts," said Gouge.

Mitchell said she hoped the AMC movie theater would shut down the place for a couple days to clean up the problem.

A spokesman from the corporate office of AMC sent us this statement:

"AMC is vigilant and aggressive about the inspection and treatment of this issue. Every seat at AMC Westgate 20 is proactively inspected monthly and treated immediately if any evidence is found. An inspection also takes place anytime there is a guest report of bed bugs. In this case, the auditorium in question has been closed for an immediate inspection, and treatment if activity is found."

Mitchell said she believes there was no way her seat was the only one infested.

She has also filed a complaint with the Maricopa County Environmental Services division. A spokesman tells us they are looking into it, and planned to send an investigator to the theater to look into it. ABC15 will keep you posted on the results.

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Woman says she was bitten by bed bugs at a Valley movie ...

PHOENIX - Hotels, schools, and a Valley coffee shop are some of the locations that have had to deal with bed bugs so far this year.

While the Maricopa County Department of Environmental Services receives hundreds of complaints each year, a smaller portion of those complaints are verified to have bed bugs.

There have been a total of 81 "verified" complaints in the county so far this year, in which the departmenthas confirmed bed bugs to be at the complaint's locations.

Of those 81 verified complaints,16 were at public Valley locations, including AMC Theaters Wesgate, theAlta E Butler School, and Urban Beans.

Department officials say all of these incidents are considered "closed" at this time, which means they were subsequently cleared after the complaint was verified.

The number of complaints for bed bugs has decreased over the last five years, with a total of 444 complaints in 2013 and a total of 343 complaints in 2016. It should be noted that a total of246 complaints have been received this year, as of November 7.

To check for bed bugs in your own home, the department recommends keeping an eye on cracks and crevices around sleeping areas. Thisflyer on their website offersmore detailed information about prevention and awareness.

If you do find bed bugs, contact the property manager or file a complaint with the environmental services department.

Editorial note: In a previous version of this story, Howard Johnsons Hotel and FireSkyResort & Spa in Scottsdale were included asverified bed bug locations. According to officials, theselocations were mistakenly added to the list. Theyhavesince been removed.

See more here:
Bed bugs in Phoenix: 15 public locations found with bed ...