Town, Shandoka respond to several cases of bed bugs
TELLURIDE Ugh, bed bugs. Because of their particularly creepy appearance, their taste for human blood and the high degree of difficulty in eliminating them, the bed bug is one of the most stigmatized of the creepy-crawlies. And this bugs nasty reputation has not been helping matters much regarding a recently reported infestation at the Shandoka apartment complex, which, according to Town Manager Greg Clifton, has been vastly exaggerated, and blame placed disproportionately on Shandoka management.
Although, according to Shandoka Manager Dave Johnson, only six apartments, out of the total 134 units, have confirmed reports of bed bugs (meaning a live bug was found) since the summer, Clifton believes the reaction of an anonymous source has painted a skewed picture for the residents of the town.
For starters, Clifton said, The recent reporting by one resident that Shandoka apartments have been infested by bed bugs for months is both inaccurate and alarmist.
Clifton furthermore emphasized that the town has been taking appropriate measures to both address the problem and prevent future occurrences. The reality for Shandoka residents is that there have been some isolated occurrences with bed bugs over the past several months, largely attributed to used furniture, he said, and proper measures have been taken to address the problem.
The sky is not falling and panicshould not set the tenor here, Clifton added, explaining that due to a recent reporting, the town is now seen as the culprit, while Shandoka residents are seen simply as victims.
In fact, the situation is complex, and it appears that the town not the culprit in how the bed bugs got into the apartments in the first place, nor how they spread from one apartment to another.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) has long been a pest feeding on blood, causing itchy bites and generally irritating their human hosts. However, unlike most public health pests, bed bugs are not known to transmit or spread disease. Approximately the size of an apple seed, they are known as hitchhikers, spreading by catching rides on furniture or clothing.
It is important to note that bed bugs are imported by the residents in one way or another, Johnson said, continuing, the most obvious being used furniture, which has been the confirmed source in two cases, or clothing or luggage, which they can also hitch a ride on.
Next time you think about snagging a free sofa or mattress on Sweet Deals, either think twice, or inspect it thoroughly.
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Six Shandoka Apartments Treated for Bed Bugs : the Watch
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