New York vs Bed Bugs

We believe strongly that the insect should not be allowed to crawl over children while they are sleeping. We took the position two years ago that (bedbugs) are a public health crisis.

-Chris Eddy, Environmental Health Director, Hamilton County, Ohio
The Cincinnati Post, September 6, 2007

Cincinnati established a Bedbug Remediation Commission in September 2007. A combined city of Cincinnati/Hamilton County bed bug task force is reviewing a draft report this month. There are a number of measures already taken and more ambitious initiatives forthcoming.

In November 2007, Toronto City Councillor Paula Fletcher asked the Board of Health to “direct the Medical Officer of Health and Public Health staff to investigate measures to deal with the spread of bed bugs.” Toronto established an Action Committee in February.

These cities are working hard and tapping smart and talented people to come up with sensible solutions and strategies.

New York City is not without smarts and talent and caring! City Council member Gale Brewer proposed bed bug legislation as early as 2005.

But we haven’t supported Ms. Brewer’s and other council members’ efforts in sufficient numbers. We haven’t asked for help. Not enough of us.

When we have bed bugs, we are exhausted and barely functioning. If we are lucky enough to get rid of them, we are anxious to return to our lives and move on.

We understand that. We’ve lived it and we know exactly what it’s like.

But we have no committee, no task force, no commission.

And the bed bugs are winning. If you doubt it, you haven’t been following the news.

It’s time.