Bed Bug Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, December 27, 2023

In October, multiple media outlets reported on a class-action lawsuit filed by tenants of a senior living complex against its owners due to an alleged bed bug infestation. According to news reports, the infestation has been an issue since 2018.

Bed bugs are described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as small, flat, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep. They are reddish-brown in color, wingless, range in size from 1 mm to 7 mm, and can live several months without a blood meal. The insects are found globally and have been discovered in everything from five-star hotels and resorts to cruise ships, buses, trains and homes.

According to the agency, bed bugs hide during the day in places such as the seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, dresser tables, inside cracks or crevices, or around any other clutter or objects around a bed. Bed bugs have been shown to be able to travel over 100 feet in a night but tend to live within 8 feet of where people sleep.

“While bed bugs are not known to spread disease, their bite may cause itching, loss of sleep and concern for anyone living with an infestation,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Itching can lead to excessive scratching that can could increase the chance of a secondary skin infection. CDC also warns that for some individuals, a bed bug bite could lead to a serious allergic reaction and that an allergic reaction to several bites may require medical attention.”

To help identify the presence of bed bugs, and to confirm the effectiveness of eradication and cleaning efforts, EMSL Analytical offers highly sensitive DNA-based laboratory testing techniques and easy-to-use sample collection kits. Testing can also be used to assist in identifying a minor bed bug situation, so it can be effectively treated, before it becomes an all-out infestation. Proactive efforts could prevent the temporary closure of a business and the negative public relations that are so frequently associated with the discovery of bed bugs.

EMSL just sponsored an educational video about bed bugs that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/UFAdXsBi5rs 

To learn more about bed bugs or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To access bed bug or other IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.