Bedbugs Running Rampant in New York City Niketown
Niketown, Nike’s flagship store located in Manhattan, NY, has been closed after an infestation of bedbugs was discovered. Nike headquarters released a statement saying their primary concern was the well-being of their customers and employees, and expect the store to reopen shortly.
Nike is the 7th large scale New York retailer to close due to infestation. Others include Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, and Victoria’s Secret. Bedbugs have also recently been discovered in office buildings, (including the Google office) a major theater, housing projects, as well as upscale apartments. The problem has become so prevalent that the city has allocated $500,000 toward extermination.
International travel is being largely blamed for the huge influx, with the bugs hitching rides within suitcases, laptop bags and briefcases. Once transported, they nest in soft furnishings and clothing. They are notoriously difficult to eradicate and can go for up to a year without a meal.
It appears that the most effective method of extermination is extreme heat, as bedbugs can’t survive in temperatures over 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Exterminators use large heating devices to heat the infected space and belongings, however, even heating isn’t always fully successful.
Fumigation and high-power vacuuming, as well as the application of insecticide powders are additional used. This procedure is followed by the sealing of cracks and crevices around pipes or electrical outlets.
The list below shows the top 15 most heavily infested US cities. Bedbug complaints are up 100% since 2004, with at least 40,000 customers a week dealing with home and office invasions.
1. New York
2. Philadelphia
3. Detroit
4. Cincinnati
5. Chicago
6. Denver
7. Columbus, Ohio
8. Dayton, Ohio
9. Washington, D.C.
10. Los Angeles
11. Boston
12. Indianapolis
13. Louisville, Ky.
14. Cleveland
15. Minneapolis, Minn.
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