Westwood firefighters forced to fend off bed bugs

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST: Westwood firefighters had to take precautions while arrangements were made for their gear to be professionally de-contaminated Friday after they responded to a residence ridden with bed bugs.

Photo Credit: *Cliffview Pilot File Photo*

Jerry DeMarco

10/13/2012 5:06 a.m.

Three hours after the call, an alert went out for the firefighters involved to return to the firehouse.

They were instructed to shower and clean themselves and their clothing thoroughly.

Their gear also must be treated by a professional company.

“Those things can spread like wildfire,” one firefighter told CLIFFVIEW PILOT Friday night.

Because firefighters, paramedics and other emergency responders are constantly going into various places, bed bugs can unknowingly be picked up and brought back to firehouses and public servants’ homes.

Removing them ordinarily involves several treatments by a licensed pest control operator. Bed bugs resist many pesticides and can hide easily.

Experts have said this is a pivotal year in controlling bed bug outbreaks nationwide.

(Above: CLIFFVIEW PILOT photo)

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