U of M Center Helps Fight Back Against Bedbugs

ST. PAUL  (AP) - It's a creepy, crawly and growing problem. Bedbugs are resurgent, and the University of Minnesota is helping people fight back.

The university has set up a resource center to help people safely deal with infestations, and it will conducting seminars around the state for landlords, hotel managers and consumers.

Entomologist Stephen Kells says increased travel, changing insecticide use and a lack of public awareness are to blame. By hiding in travelers' suitcases and clothes, bedbugs can easily spread from an infested hotel room or residence.

The phone lines for the "Let's Beat the Bug!" initiative are (612) 624-2200; (612) 624-2200; 1-855-644-2200; and 1-855-644-2200.

The email address is bedbugs(at)umn.edu.

The center is being funded with funded with nearly $91,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)