In an effort to control its bed bug infestation problem, the city created a task force compiled of realtors, the Street and Health Departments, landlords and others.
The Bed Bug Task Force was created after a bed bug hearing last December that addressed the concerns of residents dealing with an infestation and the high cost of ensuring their homes are rid of the pesky bugs -- some of the city's residents can't afford repeat treatments.
"Depending on the levels of infestation, bed bugs may be in more than one room of the house, in the woodwork, receptacles or even behind pictures hangings on the walls," said Michelle Niedermeier, corrdinator for the Pennsylvania IPM Program.
Apartment associations, realtors, supportive housing, exterminators, landlords and residents along with the Philly Street and Health Departments came together for the Bed Bug Task Force's first meeting recently and decided to break into various committees to address indiviual issues such as education and outreach, according to a news release.
"We also discussed developing neighborhood teams to monitor and treat bed bug infestations and share knowledge," said Neidermeier.
The task force and its sub-committees are just the first step in helping Philly residents say "goodnight" to bed bugs.
