When we talk about bed bugs we tend to think immediately of houses and apartments. It would seem unlikely to hear about bed bugs invading public transportation, but that’s just what seems to be happening at the Kingsbridge Bus Depot. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has recently pulled half a dozen New York City buses out of service due to reports of a possible bed bug infestation. The affected buses are now in isolation pending a full inspection and thorough fumigation.
Drivers at the Kingsbridge Depot say that they had suspected the presence of bed bugs on their buses for the last few weeks. After a number of those drivers reported seeing scurrying insects on seats, and then complained of possible bed bug bites, the affected buses were taken offline in accordance with MTA and union policy. While union leaders say that it is unusual to find bed begs on cross town buses it is not unheard of and this incident illustrates the need for regular fumigating of city buses to address the presence of pests on public transport.
While it may seem almost comical to think of bed bugs riding a city bus it is an important reminder that these blood sucking pests can take up residence almost anywhere. More importantly, bed bugs hiding on public transport can (and will) take the opportunity to find new hosts, hitching a lift on unsuspecting passengers who will then transport them to more hospitable feeding grounds. So if you’ve ever wondered how bed bugs get into our homes and offices despite all our precautions – they just might be riding on the city bus.
Published by Scott Palatnik
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