Eastern Iowa Seeing an Increase in Bedbugs

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Pest control companies say they're seeing an increase in bedbug cases in eastern Iowa.

The pesky, blood-sucking bugs don't carry diseases but can cause painful bites. They often come out to feed at night and hide during the day in the crevices of mattresses and furniture.

Jeff Voss of Voss Pest Control in Dubuque says the business already has surpassed the total number of bedbug treatments they completed in 2014. Voss says they have done less than 100 treatments so far this year, but that the figure is "snowballing."

Operations manager Charles Jones for BedBug Chasers in Marion says the company is addressing more homes and businesses infested with bedbugs every year.