115,000 commuters put at risk due to a bed bug outbreak at a busy US train station

One of the busiest train stations in North America closed off all passenger seating areas for 36 hours after a suspected bed bug infestation was reported on Sunday April 23rd, 2023.

Bed bug threat impacts 115,000 travellers

The measure affected 115,000 daily commuters and leisure travellers who travel in-state or on to New York destinations via New Haven Union Station, Connecticut, USA Parking Authority Executive Director Douglas Hausladen explained that a decision was made to treat the situation ‘with the utmost caution.’

On Sunday evening, a specialist pest control contractor treated the large passenger waiting area at Union Station with chemical compounds. The area was treated again on Monday, to ensure a reopening of the seating area on Tuesday April 25th.

One plausible reason for the unwelcome discovery

The cause for the bed bug sighting has not been verified, however, it is not uncommon for outbreaks and full-on infestations to occur in areas heavily occupied, even transiently, by a large volume of people.

One possible reason provided by Hausladen is the rise in the volume of homeless rough sleepers gathering in public places such as travel terminals; an issue all too common across the US and other densely populated cities, including many in Canada.

"A passenger facility with this many passengers has seen its fair share of issues like this," according to the Parking Authority.

Clean stations and offices do not deter bed bugs

You would be forgiven for thinking that a well maintained and thoroughly cleaned station, office or leisure complex would be immune to bed bugs. Sadly, you would be wrong. Bed bugs are equally likely to inhabit a pristine environment as a run-down shabby location. The common denominator when it comes to bed bug infestation is high footfall. The greater the volume, the bigger the risk.

Indeed, this is borne out at Union Station. In addition to regular daily cleaning, the train station is deep cleaned every three to six weeks since the outbreak of Covid-19. This demonstrates the resilient nature of bed bugs and their ability to adapt and thrive in difficult and hostile environments.

What to do if you suspect your place of work has a bed bug problem

If you manage an area with a high public footfall in Greater Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, and have any concerns about bed bug infestations, please do call Marcos at Spot On K9 Detection.

We are Vancouver’s premier bed bug inspection specialists. We were the first to utilize what is widely regarded as the most effective bed bug detection method available on the market; a highly trained bed bug sniffer dog.

To find out more about our hugely accurate bed bug detection services or to book canine bed bug inspection, simply call Marcos on 778-855-6768 or send us a message.