Got Bed Bugs? A Few Cases Showing Up in Geneva

Some of us in Geneva are letting the bed bugs bite.

There've been some interesting articles in The Courier News and the Chicago Tribune about bed bugs of late.

So, I called Safegard Exterminating Company, 115 Campbell St., to find out what's up.

I got transferred to Safegard's general manager Pat McDaniel, who said his company has had "a couple" of Geneva customers recently, although of course he couldn't say who.

"Bed bugs is a new phenomenon as far as insect problems I've been in the 45 years I've been in the business," he said. "Over the last 15 years, it's become a real problem, mostly because there's so much international travel."

McDaniel's best advice if you're traveling: "Put your suitcase in the bathtub." Don't leave clothes on your bed or luggage rack—you're just extending an invitation to bring the little buggers (literally) home to sleepy, enchanting Geneva, IL.

I couldn't find her original post on Facebook, but a GHS classmate, Emily Waters of New York, NY, says the problem is awful there and people have spent a lot of time and money to get rid of the pests.

It ain't cheap here, either. McDaniel said ballpark bed bug extermination for a seven-room house is $700 to $1,1oo home and $400 to $500 for an apartment, depending on the degree of infestation.

Tips and miscellaneous comments from readers:

I love your e-mails, but I'd love it even more if you'd comment on geneva.patch.com. It makes the site more lively and fun when you post a comment for all to see.

• Got an e-mail from one Geneva Patcher suggesting we check out the You Tube for the chamber. Really excellent, professional video. 
• Most folks say it's easy to post an event or announcement. I get at least one a day asking how to do it. Look for the Patch-green buttons with the "+" sign. There's at least one on every page. On the home page "Add your own event" is right under the map on the right-hand side. "Add your own announcement" is under the "Read more" stories. You have to scroll down just a little on the home page.
• I've got a ton more to write about Rebuild Burgess Field, but it't too late tonight to do it justice. Tom Finnberg is doing a great job raising revenue but he can't do it solo. Also big push starting Oct. 1 for the Pepsi Refresh Project. That's maybe the best, easiest way for you to contribute to the cause: vote early and often.
• Mike Longo went to add on really cool event, Here's the event and a brief testimonial: "Haunted Geneva - a Night with Travis Thrasher" - benefit for the Geneva Library Foundation

Thanks, I was doing this - logged in and posted my event, but it looks like Jamie Weaver had already posted it!   (patch.com found it) I was able to upload two images though to embelish it a bit more. Site is pretty dang easy to use! Thanks again, Mike Longo