Bedbug Reports on the Rise in Santa Clara County

A report of bedbugs found at a Campbell Starbucks has left many itchy.

According to the Santa Clara County Vector Control District, "bedbugs are small parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and other animals. They leave itchy, red bites that can become infected if scratched, but bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases."

A local news agency first reported about the infestation at the Starbucks on Bascom Avenue on Wednesday.

"I was notified that we did not conduct an inspection on the referred establishment since there was already a report from a pest control company stating that inspection and treatment for the related insect was in progress," said Santa Clara County Vector Control District community resource specialist José Colomé. "I'm not aware of any other reports or calls for service with this particular coffee chain."

This incident, however, is not uncommon, he said.

"That can happen to any business," Colomé said. "Those insects can be carried even in backpacks or small bags. They're normally around people and when you have so many customers coming in and out, it is a possibility."

According to Vector Control, the number of calls for service regarding bedbugs in Santa Clara County has been on the rise.

As seen on the graph included with this article, reports of bedbugs escalated dramatically in 2011 and 2012:

• 63 reports in 2009
• 12 reports in 2010
• 227 reports in 2011
• 226 reports in 2012

Colomé urges the public to file a report with the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, or Department of Environmental Health Consumer Protection Division if they suspect bed bugs are found at a business.

"It's important to report cases of bedbugs because these infestations tend to be chronic," Colomé said. "They tend to travel and infest others. The only way to stop infestation is with treatment."

Although the county doesn't treat for bedbugs, it can help identify and confirm the insect, he said.

To report bedbugs at a business, call the Consumer Protection Division of the Santa Clara County Environmental Health Department at 408-918-3400. 

For more information, contact Santa Clara County Vector Control District at 408-918-4770, or sccVector.org.

To read a press release about the recent begbug infestations prepared by the Santa Clara County Vector Control District, please click here.