Bed bugs make a comeback in the U.S.

By Maureen Cavanaugh / KPBS Midday Edition Co-Host, KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published August 23, 2006 at 9:00 PM PDT

This story was published more than 18 years ago.

Bed bugs were almost non-existent in the U.S. for the past forty years, but are making a comeback. As a local bug expert explains, their ability to survive makes these critters a nuisance that isn't

Bed bugs were almost non-existent in the U.S. for the past forty years, but are making a comeback. The annoying critters survived decades of insecticides and are presenting problems for hotels, college dorms, and the travel industry. As a local bug expert explains, bed bugs' ability to "hitch-hike" and survive in almost anything make these bloodsuckers a nuisance that is not going away anytime soon.

Guest:

Dr. Michael Wall , curator of entomology at the San Diego Natural History Museum .

Maureen Cavanaugh

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Maureen Cavanaugh has been a familiar voice for KPBS listeners for more than 15 years, serving in a variety of capacities including announcer, host, and producer. As host of KPBS Midday Edition, Maureen has interviewed a wide range of notables, such as comedienne Sandra Bernhardt, actor John Lequizamo, author Chuck Palahniuk, composer Marvin Hamlisch, artist Robert Irwin, and designer Zandra Rhodes. But of all the interviews Maureen has conducted, her most special was with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Before joining KPBS in 1997, she worked as a news anchor for KSDO and KOGO News Radio in San Diego. While working for commercial radio stations in San Diego and in Salt Lake City, Utah, Maureen reported on both hard news and lifestyle features. Maureen has received three "Golden Mike" awards from the Radio and TV News Association of Southern California for economic reporting and breaking news. She has also received a "Best of Show" and “Best Radio Newscast” awards from the San Diego Press Club and the "Flo" Award from Public Radio Program Directors Association for Best Public Radio Announcer in a large market. Maureen is a native of Queens, New York, but after more than 20 years in San Diego she feels she qualifies as a real Southern Californian.

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