MEDIA ADVISORY
Village’s 900 Wood-framed Beds to be Replaced
Due to Last Year’s Bed-bug Infestation

SAN DIEGO – As a result of last year’s bed bug infestation, St. Vincent de Paul Village will be replacing all of its 900 wood-framed beds with specially manufactured metal-framed types throughout the day on Friday, October 3.

According to an article published in today’s edition of The San Diego Union-Tribune, the bed-bug epidemic is far more widespread than previously anticipated.

" We were told by pest-control experts and entomologists who we consulted with one year ago that the bed-bug infestation wasn’t specific to the Village," says Father Joe Carroll, president of St. Vincent’s. "I’m sure there were many people thinking that it was a problem only for the homeless population and facilities that provide services to them – we knew then and it is confirmed now that even high-priced hotels are battling the epidemic."

Through research conducted during the Village’s last encounter with the blood-sucking parasites, it was discovered the bugs embedded themselves in the creases of the wood-framed beds, which forced the organization to take the drastic measure of replacing the units
at a cost of more than $250,000.

" Putting in the metal bed frames is one of several steps we have taken to ensure the bed bugs do not return," Father Joe says. "We also conduct weekly spot sprayings in areas the parasites are known to frequent and have installed a walk-in freezer to kill any of the bugs that may be on a new resident’s belongings."

At the advice of experts, the freezer was installed because the parasites cannot survive prolonged exposure to subzero temperatures. Before new clients are allowed to take any of their personal property into the building, the belongings must remain in the freezer for a period of 24 hours

For more information, please call (619) 687-1076.

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