Bed bugs have been reported in every ZIP code in Franklin County and infestations continue to spread.
Exterminators said a recent decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may limit their ability to fight a growing problem, 10TV's Lindsey Seavert reported on Tuesday.
Last year, bed bugs crawled into the corners of Lori Lyle's home and never left.
"I don't know what to do to get rid of them," Lyle said. "I have an exterminator here three to four times and it's still not taking care of everything."
The infestation spread from her couch to her mattress.
Bed bugs are about the size of apple seeds, and they can live up to a year, but pest control experts said they have found a way to put them to rest for good.
The pesticide, Propoxur 40 could be the answer.
The Ohio Exterminating Company said the chemical could help them tackle their most common problem.
Andrew Christman, who owns the company and is a member of the Franklin County Bed Bug Task Force, said bed bugs are often resistant to over-the-counter products, but Propoxur works.
"It's an epidemic," Christman said.
Earlier this month the EPA rejected a request to use the pesticide inside homes, Seavert
reported.
The agency said Propoxur presents an "unacceptable risk to children," that could possibly affect their nervous system.
"It's frustrating because day in, and day out, I see people infested with bed bugs," Christman said. "That affects them psychologically, physiologically and financially."
He worries that without a professional product, people may take desperate and dangerous measures to rid their homes of the pests.
"If there is anything they can use to get rid of them, I would be all for it," Lyle said.
The EPA has not officially denied the use of Propoxur. The Ohio Department of Agriculture said it will continue to research the chemical and work for its approval.
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February 22, 2010: Bed Bug Infestations Rising, Affecting All Areas
