As the worldwide bedbug epidemic keeps growing, so is the price tag to the hotel and related industries.  It is estimated that bedbugs cost hotels millions of dollars each year and, this year, the crisis for the industry has taken a new turn. The threat of potential local and federal government intervention is very real with task forces being formed in cities and legislators considering H.R.6068, an Act of Congress mandating independent inspections of hotels across the U.S.  Even The World Health Organization is weighing in on the problem. It is becoming clear to corporate and private hotel executives that finding a solution to both eradicate and prevent bedbug infestations is a top priority.  Until now, most solutions have been ineffective or, at best, temporary. Below is a FAQ with Kirk Lucas, the inventor of the first proven, comprehensive system that both kills and prevents bedbugs. His knowledge, expertise and dedication to this issue makes for a compelling look at a resurging and evolving hotel industry crisis. 

Q: How extensive is this bedbug epidemic and how has it adversely affected the hotel industry?

A: �Bedbugs were eradicated in the U.S. in the 1950s with the widespread use of DDT. 
Since the banning of that controversial pesticide, these tiny, blood-feeding insects have been infesting five-star hotels as well as economy motels worldwide. With the emergence of a global economy and the increase in foreign travel by Americans, bedbugs have returned to our nation in epidemic proportions. There are alarming studies that indicate one out of five hotels in the U.S. has bedbugs and bed bug infestations in this country have increased more than 500% just in the last few years. Hotels can easily spend upwards of $60,000 to treat full-blown infestations with solutions that are ineffective.  Not to mention, once a hotel room is taken out of service for a bed bug problem and treatment, the room will be out of service for 10-14 days.  Rooms above, below and on either side of the infested room must be treated as well.  And, there are the legal issues. The mental anguish bed bugs inspire can lead infected guests to seek claims well above their doctor bills.   In 2003, a jury awarded siblings $382,000 for bites they suffered while staying at a Motel 6.  In 2006, a Chicago couple sued a Catskill resort for $20 million claiming they were physically and mentally scarred after suffering 500 bites.  In 2007, a NY opera star sued the Hilton Suites in Phoenix for $6 million claiming she had over 100 bites.�

A: �Bedbugs travel in luggage and even with pets. They can jump on and into almost anything.  Usually, hotel managers are not aware the facility is infested until they get a complaint by a guest --by that time it is too late. Because they 'feed� at night, bedbugs are not visible during the day. Look for other signs if you are inspecting in daylight; a sweet musty odor in the room and brown spots that look like pepper or coffee grounds (a sign of dried blood and/or the bugs� fecal matter). If you can inspect after dark, bed bugs are oval-shaped, brown-colored and about ¼� long.  They hide in the crevices of mattresses, behind headboards and wall hangings, and in ducts and vents.�

A: �There are several so-called �solutions�, but unfortunately these are ineffective for one reason or another. More importantly, they do not prevent bed bug re-infestations. UV Lighting will kill bugs topically, but after treatment, eggs can hatch and an infestation can re-occur. The UV light would have to stay on the bed around the clock to keep killing. This is unreasonable and expensive. Traditional Chemical Extermination kills bedbugs once, but does not prevent them from coming back. Studies at VA Tech prove this type of treatment does not work. Makers of Mattress Encasements say they block the bugs and prevent them from escaping, yet they do not kill. Bedbugs can live 18 months without feeding, so guests are still sleeping on live, or worse, dead decaying bugs. Canine Detection has received publicity lately, but the hotels are paying a high price for the dogs to detect the bugs, not kill and prevent them.�

A: �DreamEzzz is the first and only affordable, effective way to eliminate and prevent bedbugs. The solution provides a non-toxic, inexpensive, disposable barrier that kills existing bugs on contact while it continuously prevents new infestations.  Laboratory tested, the technology is a simple, treated protective cover for pillows, mattress and box springs, pet beds. There is also a liner for luggage. The covers are safe and made with a patented fabric which contains Z- Shield^TM a natural, biodegradable treatment. A study conducted by Virginia Tech University proves Z-Shield to be 100% effective in killing bedbugs, mites, fleas and other insects. Most importantly, the covers are disposable and suited especially for use by the hotel and motel industry. This technology, when used properly, is guaranteed to help hotel owners and managers fully protect customers and employees, while saving valuable time. Because DreamEzzz works on contact with minimal down time, it�s the fastest working, most effective solution currently available.�

A: �It is as easy as changing a mattress cover. Every six months a new cover is needed.  And, because we understand that that preventing bedbugs starts and stops with hotel housekeeping and staff, we offer hotels an exclusive educational training program on DVD. In less than 30 minutes, hotel housekeeping and staff will learn all about bedbugs and how to protect themselves and your guests. �

A: �Every hotel facility is different, but we estimate the DreamEzzz system costs s a mere .25 to .50 cents per day per room.  This makes us, by far, the most affordable, comprehensive solution on the market.�

A: �The beauty of the DreamEzzz system is that it will prevent your hotel from getting bedbugs immediately. The best time to start using our covers and luggage liners is today. Local and Federal government officials, health organizations and task forces are on the verge of mandating independent inspections of hotels in 50 states. By waiting until a guest becomes a victim or until you are under order for inspection, you are jeopardizing the future success of your business.�