Chicago vs. Bed Bugs

Chicago vs. Bed Bugs advocates policy to control the spread of bed bugs in the City of Chicago.  So what exactly does that mean?   Well, the idea isn’t all that original– it’s something that’s happening in cities all across our country, and in Canada, too.  We’re following in the footsteps of New York vs Bed Bugs- the original bed bug policy advocacy group- and we humbly credit its founders and members for providing us with a wealth of information, resources, ideas, and support. We recognize that other major cities- New York, Toronto, Cincinnati and Boston- actively advocate or already enforce bed bug policy. We also recognize that Chicago is a world-class city and is unquestionably capable of protecting its residents, its businesses, and its economy.

Our Beliefs

1. Evidence indicates that Chicago bed bug infestations are on the rise.
2. Bed bug infestations create serious quality of life concerns for Chicago residents and serious economic concerns for Chicago residents and Chicago businesses.
3. Knowledge and enforcement of good protocol is the key to preventing and/or controlling bed bug infestations.
4. No person can truly be held responsible for a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs are like colds: you catch them.
5. No group of people is responsible for the re-emergence of bed bugs.
6. We are all in this together.

Our Consulting Entomologist

Dr. George Rotramel, Ph.D.

Dr. Rotramel is a renowned veteran entomologist with experience in pest identification, new product and technological development, research, forensic investigations, public health biology and vector control, and “integrated pest management for the built environment.” Dr. Rotramel also happens to be a fellow Chicagoan who “[tries] to stick to the facts, challenge the folklore and leave the speculation to others.” Need we say more?

Our Advisers

Renee Corea- Co-founder of and researcher, writer, editor, manager, public relations representative, lobbyist, and workhorse for New York vs Bed Bugs, the original bed bug policy advocacy group; teacher, mentor, and IT helpdesk for Chicago vs Bed Bugs; and friend to our founder, Jessica.

Nobugsonme- Creator and owner of Bedbugger.com, the most comprehensive bed bug resource on the planet; co-founder of New York vs Bed Bugs, the original bed bug policy advocacy group; mentor and friend to our founder, Jessica.

Doug Summers, MS- Student of entomology, active advocate of bed bug policy, and trainer of bed bug-detecting dogs at the Florida Canine Academy.

Our Sponsor

Vantzen Products/BugZip Luggage Encasements- Adam Greenberg, President.

Our Founder

Jessica Kevan

I am a Chicagoan who experienced a bed bug infestation firsthand. I, like many, many others, endured great hardships during that time. Several months ago, I began to notice signs of bed bug infestations all around my neighborhood. Discarded mattresses and box springs began appearing in alleys regularly, as did apparently brand-new furniture and luggage. At the same time, I saw several stories in the media about the spread of bed bugs in the City of Chicago. I realized that my fellow Chicagoans were experiencing the same hardships I had endured. I became determined to do something to try to help them.

I discovered New York vs. Bed Bugs, an organization whose sole purpose is to advocate policy to control the spread of bed bugs in New York City. I contacted its founders and many other experts– pest management professionals, entomologists, scientists and others– and with their guidance, in October 2008, I founded Chicago vs. Bed Bugs.