Several federal agencies are convening a “Bed Bug Summit” in Washington, D.C., to address the management and control of this growing residential and hospitality industry pest.

The summit, scheduled for Feb.1 to 2, 2011, will bring together representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, Department of Commerce and the National Institutes of Health. These agencies have been working on a task force for more than a year to address the issues surrounding bed bug infestations in homes, apartment buildings, hotels, dormitories and other domiciles.

State and local governments will also be represented at the event, along with members of the pest control and housing industry. The agenda will focus on advances in research, identifying knowledge gaps and barriers to effective bed bug control and developing a framework for addressing the highest priority needs in the community. The summit, which is open to the public, will be held at the Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center. Click here for more information on the event.