Since You Asked: Property owner responsible for fixing bedbug problem

Q: Who is responsible for removing bedbugs from my apartment complex?

A: Landlords are expected to prevent the bedbugs from biting, according to Jeff Williams, Sutter County environmental health manager.

"They're a nasty little critter," Williams acknowledged.

Responsibility for eliminating bedbugs falls on the property. Environmental health officials can get involved when bedbugs are found in apartment complexes or hotel rooms. Private residential homeowners are responsible for their own houses.

That was the case last week at the Butte Horizon Apartment complex on Forestwood Drive in Yuba City.

Four units were infested, and the property owner was responsible for their elimination, said Williams.

He said bedbug infestations are on the rise nationwide.

Apartment residents who want environmental health experts to respond can file a formal complaint with the Sutter County agency to get the ball rolling.

The Sutter County Environmental Health Office can be reached at 822-7400.

Static shocks at store

Q: Why do I get shocked with static electricity repeatedly every time I go to Sam's Club in Yuba City?

A: It's a slightly shocking mystery, Sam's Club officials acknowledged.

The big-box store in Yuba City has received at least two complaints recently regarding customers who have been shocked over and over while shopping. But, they don't know why.

"We're looking into those (complaints)," store spokesman Mark Scott said. "I'll keep you posted as we find out more."

Similar static electricity problems have been reported at stores like Sam's Club and Costco and other grocery stores around the country.

The most common culprit seems to be the shopping carts, according to multiple media sources.

Rubber wheels rolling across the floor build up static electricity that flows through the metal cart and discharges when you touch it.

While the discharge can be unpleasantly strong, there was no evidence of anyone being seriously injured as a result.

Sam's Club officials could not confirm that was the cause of the shocks in Yuba City, however their metal carts do have rubber wheels — and science tends to work the same everywhere.

Since You Asked is published on Mondays. Send questions to reporter Rob Parsons at the Appeal-Democrat, 1530 Ellis Lake Drive, Marysville, CA 95901, email him at rparsons@appealdemocrat.com or call 749-4785.