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Bed bugs are just a quarter of an inch in length, but the blood suckling insects have been causing big problems for New Yorkers. The resilient parasites can go without feeding for over a year and can even live behind outlets and inside computers. The tiny pests have invaded private residences, public buildings and commercial establishments at an alarming rate, wreaking physical, emotional and financial havoc with every bite. Last year alone, the city's 311 hotline received nearly 34,000 bed bug related inquires, a 54 percent increase from the previous year.

"The mayor has many friends who have bed bugs. He tells me, 'Gail, all my friends have bed bugs what am I going to do?' So the fact of the matter is...it doesn't matter if you're rich or poor or if you're middle class, you have bed bugs," said City Councilwoman Gale Brewer.

In response to the exploding bed bug epidemic, the city unveiled Wednesday a half a million dollar strategy focused on the prevention and treatment of bed bug infestations.

The report was the result of seven months of research conducted by the Bed Bug Advisory Board, comprised of industry experts and representatives from a number of city agencies.

Key recommendations of the report include public education and awareness about bed bugs as well as early detection. It also provides details of how to properly dispose of bed bug infested items. Additionally, it calls on the creation of a so-called "Bed Bug Academy," which is aimed at providing training to property owners, city workers, pest control professionals and other stake holders.

"Property owners and everyone will be expected to inspect units adjacent to and above and below apartments or other locations that have found bed bugs and tenants would be expected to open their doors to help," said Deputy Health Commissioner Daniel Kass.

"Last we'll be coordinating inter-agency enforcement to ensure that any resident who has persistent bed bugs are helped properly and quickly as possible," said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.

Meanwhile, some say the plan should have better highlighted the effectiveness of trained dogs in identifying bed bugs.

"The best tool for detecting bugs are trained canines who can find these bed bugs in a matter of minutes with 98 percent accuracy. And if you can identify the problem you can treat the problem," said Glenn Waldorf of Bell Environmental Services.

The city is expected to implement some of the report's recommendations in a few months.