There has been a recent increase in community bed bugs reported. Bed bugs are small,
red/brown, flat, wingless insects that feed on human and animal blood usually during the night.
Bed bugs are most often found in areas where people live and sleep, such as homes,
apartments and hotel rooms. Bed bugs are generally found within 8-10 feet of a bed, couch or
other furniture that people sleep on. They often hide in cracks and crevices of furniture such as
headboards, mattresses, box springs and night stands. Bed bugs can travel only by crawling, and
can be transferred to other apartments or homes by bringing in used furniture, clothing,
luggage or other belongings from an infested home. Bed bugs will bite people and animals to
feed on their blood. Luckily, bed bugs do not spread diseases. However, people may react
differently to bites of bed bugs and the reaction can range from a mild itching to a serious
allergic reaction. Most people will have a small, itchy, red welt that appears after being bitten,
similar to a mosquito bite. The evidence of bed bugs includes finding bite marks on your body,
finding live or dead bed bugs/eggs on your sheets and/or mattress, bed bug shed skins or fecal
blood stains (dark-colored spots) left on sheets and mattresses. To prevent bed bugs, follow
these tips:
Eliminate clutter
Cover mattresses with an encapsulating (zippered) mattress protector
Regularly cleaning furniture (vacuuming/steaming) and other household surfaces with
soap and warm water.
When traveling, always check the mattress and other furniture within 8-10 feet of the
bed for insects, shed skins and fecal blood stains. Keep luggage inside the bathroom
until you have found no evidence of bed bugs. Check luggage and belongings for
insects/eggs prior to returning to your residence.
Dry clothes on high heat for at least 20 minutes. Heat above 120 degrees Fahrenheit will
kill any bed bugs attached to your clothing.
If you currently are experiencing a bed bug infestation, it is recommended that a professional
pest control company be contacted to control the infestation. Professional pest control
companies use a combination of treatment methods including heat, steam and chemical
treatments. If you find an infestation in a hotel, apartment building or rental unit, inform the
property manager right away. In an owned home setting, contact a professional pest control
company.