June 15, 2007
Bed bugs are six-legged, brown or reddish brown in color, wingless, and have a crinkled appearance on top.
Don't let the bed bugs bite!
by Jennifer Dobson, Environmental Health OfficerWe have probably all heard the saying, "Don't let the bed bugs bite." Ever wonder if there's any truth to it? Yes! Bed bugs could be hiding under your couch cushions, on your mattress, and in your carpet.
Bed bugs are frequent travelers and may be dispersed by furniture, luggage, clothing, and bedding. They are found all over, even in the YK Delta. In fact, bed bug infestations are reported to the Office of Environmental Health each year, especially during the springtime.
The good news is bed bugs are NOT a known public health hazard, and they are NOT known to transmit human diseases. However, that aside, bed bugs certainly are pests and may cause itchy and sometimes painful bites. They can certainly be a challenge to eliminate from the home! The best solution is to prevent a bed bug infestation in your home.
Controlling bed bugs
Search. During the day, bed bugs remain out of sight in cracks or crevices. The best opportunity to check for bed bugs is in the middle of the night when they leave resting places to feed on blood. To spot some of the critters, simply wait until late at night to examine bed linens, mattresses, and pillows for small dark spots.
Identify. Before considering treatment, ensure they are bed bugs! Bed bugs are six-legged, brown or reddish brown in color, wingless, and have a crinkled appearance on top. To confirm the critters you found are in fact bed bugs, refer to: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/bedbugs/specimen.pdf
Clean. Any rooms that are infested must be thoroughly cleaned! Use a strong vacuum for carpeted areas and crevices. Don't forget to vacuum furniture too. Make sure to clean out the vacuum bag away from the home immediately after use to keep the bugs from crawling out. Scrub surfaces with a stiff brush. If possible, dismantle furniture for cleaning.
Furniture. More good news about bed bugs-you don't have to throw away your mattress! Furniture and mattresses can be treated. After having been cleaned, mattresses and box springs should be encased with sealed mattress bags. Check the bags for damage. If damaged, permanent tape can make a good repair kit. Bugs trapped inside will eventually die, but bags should be left on for one year. Keeping bed linens off the floor and applying petroleum jelly on bed legs may help keep bugs from crawling up into the bed. In the event of an extreme infestation, it may be preferable to discard certain infested items like pillows.
Chemical Application. Bed bug infestations are difficult to treat. The most effective treatment strategies utilize both mechanical removal and chemical control. Pesticides can be ordered for use in the home. Be sure to read the label and follow instructions carefully! Repeat applications are recommended after 10-14 days.