Board of Health talks bed bugs – The Messenger (subscription)

MADISONVILLE -- Bed bugs. Just the thought of them make most individuals want to cringe.

During a Hopkins County Board of Health meeting Wednesday, Environmental Health Specialist Barry Franklin addressed how to identify, treat and prevent an infestation.

The insect is about the size of an apple seed and can range in color from brown to red, depending on when it was last fed.

"The bite takes three to 10 minutes," Franklin said. "During the bite, usually at night time, they release a chemical into you body that numbs you. They also release an anti-coagulant to keep the blood flowing while they are sucking on you. You rarely know when you are bitten."

Symptoms, which include raised white welps, he added, vary with each individual. Visual evidence can take up to five days, and 28 percent of people who are bitten experience no symptoms at all.

The parasites are more abundant in heavily-populated areas, and are commonly picked up while traveling.

Franklin said a study of the 2000 Olympics revealed that 98 percent of hotels in Sydney, Australia, were affected by bed bugs.

"If you go to a big gathering, you can bet somebody in that hotel has bed bugs," he said. "Watch for them when you travel. Examine the bedsheets, mattress and box springs seams and headboard. Keep your suitcase

and clothing off the floor and away from the bed."

Franklin said to call the hotel manager and ask for another room if you spot bed bugs. He also advised placing all clothing immediately in the dryer on the hottest setting for 15 minutes upon returning from travel.

Public Health Director Denise Beach said the health department only inspects for bed bugs in public places, not private residences.

"We get a lot of calls from individuals in their home," Beach said. "We do not check individual homes. The only time we would be concerned is if it's hotels, motels, schools, restaurants or another public place."

She advised contacting the local health department in the event that you spot bed bugs.

Franklin offered tips for keeping bed bugs at bay in the home, including removing clutter in order to more easily spot the critters. He also suggested frequently washing linens using the hottest temperature allowed for the fabric.

He added that all second-hand furniture should be thoroughly inspected before bringing it into the residence. Homes should also be inspected following the departure of overnight guests or service workers.

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Board of Health talks bed bugs - The Messenger (subscription)