POLK COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH IS REMINDING COLLEGE STUDENTS AND NEW APARTMENT OWNERS TO BE CAREFUL OF BED BUGS – kroxam.com

With fall approaching in a matter of weeks and schools and colleges dorms opening, the Polk County Public Health Department is reminding everyone that bed bugs can be a major issue in college dorms and apartments and has some hints on what you can do to keep yourself safe them before you move into your new dorm or room.

Bed bugs are found in many places, including homes, schools, retail facilities, office buildings, libraries, and other public areas. Bed bugs are parasites that feed on humans, using the blood to grow and reproduce. Bed bugs are also capable of feeding on animals, including dogs, cats, and other pets. But be sure you have bed bugs before trying to control them. TheLets Beat the Bed Bugcampaign at the University of Minnesota found that 76 percentof samples submitted for identification are not bed bugs.

Bed bugs typically group together in out-of-the-way areas, although some bed bugs will live by themselves, away from the rest of an infestation. The best way to check for an infestation is to look for bed bugs where you sleep or rest. The greatest chance of finding bed bugs is while you are traveling. It is a good habit to check your room whenever you stay in a hotel, motel, or similar place.

While bed bugs are most commonly found in bedrooms, infestations can occur in other rooms, including bathrooms, living rooms, and laundry rooms.

People can be bitten without realizing it. Bite reactions vary from no reaction to mild (a red spot) to severe (rash or hives).

If you think there might be bed bugs on your items, seal everything in plastic bags until they can be laundered, washed by hand, heated, or frozen.

Items that cannot be washed may be heated or frozen.

If you heat or freeze items, these conditions must reach the core of the treated articles.

If you find anything suspicious, be sure to contact the residence life of your college or apartment immediately. To learn more about bed bugs and what you can do to prevent them, you can go to https://extension.umn.edu/biting-insects/bed-bugs#what-you-can-do-yourself-49011.

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POLK COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH IS REMINDING COLLEGE STUDENTS AND NEW APARTMENT OWNERS TO BE CAREFUL OF BED BUGS - kroxam.com