Bed Bugs – Vector ID Information – District Services …

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Bed bugs, Cimex lectularius, have re-emerged recently to become a major nuisance pest in Alameda County. They are small (1/16"-1/4"), flattened, oval, wingless, reddish-brown colored insects. Bed bugs are usually active at night and hide during the day in bedding and in cracks of bedside furniture. Bed bugs are usually transported from place to place as people travel. They attach in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, clothing, bedding, furniture, and anywhere else where they can hide. People do not realize they are transporting stow-away bed bugs as they travel from location to location, infecting areas as they travel.

Bed bugs feed on the blood of birds and mammals. In humans their bites result in what appears to be severe mosquito-like bites. Unlike mosquitoes, bed bugs are not known to transmit disease pathogens through their bites, but can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. Sometimes the itching can lead to excessive scratching that may increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.

Management of a bed bug infestation is difficult and challenging. Presently, there are no 100% effective methods for controlling bed bugs. Awareness, cooperation, communication and prevention are the keys to avoiding bed bug problems. People need to know what bed bugs look like and where to look for signs of bed bug infestations. Once a bed bug infestation has been detected, tenants and property managers need to take immediately action to work cooperatively rather than blaming each other for the infestation. Tenants should not attempt to control the bed bug problem by themselves; denial of infestations or delaying treatment by the property owner can increase the cost and make the infestations worse.

The Alameda County Vector Control Services District provides inspection, consultation, education, and training to County residents, tenants, property managers, landlords, and hotel management.

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Bed Bugs - Vector ID Information - District Services ...

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