Bed Bugs – New Mexico Department of Health | World, Bed Bug Registry Map

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What is a bed bug?

Bed bugs are reddish brown, oval and flat household pests that sneak into human living spaces. Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed. They are parasites that live in nests of their hosts. The problem is that those nests are often beds and the hosts are people. This is why they are called bed bugs. Although these critters are a nuisance and are unpleasant, they do not pose any known health risk.

Bed bugs bite. This is how they get their food. If you get bitten by bed bugs, it may be bothersome and annoying. Do not panic. Although nobody wants to be bitten by these critters, there is no known spread of disease from getting bitten or no known illness. Typical topical ointments and creams can alleviate the bothersome itch and swelling.

As a public service, with this website we provide general information on bed bugs and suggestions for ways to deal with bed bug infestations.

We don't have jurisdiction to enforce abatement, conduct bed bug testing, conduct home or health facility inspections, track complaints or provide resolution for disputes between landlords and tenants, or provide resolution for disputes between consumers and businesses (including hotels and housing facilities).

However, we provide tips on how to protect your home, car, and your belongings from becoming a nest for bed bugs and tips for alleviating a bothersome bed bug battle and links to organizations that can provide assistance. We do not endorse specific products or companies but may highlight resources for bed bug control.

They basically hitchhike on fabrics from place to place creating colonies in beds and couches. Bed bugs have recently resurged in the United Sates and have been found in every state. These parasites have no borders or boundaries.

The recent spike in bed bugs infestation may be due to an increase in human travel and/or lack of behavior to avoid spreading these bugs.

These tiny bugs have crawled their way into homes and establishments of all kinds including houses, apartments, dorms, motels, hotels, and just about any type of group housing and found their way into lobbies, businesses, and cars.

Bed bugs dont discriminate everyone is fair game!

You can avoid picking up bed bugs everyday while at work or school:

You can help control bed bugs in your home:

Bed bugs live off of blood, mostly human, but sometimes animal. They can go months without a meal, which is one of the reasons its hard to get rid of these parasites.

Bed bugs thrive in dark cozy environments such as the crevices of your bed mattress and the seams of your couch making them hard to spot. They mostly come out at night, typically travel about 8 feet (the length of your bed or couch), and lay eggs in seams of fabrics and upholstered furniture. These are the other reasons why its difficult to get rid of these unwelcomed houseguests.

When you are on the road away from your home you are at an increased risk of coming into contact with bed bugs and possibly bringing them back in to your home. Here are tips to avoid spreading hitchhiking bugs across your home:

When you get home:

Check your luggage for bed bugs before bringing the luggage into your home.

Removing your shoes when you enter your house can help prevent the spread of bed bugs and their eggs into your home and also reduces household dust.

Install shoe racks near your entrance and always use dust mats (welcome mats) at the doorway to make it easier for you and your family to get into the habit of removing your shoes.

Use mattress covers that provide a barrier to bed bugs. Wash all your bedding such as sheets, comforters, and blankets often in hot water to help reduce bed bugs in your home.

Do not place your luggage, purses, or backpacks on your bed to avoid spreading bed bugs onto your bedding.

Take the basic steps highlighted above to help reduce bed bugs in your house. Pesticides should only be applied by professionals. Never spray these harmful chemicals on your body, bedding or clothes.

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Bed Bugs - New Mexico Department of Health