Bed bugs may be increasing in Cerro Gordo County, officials say

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MASON CITY | An increasing number of Cerro Gordo County residents have called health officials about suspected bedbug infestations.

Officials say it's a good reminder for people to know what bedbugs look like and how to distinguish between them and less-invasive household insects.

"We tell people don't panic but take action," said Jenna Willems, Healthy Homes Program coordinator for the Cerro Gordo County Public Health Department.

The suspected infestations aren't verified, so health officials don't know if they are becoming more prevalent in Cerro Gordo County.

"They've been resurging (around the country) for the last couple years now," Willems said. "So in general more people are learning about them and more people are worried about them."

Bedbugs are oval, wingless insects the size of an apple seed or smaller. Their flat, reddish-brown bodies may be mistaken for ticks or small cockroaches.

They tend to concentrate around sleeping areas, but can also live inside furniture, cracks in the walls, drapery or other textiles.

The bugs don't carry diseases but their bites can swell and itch, officials say.

"The bad news is everyone is at risk for bedbugs," Willems said in statement. "The good news is everyone can play a role in limiting the spread of bedbugs."

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Bed bugs may be increasing in Cerro Gordo County, officials say

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