Bed Bugs – Public Health Sanitation Program – dshs.texas.gov

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Table of Contents What are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that have not been known to transmit disease. Adult bed bugs have flat, oval shaped bodies. They are between 1 to 7 millimeters in length (about the size of an apple seed). The size of an adult bed bug varies, because their bodies become larger after a blood meal. After eating they change to a reddish color. Bed bugs are usually active at night and bite humans and animals while they are sleeping. They can live several months without feeding.

Click on picture for a larger view Photo courtesy of Louis N Sorkin, BCE

Bed bugs can be found anywhere, such as houses, apartments, group living situations, hospitals, hotels/motels, and public transportation vehicles. These places have areas where people sleep or spend significant amounts of time. Their usual hiding places are in seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and along and/or directly behind headboards. Once a bed bug population multiplies, they can be found: behind baseboards; in cracks and crevices in furniture, floors, or walls; under cluttered areas; and in electronic appliances. A bed bug infestation is apparent by noticing black or brown spots (which are their waste products) on surfaces. The eggs, egg shells, and exoskeletons of the bed bugs can be found in their hiding places as well. Click on picture for a larger view Photo courtesy of Louis N Sorkin, BCE

Because bed bugs can be found in homes and a variety of public places, they can easily be transported from place to place by people. They can hide in the seams of luggage and in the folds of clothing. They can also be transported in furniture.

Bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, but many people have mild to severe allergic reactions to the bites. Bed bug bite marks usually appear on the face, neck, arms, hands, but can appear on other body parts. The marks are slightly swollen, red areas that can itch or be irritating.

It usually takes multiple visits by licensed pest control operator who has experience in elimination of bed bugs. Please seek the advice of a licensed pest control operator for treatment options. Over the counter foggers and pesticides will not eliminate bed bugs.

If you are experiencing bed bug bites and feel that you are having an allergic reaction, please contact your physician. Topical antihistamine or anti-inflammatory medication may provide relief.

Click on picture for a larger view Photo courtesy of Louis N Sorkin, BCE

Click on picture for a larger view Photo courtesy of Louis N Sorkin, BCE

If you suspect your apartment may be infested with bed bugs:

Bed bugs prefer an environment where they can hide during the day and come out at night to feed. Most schools or daycare settings do not offer this type of environment; however, bed bugs can hide in clothing and personal belongings such as backpacks and lunch bags. This provides them an opportunity to migrate and spread to other individuals.

Schools are required to have a school Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) in place that should address all forms of pests. Trained staff should be available to identify bed bugs in the classroom, on childrens items, and be able to identify bed bug bites on children. Please treat students respectfully and handle the situations discreetly. Information should be sent to students for their families and educational seminars should be held for the benefit of the school community.

Click on picture for a larger view Photo courtesy of Louis N Sorkin, BCE

In some cases bed bugs are unknowingly brought into hotels in luggage, clothing, blankets and pillows from hotel guests. Hotels with high turnover are especially vulnerable to infestation. No hotel is immune to a bed bug infestation.

Several steps may be taken to reduce the incidence of bed bugs in a hotel:

Remember over the counter pesticides and foggers are NOT Effective treatments for bed bugs.

Click on picture for a larger view Photo courtesy of Louis N Sorkin, BCE

Be careful when you travel. You can come into contact with bed bugs anywhere. Here are some tips that may help you while traveling.

Click on picture for a larger view Photo courtesy of Louis N Sorkin, BCE

A good Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach should utilize all possible methods of prevention and treatment available that reduce the risk of pesticide exposure. Facilities should have an IPM plan in place to deal with bed bug issues before they become a problem. IPM methods include:

Once bed bugs have been identified:

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Bed Bugs - Public Health Sanitation Program - dshs.texas.gov

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